Sri Lanka: President Ranil Wickremesinghe
Sri Lanka: On the occasion of the 75th Independence Day in Sri Lanka, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the country needs to rectify its “errors and failures” and review its strengths and gains as a nation. He emphasized that it is a critical time when it is reeling under an unprecedented economic crisis.
Sri Lanka 75th Independence Day
The Independence Day event was attended by several foreign dignities, including India’s Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan.
Sri Lankan president Wickremesinghe presided over the ceremony which featured a military parade with a 21-gun salute. Moreover, 208 officers and 7,790 other ranks of the Sri Lanka Army have been promoted. The celebrations happened despite criticism from Opposition groups who claimed the events costing Rupees 200 million were a waste as the island nation continues to grip in its worst economic crisis since gaining independence.
Addressing the event, the president said, “Our 75th anniversary of independence from colonial rule is being observed during an extremely critical and challenging time in the country.”
“However it presents an opportunity for us not only to review our strengths and gains as a nation but also to rectify our errors and failures,” he said.
Moreover, he said, “There is a new economic and social reform agenda before the country with the objectives focusing first on recovery and then on renewed development. It is imperative for us to unite in its implementation so that we can emerge with a high level of economic prosperity.”
He went on the pledge that “extremely” difficult, yet vital decisions would be made to achieve the goal, which would be realised with “courage and determination.”
“I anticipate the confidence and support of you, the people of our country, in this endeavour,” the president added.
Further, he said, “On this historic anniversary, let us all resolve to meet the challenges of this year with further patience and fortitude.”
Sri Lanka economic crisis
In mid-2022, Sri Lanka faced the worst economic crisis since independence which led to months-long public protests leading to a political crisis.
Shortages of essentials due to the forex crisis forced people onto the streets demanding the resignation of the then president Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Last year in April, Sri Lanka declared its first-ever debt default in its history.
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“Friendly neighbour”: Muraleedharan
India’s Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said that he was happy to represent India at “friendly neighbour” Sri Lanka’s 75th Independence Day celebrations.
“This milestone coincides with 75 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between both countries India is always a dependable partner and a reliable friend of Sri Lanka,” he tweeted.
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