• MR urges progress with freedom and dignity 
• US State Secy. Rubio notes growing partnership in shared Indo-Pacific interests
• Charles III emphasises “enduring UK-SL partnership” and cooperation 
• Chinese Prez Xi pushes development, revitalisation, partnership, strategic cooperation
• India shares trust and dependability 
• Army promotes 9,158 Other Rankers from Regular and Volunteer Forces

We have to build a new, economically strong Sri Lanka by making use of the country’s human resource (HR) while setting aside differences, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated. The President also emphasised that there will be no room for racism and separatism in the future. The Head of State added that the Government is prepared to implement the largest education reforms necessary to improve the HR of the country. President Dissanayake made these remarks yesterday (4) while addressing Sri Lanka’s 78th National Independence Day celebrations held at the Independence Square in Colombo. 

“We have a struggle and a mission for complete freedom. We must rebuild Sri Lanka based on our Independence and sovereignty. There are aspects of our recent history that must be rejected, and many positive qualities that must be embraced. It is not an economic development path that uproots the foundations of our motherland or erodes the essence of our nation. In the 78 years since Independence, there have been victories and defeats, good and bad. We will not hesitate to reject what is wrong, nor will we fear embracing what is good. Our HR must be transformed into a complete and competitive force that can stand shoulder to shoulder with any developed nation. We must prioritise knowledge over ignorance, progress over outdated prejudices, and unity over division. We must create a new generation of human capital. In doing so, art, literature, history, as well as modern technology and education, are vital. To build an advanced HR base for our country, we must nurture individuals enriched with knowledge, compassion, sensitivity, and modern technology. For this purpose, we must initiate the most transformative era in our education sector. We are ready for that. No matter how much outdated thinking obstructs the creation of this new individual, we are prepared to carry out a transformative mission against all such barriers. The people will support this effort. Human power is indeed our greatest strength. That strength depends solely on our unity. If we are divided, our strength weakens. If hatred among one another is created, our greatest strength is undermined. The two unpleasant words in our vocabulary are racism and extremism. We firmly believe that both only lead to the self-destruction and weakening of our national strength. We will not allow racism or extremism in our country, and we will build national unity. Giving life to the theme “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” requires the proper and firm establishment of the rule of law. It is critically important to transform Sri Lanka once again into a respected state with a proud identity in the international community. Where there is no rule of law, no unity, no healthy international relations (IR), where ecosystems are destroyed and society deteriorates, the seed of development cannot become a reality. We must build a strong and resilient economy. True freedom becomes complete freedom only to the extent that we are economically strong. As the President, together with the Cabinet of Ministers, the Opposition Leader, the public service, and religious leaders and institutions, let us all come together with a firm resolve to rebuild this country in every aspect.”

The celebrations were held under the theme “Rebuilding Sri Lanka”. The celebrations took place while honouring those who made sacrifices to win Independence from British rule in 1948.

Independence Day is a remembrance of winning freedom for the motherland and a celebration of the pride of all Sri Lankans, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has stated. Issuing a message, he emphasised that the celebration is not just a simple ceremony, but an occasion to show the nation’s pride to the world. Rajapaksa stated that yesterday was a day to remember the people who endured so much to gain freedom and to honour the heroes who sacrificed for the ideals of Independence. He also noted that it is a day to recognise the bravery and pride of the Armed Forces, the Police and others who protect the country and to teach children to love their motherland. Rajapaksa extended his wishes to all Sri Lankans to move forward as a free and dignified nation. 

Elsewhere, the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted a growing partnership rooted in shared interests in the Indo-Pacific, according to a press statement issued by the State Department. He said that the US and Sri Lanka have “built a relationship grounded in mutual respect and a commitment to a free, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific”, underscoring Washington’s focus on regional stability. Rubio noted that ties between the two countries had strengthened under the administration of President Donald Trump. Looking ahead, he said that cooperation between Washington and Colombo would continue across several areas. “In t2026, we will continue to cooperate to advance our economic ties, promote regional stability, and support the aspirations of our peoples,” Rubio said. The US has, in recent years, increased engagement with Sri Lanka as part of its broader Indo-Pacific strategy, which emphasises maritime security, economic connectivity, and democratic governance in the region.

Also, King Charles the III has sent a special message of felicitation to the President in a letter shared by the British High Commission in Colombo. He reflected on the “enduring partnership” and “deep historical ties” that bind the UK and Sri Lanka. He highlighted the significant contributions of the Sri Lankan community in the UK and praised the ongoing cooperation in education, trade, and climate resilience. He also looked ahead to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting scheduled for November 2026, where he hopes to reaffirm shared commitments and “chart a course for the future.” The message concluded with a call for “bold” global “steps toward sustainability”.

Further, the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa sent a cable of congratulations to President Dissanayake.

In addition, Chinese President Xi Jinping in his congratulatory message, noted that China and Sri Lanka are fellow travelers on the path of development and revitalisation and good partners pursuing mutually beneficial cooperation. Noting that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Sri Lanka relations, Jinping voiced his readiness to work with Dissanayake to deepen the China-Sri Lanka strategic cooperative partnership and build a China-Sri Lanka community with a shared future, so as to better benefit the two peoples.

Moreover, India shares the spirit of celebration as Sri Lanka’s trusted and dependable partner, the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha has stated.

Additionally, the Army promoted a total of 9,158 Other Ranks from both the Regular and Volunteer Forces to their respective next ranks. Under the category of Other Ranks, promotions included 260 Warrant Officers II to the rank of Warrant Officer I, 1,211 Staff Sergeants to Warrant Officer II, 1,704 Sergeants to Staff Sergeant, 2,339 Corporals to Sergeant, 2,204 Lance Corporals to Corporal, and 1,440 Privates to Lance Corporal from the Regular and Volunteer Forces.

inputs from the Indo-Asian News Service and Xinhua

PHOTO Lalith Perera