Nation should embrace equality: Leader of Opposition

Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa called for equal rights to all citizens of Sri Lanka and stressed the need for a journey towards safeguarding self-respect of every citizen.

“We cannot experience true freedom if we are to go along with communal hatred and racism. All Sri Lankans should enjoy equal rights if they are to enjoy the freedom which was won 75 year ago. Sri Lanka should adopt a programme to safeguard self-respect of all citizens,” Mr. Premadasa said in his Independence Day message. 

“Sri Lankan citizens need to achieve much more. Therefore, I wish the entire nation an Independence Day when all people dedicate themselves to achieve what they intend to achieve,” he said. 

“Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis in history. There is no other way to overcome it other than adopting an effective revival programme. Memories of our forefathers who dedicated their lives for the prosperity will linger forever. The lesson we are taught when we look back at the past 75 years, that all citizens of the nation should unite. 

We have not been able to make the independence that we have won meaningful. Experiences of victories, defeats and shortcomings during the past 75 years confirm this fact,” he said. 
“I recall the marvellous deeds of those who embarked on a journey to win freedom for the nation, shedding their sweat and blood. They are our pride,” he also said.