Independence Day messages from Religious Leaders

3 February 2013 06:30 pm - 2 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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After Sri Lanka came under the rule of British empire by the agreement signed on 2 March 1815, they did not bestow independence upon us, but through riots occurred in 1818 and 1848 and subsequent political activities we have gain national, religious, social, cultural, political and economical independence.
People who lived under imperial power with many sufferings were well aware of the value of independence. Main objective of this independence celebrations should be to educate the childhood and young generation on national dignity and the service rendered by our national heroes.

Independence becomes a reality not only by external independence, which includes political, economical and social factors, but with spiritual independence. Sinhalese Buddhists endowed that noble spiritual independence through Buddhism.

However, after the British period there was a decline in Buddhism, morality, lifestyle, education, economy, governance and culture resulting hatred and estrangement, which brought the country to a conflict. We can show our dignity to the world by building up a prosperous Sri Lanka by understanding issues of the country and by not splitting based on race and religion.

To enjoy the independence gained, we must understand expectations of the independence, compile future development plans and implement them properly. What should be expected is to drive the country forward as a free nation with reducing sufferings and developing pleasure of the public. Any development project will not be successful unless harmony among races and religions are affirmed to protect the humanity. All citizens of the country should determine to gain real achievements of independence in this 65 independent Celebrations day. May triple gem bless you.

" We can show our dignity to the world by building up a prosperous Sri Lanka by understanding issues of the country and by not splitting based on race and religion "

Regrettably, in the past 65 years not everything has been rosy. There indeed have been many dark patches in this historic journey. Racial, religious and political intolerance had caused bloodshed, violence and the creation of a divisive mentality among the people of this country. Even after 30 years of war and misguided political ideologies and their resultant terror events in the North as well as in the South, there still are people who boastfully claim that this country belongs only to them and not to the others.

There is still an underlined sense of suspicion between the Sinhala and Tamil races of this country and now it is shown to spread even against our Muslim brethren. There is a nagging sense of insecurity in the hearts of people, which can erupt once again into violence and yet another unending conflict. Three years after the terrible war still, we do not see a sincere attempt being made to win over the minds and hearts of the people in the North, who are longing for a time in which they can administer their own areas without being centrally controlled by men in uniform. They are longing to enjoy the freedom to administer themselves. The monstrosity of the ill effects of mono-culturalism are haunting us still. Besides there is also a nervous feeling of insecurity stemming from certain political initiatives which seem to threaten the democratic institutions of this country. All of this could lead to yet another wave of instability and the loss of that hard won freedom. What we need to do is to strive to be faithful to the principles of justice, equality and the respect for unity in diversity as well as commitment to true peace and prosperity for all, without being partial to our own community, whatever that be.

I therefore, call upon all our beloved citizens to work hard to overcome all divisive and authoritarian and anti democratic urges that often tempt and taunt us and to reach out to everyone in true fraternity in order to consolidate this freedom and to ensure that we never fall back again into slavery and the dominion of others or of our own egoisms.

" There is still an underlined sense of suspicion between the Sinhala and Tamil races of this country and now it is shown to spread even against our Muslim brethren "

The All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama on the 65th Independence Day of Sri Lanka
The All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama is pleased to release this message on this remembrance day of celebrating the 65th independence day of Sri Lanka. Our country has undergone various trials and challenges in its efforts to fully savour the independence it achieved, during the past 65 years.
We are celebrating this Independence Day in a backdrop when a long and annihilative war has been ended and in an atmosphere where every Sri Lankan is resolved to live in peace and concord in order to march the country in the path of prosperity and development.

It is our foremost prayer and expectation that our Motherland which is home for various communities including Sinhalese, Muslims, Tamils and Christians should proceed forward with unity to attain opulence and success.

It is a universal fact that the progress and development of any nation largely depends on the harmony as well as patriotism of the people living in the country. Therefore, it is the utmost obligation of every Sri Lankan promoting and safeguarding solidarity among all ethnic and religious communities, which is the crucial need of the time.
The ACJU wishes for a Sri Lanka where its people live in peace and unity with forbearance and mutual compromise as well as trust, as a single clan of the children of Mother Sri Lanka.

" Therefore, it is the utmost obligation of every Sri Lankan promoting and safeguarding solidarity among all ethnic and religious communities, which is the crucial need of the time. "

As we step into the 65th year of our emancipation from foreign dominations, let us all pray to the Lord who dispenses all our happiness and sorrow to shower His choicest blessing on Sri Lankans and to the whole humanity at large, so that we all live in peace, harmony, happiness and prosperity.
Also let us look back on the ideals and aspirations of our beloved forefathers who strove hard to build up a united, prosperous and peaceful Sri Lanka. On this day let us pledge to work hard to resist all evil forces tending to weaken the economically, morally and spiritually, and give our best to the nation on its onward march.
May we re-dedicate ourselves and resolve to make those ideals and aspirations a reality.

It is also our duty on this special day to pay our homage to all the past leaders of the nation, who dedicated their lives for the development of the nation.
I quote the convocation address given by the Guru to his students, after the completion of their education, before leaving from the Gurukula system of education.
May the Lord protect us both, may the Lord nourish us both, we both, work together with great energy. May our study vigorous and fruitful in our daily life, and the love and harmony dwell amongst us.

He also blesses and instructs them, how to conduct their day to day activities in a community living.
“By the grace of the Lord, always Common be your prayers
Common be the mind, and be united in your thoughts
Common be your councils, and be united in your assembly
Common be your accords and be united in your hearts,
Common be your aims and your deliberations, so that,
you all live together in peace, prosperity and happiness.”
One should grow in four dimensions that is 1. Physical dimension, 2. Mental dimension, 3. Intellectual dimension and 4. Spiritual dimension. The flowering of personality and ones satisfaction and contentment towards excellence depends upon the balanced development of the body, mind, Intellect and the heart.“Religion is the idea, which raising brute unto man, and man unto God.” said Swami Vivekananda.

If we believe in God that is the centre of all religions, and that each of us is moving towards him along one of these radii, then it is certain that all of us must reach that centre And at the centre, where all the radii meet, all our differences will cease.

On this 65th Independence Day Celebration, I pray the Lord to shower his choicest blessing on the President, Prime Minister, Minister and all the others who are working for the Country’s onward march in every spheres of the Nation’s development and peace.

" May the Lord protect us both, may the Lord nourish us both, we both, work together with great energy. May our study vigorous and fruitful in our daily life, and the love and harmony dwell amongst us "

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Comments - 2

Namal Perera Monday, 04 February 2013 01:22 PM

What independence are we to celebrate in a corrupt, lawless Banana Republic with Jungle Law and citizens who have no rights at all???

RKO Monday, 04 February 2013 04:55 PM

Wanna have a special independance on the day SL is freed from debts

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Independence Day messages from Religious Leaders

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