Independence Day: Dissanayake tells fellow Sri Lankans to look to the future, not the past
During celebrations marking the 77th anniversary of the end of British colonial rule, Card Ranjith called for the current presidential system to be scrapped since it has “fostered a culture of fear” and “lawlessness”.
Colombo (AsiaNews) – Sri Lanka today marked the 77th anniversary of its independence from British colonial rule.
On this occasion, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, speaking in Independence Square, urged his fellow citizens to focus on building a brighter future rather than looking back at past challenges, inspired by the “collective hope and expectation shared by all Sri Lankans, whether from the north or the south, to unite in the quest for a modern, progressive nation”.
The president called for a joint national effort to achieve economic independence, reminding his compatriots that this must be pursued without falling prey to external pressures from the global economy.
Citing religious leaders, activists, media workers and, especially, ordinary citizens, Dissanayake said that everyone is linked by an undeniable responsibility to create a world that reflects true humanity, in which everyone can experience and nurture kindness, respect and mutual understanding.
The Catholic Church also marked Independence Day by celebrating Masses of thanksgiving in all the dioceses. The Archbishop of Colombo, Card Malcolm Ranjith, led a service this morning at the Church of All Saints in Borella.
In his address, the cardinal called on the president and the government to repeal the current Constitution which, by giving the head of state unrestrained powers, turned into war national conflicts that could otherwise be resolved peacefully.
“The dictatorial constitution has been at the root of our nation's crises,” Card Ranjith said. “It has dealt a fatal blow to democracy, fostered a culture of fear and bloodshed, and allowed lawlessness to thrive.”
For this reason, “it must be repealed immediately and replaced with a new constitution that unites all citizens as children of one mother, ensuring justice, transparency, and a renewed social and cultural foundation.”
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