Independence Day Address 2022Most Venerable Maha Sangha, Other Religious Dignitaries, Hon. Prime Minister, Hon.
Speaker, Hon. Chief Justice, Hon. Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Ministers and Hon Governors, Hon. State Ministers, Hon. Members of Parliament, Ambassadors and High Commissioners, Secretary to the President and all Government Officials, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army, Commander of the Navy, Commander of the Air Force and Inspector General of Police, Director-General of the Civil Security Department, Distinguished Guests, War Heroes, All Sri Lankan Brothers and Sisters, Beloved Children,Throughout history, people of various nations have struggled, fought and made great sacrifices for their right to live as dignified citizens in a free country.In Sri Lanka too, Great Kings such as Dutugemunu, Walagamba, Maha Parakumba, Vijayabahu and Parakumba the Sixth fought against foreign invaders at various periods during a 2,500 year history, liberated the country from foreigners and united it.It is now 74 years since our country finally gained freedom from 450 years of European colonial rule.
Even after independence, we had to fight for nearly three decades against an attempt to divide this country through terrorism.
Today Sri Lanka is a free, sovereign, democratic country. We are its proud citizens.I take this opportunity to pay tribute to all patriots who dedicated themselves to gain full freedom for our country facing various obstacles throughout the history, and continue to secure the freedom so gained.Every Sri Lankan citizen, irrespective of any community or religion, has the right to live freely and safely anywhere in the country today.