President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Tuesday called on all Sri Lankans to set aside differences and work together to build a new, economically strong nation by fully harnessing the country’s human resources.
He made these remarks while addressing Sri Lanka’s 78th National Independence Day celebrations held at Independence Square.
Emphasising national unity, the President said there would be no room for racism or extremism in the country’s future, adding that the present government is ready to implement the largest-ever education reforms aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka’s human capital.
The National Independence Day celebrations commenced around 7.30 a.m. under the theme “Rebuilding Sri Lanka”, paying tribute to those who sacrificed for the nation’s freedom from British rule in 1948.
More than 4,500 personnel from the Security Forces and Police took part in the ceremony, alongside around 400 invited guests, including foreign diplomats.
Meanwhile, a special security and traffic management plan was put in place for the event, with over 2,000 police officers deployed across Colombo to ensure public safety and smooth traffic flow.
Addressing the nation, President Dissanayake reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusive development, stressing that economic recovery must be driven by skilled human resources, equal opportunity, and social harmony, as Sri Lanka embarks on its next chapter of national rebuilding.
“We face different phases in life. Many people struggle for themselves, and that is natural. However, when someone fights while sacrificing their own life for the motherland and for future generations, there is no denying that they truly become heroic patriots.
The land on which we stand today is drenched with the blood and tears of our ancestors, brothers, and sisters who fought for the freedom of our motherland and for the progress of our people. Because of that sacrifice, they occupy the highest place of honor in our hearts. Therefore, it is our duty to pay our utmost respect and tribute to all those heroic men and women who fought for the freedom of our motherland and our people.
We have a struggle and a mission for complete freedom. I believe that this struggle exists within all of us—you, me, and everyone. Especially this year, the main theme of Independence Day is “Rebuilding Sri Lanka”. We must rebuild Sri Lanka based on our independence and sovereignty. In that rebuilding process, our greatest strength is that we inherit a proud and glorious history. Historical evidence shows that our ancestors possessed advanced technological knowledge suited to their era. We are a nation with a great and proud history.
At the same time, there are aspects of our recent history that must be rejected, and many positive qualities that must be embraced. The path to rebuilding Sri Lanka should be one that restores, on this land, the essential values that history has embedded in our nation’s deep-rooted connection to the motherland. That is the path we must choose to rebuild our economy. It is not an economic development path that uproots the foundations of our motherland or erodes the essence of our nation. We must embark on a path that builds a new Sri Lanka, firmly rooted in the soul of our land and our people.
In the 78 years since independence, there have been victories and defeats, good and bad. We will not hesitate to reject what is wrong, nor will we fear embracing what is good. Therefore, I firmly believe that the responsibility of rebuilding this state—Sri Lanka—on the valuable foundations of the past lies with all of us: you, me, and everyone.
Our human resources must be transformed into a complete and competitive force that can stand shoulder to shoulder with any developed nation in the world. We must prioritize knowledge over ignorance, progress over outdated prejudices, and unity over division. We must create a new generation of human capital. In doing so, art, literature, history, as well as modern technology and education, are vital. To build an advanced human resource base for our country, we must nurture individuals enriched with knowledge, compassion, sensitivity, and modern technology.
For this purpose, we must initiate the most transformative era in our education sector. We are ready for that. No matter how much outdated thinking obstructs the creation of this new individual, we are prepared to carry out a transformative mission against all such barriers. I believe the people of this country will support this effort.
Human power is indeed our greatest strength. That strength depends solely on our unity. If we are divided, our strength weakens. If hatred among one another is created, our greatest strength is undermined.
The two unpleasant words in our vocabulary are racism and extremism. We firmly believe that both only lead to the self-destruction and weakening of our national strength. We will not allow racism or extremism in our country, and we will build national unity.
Giving life to the theme “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” requires the proper and firm establishment of the rule of law.
It is critically important to transform Sri Lanka once again into a respected state with a proud identity in the international community. Our nation can be built on these pillars. Where there is no rule of law, no unity, no healthy international relations, where ecosystems are destroyed and society deteriorates, the seed of development cannot become a reality. Therefore, our determination must be to create the foundation necessary to rebuild our country. On that foundation, we must build a strong and resilient economy.
True freedom becomes complete freedom only to the extent that we are economically strong.
We believe that Sri Lanka can be rebuilt by combining our inherited legacies and experiences.
Therefore, on this 78th Independence Day, what we must instill in our hearts and minds is an unwavering determination to rebuild the nation. As President, together with the Cabinet, the Leader of the Opposition, the public service, religious leaders, and religious institutions, let us all come together with firm resolve to rebuild this country in every aspect.”
