All citizens of Sri Lanka including national heroes such as Monarawila Keppetipola, Rev. Variyapola Sri Sumangala, Gongalegoda Banda, Puran Appu, Rev. Migettuwatte Gunananda, Walisinha Harischandra, Anagarika Dharmapala, F.R. Senanayake, Sir D.B. Jayatilleke, D.S. Senanayake, Sir Ponnambalam Ramanadan, and T.B. Jayah have struggled united sacrificing their lives for gaining independence to Sri Lanka, which was under the rule of English Empire since 2 March 1815. However, after a short period with divisions based on race, religion, and politics the peace and harmony in the country was ruined that ended in resulting foreign interventions.
In such an environment the opportunity to develop the sectors of national, political, economic, social, moral, cultural pride and coexistence, reconciliation, thoughts, languages and technologies was missed. In this context all rulers and opposition should unite to achieve the true meaning of independence by facing the challenges occurred in national security and economic development.
It is a pleasure to see that the new government has taken basic steps to implement a development process that helps in gain the economic development with the national, religious and social reconciliation, with the view of directing the nation towards a new path. I kindly emphasize that we all should determine to use this golden opportunity to gain prosperity in the country casting aside all national, religious, and political divisions and in unity with all nationalities. May the triple gem bless you.