The coming new year has been a challenging one for all of us amid the economic storms and social and political upheavals in the world. In the midst of all this, we, the citizens of a small island, have the least ability to stand firm and independent. But it is not impossible.

In my opinion, we should all think about the year 2023, when we celebrate the Diamond jubilee of our country's independence, from such a careful, responsible and respectful point of view.

Looking forward to 2023, there is no mistake in calling the past year 2022 as a year of changes in the history of Sri Lanka more than any other. Also, the lessons learned from those experiences cannot be called a disadvantage but a great heritage for a long future to come.

Until now, we have to rise united again from the social, political, economic and extremist storm that destroyed the respectable unity that had been built up as a Sri Lankan nation. It is a serious responsibility placed on the shoulders of all Sri Lankans by the present and the future, not just politicians.

Regardless of what happened in the past, we must definitely treat each other with respect in the future. No matter which party we represent, there is no need to see the other party as our enemies. Respect is an essential factor for both parties to reach a common, mediated agreement.

Also, as adults, we should be more careful about our future generations in the coming new year than last year. In the face of a competitive world, we should look at our children with a cautious eye. Not only the family, the school, but also the temple, the church and the neighbors have a selfless responsibility for the children who will be the future leaders of our country.

To celebrate a freedom that is supreme to us, we must step into the 'Heavenly Kingdom' of national freedom, as poet Rabindranath Tagore says in the thirty-fifth verse of his famous book ‘Gitanjali’. In that heavenly kingdom, our minds will be free from fear; Must be able to hold head straight; Knowledge must be free; Our words must flow from the bottom of truth. Must have logical thinking. There must be unrelenting vigor. A country should move towards such a state of freedom.

May 2023 be a new year filled with freedom, joy, wisdom and innovative thinking for all of you!

Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena,
Speaker,