Sri Lanka's President and PM issues statements to mark the 75th Independence Day

Sri Lanka's President and Prime Minister issued statements to mark the 75th Independence Day.

In his message, President Ranil Wickremesinghe says there is a new economic and social reform agenda before the country with the objectives focusing first on recovery and then on renewed development. 

The Head of State stated it is imperative for us to unite in its implementation so that we can emerge with a high level of economic prosperity. 

He pledged to make the extremely difficult though vital decisions to achieve this goal with courage and determination. 

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena in his message to mark the 75th Independence Day said "today, we not only celebrate our freedom, but also pay tribute to the ones who fought for it, to the ones who held a vision for our country, and to the ones who sacrificed themselves for the same." 

The Premier says the bravery, heroic acts as well as untold miseries suffered by our forefathers during their struggle for freedom of the Motherland must not be allowed to fade away from our memories.

The Prime Minister adds the government has taken a series of measures to ensure recovery of the economy, and increase agricultural production to attain self-sufficiency and food security. 

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa also issued a statement to mark the 75th Independence Day. He stated "despite the fact that Sri Lanka has been independent for 75 years, we have failed to make that independence meaningful on national, social, educational, and religious levels."

The Opposition Leader stated being trapped in "narrow chauvinism and communalism" is not the way to experience true freedom. "In order to achieve true freedom, we must unite as citizens with equal rights for all," he added. 

He stated that we must adopt a policy of unity in diversity, as well as a commitment to safeguarding the needs and self-esteem of all citizens.