Thursday, 5 February 2015 00:00
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INDEPENDENCE Day has been an unprecedented success because it has brought the opportunity of looking back at the last 67 years of Sri Lanka and fresh will to forge ahead for a better tomorrow. More can hardly be expected from what is usually a run-of-the-mill triumphalist show of strength.
There are also specific benchmarks. Firstly, the special statement on reconciliation, delivered interestingly not by the President but rather by three children representing the future generation. The importance of reconciliation and accountability could have hardly been better stated and President Sirisena backed it up with a customarily poignant but short address to the nation.
Seize the moment for reconciliation was the key point of the statement and ably delivered the pledge outlined in the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) report in 2011. Though it came four years late, it will hopefully not be too late. The nation was told it is now for us to seize this opportunity to ensure the fruits of democracy and citizenship can be equitably enjoyed by all.
Perhaps the most important focus was the devastation suffered by all Sri Lankans: “As we commemorate the 67th Independence Day of our nation today, we pay our respects to all the citizens of this country, of all ethnicities and religions, who lost their lives due to the tragic conflict that affected this land for over three decades, and for all the victims of violence since Independence.”
The pledge to adopt consensual approaches through democratic means, to advance national interest, national reconciliation, justice and equality for all citizens. To do in a spirit of tolerance, accommodation and compromise and uphold the unity and territorial integrity of the nation for the progress and development of a pluralistic society along with the promise to protect freedom and democracy, promote amity, cooperation between the diverse communities in this country, and at all times strive to walk the path of peace was met with cheers.
A Government of the people, by the people, for the people gave its word on a collective commitment to ensure that never again will this land to be traumatised by the shedding of blood of her citizens. Sirisena then took the podium to give a succinct speech that touched all the right points. He questioned as to whether Sri Lanka as a nation could be happy about the past 67 years and urged all parties to desist finger pointing to work together.
He also linked development with peace, but rather than promoting massive infrastructure projects, preferred to focus on tangible benefits such as reducing the income gap and working to improve technology transfer to key sectors. Stripping the layers from complicated economic jargon, he spoke about linking the hearts of people in the north and south though a holistic transformation.
It was also the perfect moment to reiterate the transformation pledged through the 100-day plan beyond April, as President Sirisena will have the ultimate responsibility of ensuring his promises are delivered. As the country embarks on an exceptional journey to devolve power, establish independent commissions and trim executive powers, it will need unity to be its greatest strength.
