Political differences should be put aside: Vajira

Home Affairs Minister Vajira Abeywardana issuing an Independence Day message said it is time for different political ideologies to be set aside so that everyone can focus on developing Sri Lanka. 

The full message is given below.   

With a proud history behind us, we celebrate the 71st anniversary of gaining independence from colonial rule.

The strongest weapon used to gain independence for the country in 1948 was the existence of unity among all communities living in it. After gaining independence, the biggest challenge we faced was safeguarding that unity and stepping towards the future. Though there have been various issues from time to time, we as Sri Lankans have now arrived at an important juncture to move forward towards development with mutual trust and understanding. We must resolve to set aside whatever the political ideologies we may have and take the country towards development as one nation while protecting independence of the country and democratic rights of the people. 

National Day becomes more complete through the presence of social, political, and economic freedom as well as human dignity and spiritual freedom. With the guidance of President Maithripala Sirisena and the leadership of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, our Government is committed to building a more stable and free society. Making the ‘National Day’ more meaningful, we must hope and pray that we attain sustainable freedom. We have achieved all our victories in the past only when we were united, not when we were divided. Therefore, we should understand that the future challenges also need be won together by acting as the links of one chain.

It is our responsibility to protect the freedom that we enjoy today for our children in the future. Let us be determined to live as true citizens of the country as we celebrate the National Independence at this point of time.