සයිබර් ලංකා :: Cyber Lanka - news & views from srilanka

The 62nd anniversary of independence we mark today has special significance being the first such celebration of our freedom since the defeat of terrorism in our country last year, and also as it takes place soon after our people have expressed their firm and resounding commitment to democracy, stated President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his Independence Day message.

The freedom from colonial rule that we gained 62 years ago is now more meaningful, the President added.

As we move into the new era of peace in our country, we are ready to face the challenges of the future. It is necessary that we give equal priority to the tasks of national reconciliation and the building of trust among all sections of our people, as well as to development that will take us to our rightful place in the community of nations, he continued.

On this historic and significant anniversary of freedom, let us re-dedicate our nation to the ideals of peace, tolerance, mutual trust and progress, in the democratic tradition our people have cherished and protected as the oldest democracy in Asia, President Rajapaksa further stated.

Following is the full text of the message :

The 62nd anniversary of independence we mark today has special significance being the first such celebration of our freedom since the defeat of terrorism in our country last year, and also as it takes place soon after our people have expressed their firm and resounding commitment to democracy.

Tomorrow's Independence celebration will be the first such celebration taking place after the defeat of terrorism and soon after President Mahinda Rajapaksa was re-elected in an overwhelming mandate. The 62nd Independence Day will begin tomorrow at 8.30 am at the precincts of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy, presided by the President.

The main Buddhist religious rites will be held at the Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy while Hindu religious rites at Sri Selva Vinayagar Kovil, Katukele, Kandy, Roman Catholic rites at St. Anthony’s Cathedral, Kandy, Islamic rites at Meera Makkan Mosque, Kandy and Christian rites at St. Paul’s Church, Kandy. The official ceremony will be held under the patronage of chief prelates of Malwatte and Asgiri Chapters, Diyawadana Nilame Nilanga Dela Bandara and Public Administration and Home Affairs Ministry officials.

President Rajapaksa will hoist the national flag by 8.50 am followed by the national anthem.

Two minutes silence will be observed at 9.07 a.m. to honour patriots who sacrificed their lives to protect and preserve freedom and the territorial integrity of the country followed by a 21 gun salute to the President.