Sri Lanka marked its 78th National Independence Day amid calls for unity, determination, and collective responsibility, as President Anura Kumara Dissanayaike urged citizens to come together to build the shared vision of “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life.” In his Independence Day message, the President described the moment as historic, highlighting the country’s gradual recovery and renewed confidence following a period of severe economic and social challenges.
The President said Sri Lanka has made tangible economic progress within a short span of approximately eighteen months, regaining stability through collective struggle and determined action. He noted that despite adversity, the country has been repositioned internationally as a nation striving for a clean and principled political culture, emphasizing integrity and accountability as defining features of its current trajectory.
He stressed that the next critical challenge is ensuring that macroeconomic gains reach communities of all ethnicities across every province. According to the President, sustainable development cannot be achieved unless economic progress is felt equally by all citizens, warning that uneven benefits would undermine the deeper purpose of the national recovery process.
Reflecting on recent events, the President referred to what he described as the largest natural disaster faced by the country in modern times. While acknowledging the pain and disruption caused, he said the institutional and economic foundations built over the past eighteen months had enabled Sri Lanka, with the support of all stakeholders, to move forward with recovery and restoration.
Looking back at the post-independence period, the President observed that Sri Lanka had repeatedly missed crucial opportunities to fulfill its national aspirations and foster unity. He said the current leadership is determined not to repeat those mistakes, pledging to build a more advanced, resilient, and dignified state while safeguarding the nation’s culture, ancient history, and heritage.
The President expressed confidence that Sri Lanka can reclaim a national dream that emerged in the twentieth century but later faded, transforming it into a developed, prosperous, and virtuous country in the twenty-first century. He said this transformation depends on the collective strength, character, and commitment of the people, reiterating his appeal for unity, brotherhood, and shared purpose as the country moves forward.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya echoed similar sentiments in her Independence Day message, calling on all Sri Lankans to stand united with renewed confidence and determination. She described the occasion as one of renewed hope, noting that the country has entered a new chapter with the formation of a people’s government driven by the collective will of citizens.
The Prime Minister said the government has begun laying the foundation for a nation built for future generations, rooted in human values, strengthened by skills, and enriched by intellectual capacity. She emphasized that the time has come for every citizen to meaningfully contribute to nation-building, guided by shared values and a sense of responsibility to the motherland.
Outlining the government’s priorities, she said these include stabilizing the economy on a strong foundation, advancing a new political vision that reshapes political culture, promoting equality, dignity, and compassion in society, and addressing persistent rural poverty. She also highlighted commitments to strengthen welfare mechanisms for vulnerable groups, ensure inclusive access to support, and accelerate the digital transformation of the economy through science and technology.
The Prime Minister further stated that Sri Lanka aims to engage the international community through a non-aligned foreign policy, fostering trust-based relationships with all countries and peoples. Calling on citizens to rise above narrow political interests, she urged collective effort toward national progress, inviting all Sri Lankans to take part in shaping a new era of renewal as the country commemorates its 78th year of independence.
