Sri Lanka, which was an independent, sovereign, and a free state in our long history, was conquered by the Portuguese in 1505, Dutch in 1658, and the whole island became a colony under Britain in March 2, 1815. However, we were lucky to gain independence on February 4, 1948 as a result of the struggles led by patriotic heroes who sacrificed their lives. Without proper knowledge, some have declared that this independence which was won by our heroes sacrificing their lives was "Won by peaceful discussions without dropping a single drop of blood."

After conquering Sri Lanka by British imperialists, the first struggle for independence was started in 1817, and with the attacks conducted by the British administration in 1818 led to a mass loss of property and lives. Monarawila Keppetipola who led this struggle was beheaded ruthlessly.

Ven. Kadahapola Thera, who engaged in the 1848 struggle, was brutally shot to death and many people who joined the struggle including Dingirala and Puran Appu were killed. Young Edward Henry Pedris, who stood against the oppressing British administration, was also shot dead. Thus, there was countless shedding of blood in the struggle for freedom.

It's been 67 years since independence, which is a long time. But it is our duty to reconsider whether we have the ability to enjoy that freedom truthfully. A nation can be considered that had gained full freedom only if they are offered meaningful freedom in national, religious, cultural, political, and economical development as well as freedom in thinking, writing, reading, and access to information. Such freedom can be gained through developing the spiritual aspect parallel to the physical development. For that in this 67th Independence Day, we should determine ourselves to gain a meaningful freedom that protects the peace, cooperation, rule of law, and good ethics in the country. I wish everybody, the blessings of Triple Gem and the holy Tooth Relic.