Independence incomplete sans economic, cultural freedom: Prez

4 February 2018 11:21 am - 14 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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In his Independence Day Message, President Maithripala Sirisena today said our independence is not complete until economic and cultural freedom is achieved.

“We must remember that true freedom does not comprise only of political freedom. As a country, our future successes lie in our commitment to achieve long term goals with firm determination, as we have done in the past. Completion of the Moragahakanda reservoir as the last massive step in the Mahaweli development programme is a testimony to our perseverance and commitment to meet such long term goals,” he said.

In terms of achieving human development, President Sirisena said the progress we have achieved is laudable amidst various social, economic and political challenges we were faced with.

“I believe that a nation with a unique identity, we have what it takes to overcome any challenge. We have proven it throughout our history. Today we must show once again that Sri Lanka is a nation that can rise within a short span of time,” he said.

He said many missions including achieving inclusive green growth, national reconciliation and uplifting the quality and competitiveness of our human capital in a global scale, have been undertaken.

President Sirisena also said the nation is grateful to all our heroes who sacrificed their lives in order to restore and sustain our nation’s independence.

“On a day like today, when the value of freedom is commemorated, the nation pays tribute to its true patriots whose contribution to our motherland is invaluable. On this occasion that we celebrate seven decades of independence, I pledge to fulfill all my duties towards mother Lanka, and I emphasize that our true strength is in our unity and determination,” he said.

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Comments - 14

ANTON Sunday, 04 February 2018 12:04 PM

YES SIR, WE'LL START GIVING FREEDOM FOR BROTHELS FIRST..... SEX FREEDOM

ANTON Sunday, 04 February 2018 12:29 PM

IF I WAS THE PRESIDENT I WOULD ORDER ALL THE MINISTERS AND HIGHER OFFICERS TO COME TOGETHER ON A NICE PRIVATE BUS....... ALL WOULD PRAISE ME, COS I AM ALSO GOING TO COME ON THE SAME BUS.

Mr Facts Sunday, 04 February 2018 12:52 PM

You mean our 30 year independence or 70 year independence?

das Sunday, 04 February 2018 03:49 PM

Probably thinking about the 30 year war.

Daily boru Sunday, 04 February 2018 04:01 PM

Haven't you come across cricket commentators giving wrong scores. Wrong names etc?

indika Sunday, 04 February 2018 12:57 PM

How can he make such a blunder. 30th independence ?Not focused at all.

Stan Sunday, 04 February 2018 02:56 PM

Maybe he was referring to the republic day but failed at the math :(

vasaliya Monday, 05 February 2018 05:54 AM

Of course he is not focussed. He is thinking SLFP day and night. Sabhapathi....does not think he is the common president elected by all freedom loving sri lankans. He has misunderstood that vote as being given a mandate to be sabhapathi of SLFP. Poor man misled again by the SLFP crooks just like Mahinda was misled. Now he is uttering gibberish everywhere.

Rohan Sunday, 04 February 2018 02:07 PM

When he can't remember, how he came to occupy the office of the president, how can he remember what happened 70 years ago.

Raj Sunday, 04 February 2018 02:13 PM

Do we really have independence? For me it looks like the rulers changed from British to Indians to Chinese!

P.K. Amaris Sunday, 04 February 2018 03:44 PM

Happy 30th independence day to all Sri Lankans around the world. may god bless you all and the government of Sri Lanka.

vasaliya Monday, 05 February 2018 05:57 AM

Sorry Sena...we are really very sorry for you. A man who thinks of his SABAPATHIKAMA being more important than being the president of sri lanka.

Jana Monday, 05 February 2018 07:32 AM

We should never have got this so-called Independace to rob plunder murder rape and loot. The British should have still been here.Jana

Sangaralingham Monday, 05 February 2018 09:44 AM

Independence Day is now a misnomer. No one in the country including all politicians. Better name it a people day or national day. No pageants marches celebrate give alms to the poor. Give scholarships to needy students across the island. Up date health clinics in all areas. Pray for almighy in the way you please. Set fireworks in all areas near sea river. Appreciate your neighbour and share meals with them

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Independence incomplete sans economic, cultural freedom: Prez

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