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73rd Independence Day: Prez wants solutions not criticism

05 Feb 2021

  • Ensure freedom meaningful: PM

  • Many challenges ahead: Sajith

  • Politicians responsible for divisions: Cardinal

  By Hiranyada Dewasiri, Mihi Perera and Lahiru Pothmulla   Laying out his vision for efficient and honest administration and governance, technological advancement, environmental protection, and education reforms, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa claimed that what the country requires for its development is citizens that do not provide unfair criticism, but practical solutions to the problems faced by the nation. Addressing the nation at the ceremony to celebrate the 73rd Independence Day yesterday (4), the President stated that he is working towards realising the genuine expectations of the public that supported him with honest intent. “I believe that the vast majority of these people did so not in search of personal benefits but because they expected me to serve the nation diligently. I am always prepared to fulfil the genuine expectations of the public that supported me with honest intent. However, I will never take decisions that will damage the country, and to please those who seek gains for themselves, personally or for their businesses.” The President stressed on the need for an efficient and honest public service that is willing to take decisions on its own, and said that necessary legal reforms are needed to be put in place to protect such officials in the public service who independently make correct decisions without relying on a circular or a directive for every matter. “I therefore request all those in positions of authority to ease the limitations and practices that obstruct the general public through the State administration.” The President also stated that there will be no leniency practiced towards anyone found guilty of corruption or waste, and requested the public not to directly or indirectly encourage corruption.  Elaborating on the measures in place to bring about education reforms, the President said that the recommendations made by two Task Forces that have been created to obtain specialist assistance in these reforms are already being implemented. He added that steps have also been taken to increase the capacity of State universities, and increase the number of higher education opportunities available. With regard to the technological sector, the President stated that action has already been taken to create five technology parks with all facilities in five identified districts, in order to encourage entrepreneurs and start-ups in the technology sector. Environmental preservation is receiving the Government’s special attention, the President said, adding that the Government is implementing this sustainable environmental management policy through promoting urban forests, the promotion of green cities and businesses, tree planting, the development of irrigation, organic farming, and restrictions on polythene. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa in his Independence Day message said that we are at a point in our journey where we must work collectively to ensure that the freedom we won not once but twice, is a meaningful one for all Sri Lankans. “Despite the many challenges we faced as a nation last year, we have embarked on a journey and adopted policies that focus on the growth of the economy by giving preference to locally produced items”. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa in his Independence Day message said that the challenges ahead of Sri Lanka today are the prevention of external influences and the safeguarding of political, economic, social, and cultural values in the name of freedom. He noted that Sri Lanka as a country faces many challenges even 73 years after gaining Independence. The Archbishop of Colombo Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith said that the politicians who have been in power after Independence were responsible for creating divisions among the people and making the country a debt laden one. He pointed out that all parties in the country should work together to solve the problems in the country. The Cardinal expressed these views at the Catholic service for the Independence Day held at the All Saints Church in Borella yesterday. “We cannot try and sell the resources of the country to the powerhouses of the world. For the last 20 to 30 years, our country’s position has been to alienate assets. Something has happened because of the wrong paths taken by the leaders of our country,” he said. Samagi Jana Balawegaya Parliamentarian Dr. Harsha de Silva, tweeting yesterday about the need to celebrate Independence Day with pride, said that the Government should note that ethno-nationalism, the militarisation of the society, and taking away the democratic space has no place in a free Sri Lanka. Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, in his message for the day, stated that Sri Lankans must also keep in mind the challenges that have arisen nationally and internationally against the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of this country. “With the independence we have gained, we will continue to advance as an independent, sovereign, democratic and unitary State, while maintaining Sri Lanka's dignity, pride and identity, and also maintaining friendly cooperation with all States, prioritising the neutral and non-aligned foreign policy”. Sending his congratulations on the Independence Day, United States (US) Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said that the US is looking forward to working with Sri Lanka as a partner and friend to promote regional security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. “On this day, the people of Sri Lanka and the US celebrate shared principles to protect and promote democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and equal justice for all,” the message said.  


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