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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized that Sri Lanka is celebrating this year\u2019s Independence Day by looking towards the future, rather than dwelling on the past.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Speaking at the 77th Independence Day celebrations held at Independence Square in Colombo, the President underscored the collective expectation of all Sri Lankans\u2014both in the north and the south\u2014to build a modern, united nation.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is a journey ahead for each and every citizen, a collective journey that ensures economic and socio-cultural independence while fostering the freedom to live as a modern citizen,\u201d President Dissanayake stated.<\/p>\n

He highlighted the importance of achieving economic freedom without succumbing to the pressures of the global economy, calling for a collective national effort. \u201cTo attain economic freedom, we must all dedicate ourselves together,\u201d he asserted.<\/p>\n

The Head of the State expressed a vision for a progressive Sri Lanka, saying, \u201cThe country we will hand over to you is not merely the one history gave us, but a nation you would love to live in\u2014one that is respected and enriched with cultural humanity.\u201d<\/p>\n

Stressing the significance of the current moment in history, he urged citizens to seize the opportunity to shape the nation\u2019s future.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have no justifiable reason to let this valuable opportunity slip away. I trust that the country we entrust to you will be taken forward with even greater energy than we [the government] possess today.\u201d<\/p>\n

He also spoke about the fundamental duty of humanity, stating, \u201cAs human beings, we have an undeniable responsibility to make this world a place of good humanity, allowing all people to experience and cultivate that humanity.\u201d<\/p>\n

Calling for unity in shaping the nation\u2019s future, President Dissanayake concluded, \u201cLet us dream of this independence together, and let us make that dream a reality. While we may never become the richest country in the world, if we try, we can become an exemplary nation\u2014one that embodies the richest national spirit through equality and freedom.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n