Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa says that the greatest benefit from freedom is when everyone fulfils their duty to the country. As people of a free and democratic country, all of us have rights as well as responsibilities. The President said that it is not appropriate to speak of rights only, whilst forgetting responsibilities.
The President made these remarks while addressing the nation at the 74th Independence Day celebrations held at the Independence Square in Colombo February 04.
The greatest benefit from freedom is when everyone fulfils their duty to the country…
- Not appropriate to speak of rights only, whilst forgetting responsibilities.…
- We can find solutions to issues with an optimistic approach.…
- Always act in an exemplary manner…
- Will always protect the freedom won for the future generations…
President says at the Independence Day celebrations.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Mrs. Ioma Rajapaksa were greeted with the sounds of trumpet at the venue. The national anthem was sung by school children after the President hoisted the national flag amidst the beating of magul bera and blowing of the ‘conch shell’.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Navy and Air Force Commanders and the Inspector General of Police escorted the President to the special pavilion. The schoolgirls chanted “Jayamangala Gatha” and “Dewo Wassathu Kalena” and a two-minute silence was observed in honour of all those who sacrificed their lives for Sri Lanka’s independence and sovereignty. The President addressed the nation followed by the customary 21-Gun Salute.
If we are to win over the challenges before us and accomplish our future goals successfully, then all of us have to make a change. We all have to make some sacrifices towards it. Difficult times do not last forever. People of great resolve are needed to face difficult times. None of the crises we experience today are long-term problems and the President said we can find solutions to them with an optimistic approach.
“Rather than go back many years into the past searching for reasons for the economic problems that the country faces today, what is more relevant is to find both short and long-term solutions for such. This is what we as a government is focused on”, the President said.
“I ask all Ministers, Parliamentarians and other politicians to act in an exemplary manner for the country at all times. If you set this example to the people, then the majority of the people will follow you,” the President further said.
“I have pledged as the Head of State to always protect the freedom won for the future generations, and to safeguard the unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of this country. We will always abide by that pledge,” President Rajapaksa said. The President heartily invited all patriotic Sri Lankans to unite to build a proud nation that has achieved the true meaning of freedom.
The 74th National Independence Day celebrations were organized to show pride while adhering to health recommendations.
The Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Civil Defence and National Cadet Corps joined the parade and the Independence Day celebrations were colorful with a spectacular cultural display representing all communities of Sri Lanka. The Maha Sangha, other religious leaders, Fifth Executive President and current Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Former President Maithripala Sirisena, Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, Cabinet Ministers, Governor of the Central Bank, State Ministers, Governors, Members of Parliament, Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Secretaries to the President and the Prime Minister, Commanders of the three Armed Forces, the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the Civil Defence Department, government officials and war heroes were also present on the occasion.
