It was participated by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, Chief Justice K. Sripawan, Ministers, Members of Parliament, Commanders of Tri forces, IGP, Foreign diplomats, and many other dignitaries.
In his address to the nation, the President said that the word ‘Freedom’, which is considered for a long time, has a different meaning now rather than the time the motherland received the freedom from the British Crown.
Great heroes of the motherland dedicated a lot and even sacrificed their lives for the motherland. But the freedom, which we talk at present, is about the freedom of the human being, media freedom, freedom of speech, and freedom for gathering peacefully, he added.
In the 21st century, the political stability, and the social development are essential to bring the country forward. In this regard the ethnic reconciliation and the religious harmony are needed.
When the government is working towards that purpose and is admired locally and internationally, some parties oppose it. They can be pointed out as those who are against the country, he added.
“We should allow the economic freedom of the country. We need the support from the intellectuals. Priority should be given to the youth of the country to win the modern world”, he said.
The politicians and the public officers should be free from, fraud, corruption, waste, and theft when the country is moving towards economic prosperity, he said adding that the politicians working honestly and public officers fulfilling their responsibility properly are timely needs for that economic prosperity.
President also remembered the war heroes of the country from Tri forces, Police, and Civil Security Department (CSD), who dedicated their lives to protect the country during the 30-year war.
A 21-Gun Salute was offered to the President at this occasion by the Tri force while the Sri Lanka Navy offered a 25-Gun Salute to the Nation at the end of the ceremony. The colorful March Past which showcased the proud history of the Tri forces, Police, and the CSD was participated by over 1,000 offices. A parachute show was also held.
