Sri Lanka Celebrates 62nd Independence Day – TODAY

[Lankan Ranger]

Sri Lanka Celebrates 62nd Independence Day – TODAY

Sri Lanka celebrates another 4th February sans pandemonium
Momentous first National Day, second decade of this millennium
Wrathful conflicts broke nearly after thirty painful long years
The sun shone brightly to welcome nation away from crucial war fears.

On this 62nd anniversary, may the true spirit of great Independence
Spark in every Sri Lankan heart without rays of any vengeance
Let us salute War Heroes who made us see the prosperous era
Preserve their dignity, be grateful, herald bountiful peaceful era.

To ensure Motherland with renewed vigour unending determination
To echo chimes of freedom gained through non-violation,
On this historic day let's recall concept of true Independence,
That wasn't a revolution, but a super noble performance.

Soaring in every human heart Forgiveness, Togetherness, perseverance

Let's cultivate genuine dedication, selflessness 'n tolerance.
With active presence of world's four faiths so great
We're armed with significant basic apparatus for a smart start.

Psychosis of fear uncertainty gradually evaporated
Threats of violence no more, vicious civil conflicts defeated
May this golden year of Independence echo of peace grant pride of place

Mankind be endowed with a sense of solid patriotism for a single race.

It's a day we collectively commemorate sensibly celebrate
To overcome mountains of difficulties, human nature anticipate
After liberating from thirty years terrorism now a unified serene country

Let's commemorate Independence in grandiose manner Triumph of Democracy

All sins forgotten forgiven for traditional means of coexistence
Ensure better fruitful future for longing, suffering people par excellence

May Mother Sri Lanka bless each alike true peace 'n unity,
For decades to come, to breathe in comfort, relaxation, overflowing sanity.

62nd Independence Day | dailynews.lk

 

[Lankan Ranger]

Sri Lanka celebrates 62nd Independence Day: Peace, tranquillity, communal harmony and national development will be the clarion call which will unify Sri Lankans under a single flag as they celebrate the 62nd National Independence Day today under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

 

[grey boy 2]

Brother, Congratulation to your 62nd Independence Day.

Best wishes and love from China.

 

[Lankan Ranger]

President Mahinda Rajapaksa, in his Independence Day message to mark the country’s 62nd independence anniversary today, says his renewed popular mandate has enabled him to work harder to build a stronger nation.

The following is the full text of President Rajapaksa’s 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.

"The freedom from colonial rule that we gained 62 years ago is now more meaningful, because we have been liberated from the forces of separatist terror that marred our freedom for nearly half the period since independence, and also gravely threatened the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country.

"As much as we recall with gratitude the great contributions made by our patriots of the past in the struggle for independence, it is also fitting that we pay a tribute in full measure to all our heroic troops and their families for the sacrifices made in the battle against terrorism, as well as all sections of our people for the patriotism they showed in putting up with the hardships during this battle to restore freedom and democracy to our entire country.

"We are particularly grateful for the courage shown by the people as we were confronted with the armed might of the forces of terror from within, as well as forces from outside who sought to pressure us into conceding to the arms of those who used terror as a political weapon.

"We are also grateful to all friendly nations, from East and West, those near and afar, who understood the true nature of the struggle we were engaged in, and extended to us all support to achieve our objective of true freedom for our country and people.

"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. The fruits of peace and the aspects of development that were not neglected despite our major occupation with the battle against terror, are already seen in the many projects initiated and completed in the power and energy sectors and in infrastructure development.

"As our forefathers did in the glorious days of our past, and the more recent leaders in the struggle for freedom showed us, we remain committed to a single, unitary Sri Lanka, where all our people, irrespective of differences of ethnicity, religion or political persuasion, can enjoy the full benefits of freedom, development, and equal rights in a democratic society.

"The new and even stronger mandate you have given us, gives greater confidence to move ahead in building the new Sri Lanka, which we envisage as the hub of economic activity and a beacon of progress in our region; together with a full commitment to the Rights of Man which are integral to the heritage bestowed on us from the past.

"On this historic and significant anniversary of freedom, let us rededicate 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.

"I wish you a Prosperous Future.

"May our nation be blessed by the Noble Triple Gem," the President said.

The Island-News

 

[Lankan Ranger]

 

[dccafe]

Greetings

Congratulation to your 62nd Independence Day.

 

[LCA Tejas]

Congratz srilanka.... BTW any Military parade?pls post pics if any

 

[Kharian_Beast]

 

[Kharian_Beast]

Man I really like The Sri Lankan lion symbol, very majestic. Sri Lankan can you tell us a little about it's significance?

 

[Lankan Ranger]

Man I really like The Sri Lankan lion symbol, very majestic. Sri Lankan can you tell us a little about it's significance?

The Flag of Sri Lanka, also called the Lion Flag, consists of a gold lion, holding a sword in its right fore paw, in front of a crimson background with four golden bo leaves in each corner. Around the background is a yellow border, and to its left are 2 vertical stripes of equal size in saffron and green, with the saffron stripe closest to the lion. The lion represents bravery, and the four bo leaves represent meththa, karuna, muditha and upeksha. The orange stripe represents the Sri Lankan Tamils, the green stripe represents Sri Lankan Moors, the crimson background represents European Burghers and is also a reference to the rich colonial background of the country and the yellow border represents other ethnic groups such as Sri Lankan Malays etc.

It was adopted in 1950 following the recommendations of a committee appointed by the 1st Prime Minister of Ceylon, The Rt Hon D.S. Senanayake.

The National Flag of Sri Lanka represents the country and its heritage as rallying device that integrates the minorities with the majority race. Most symbols in the flag have been given distinctive meanings.

Symbol Represents

The lion The Sinhalese ethnicity and the strength of the nation.

The bo leaves Buddhism and its influence on the nation. They also stand for the four virtues of Kindness, Friendliness, Happiness and Equanimity.

The sword of the lion The sovereignty of the nation.

The curly hair on the lion's head Religious observance, wisdom and meditation.

The beard of the lion Purity of words.

The handle of the sword The elements of water, fire, air and earth.

The nose of the lion Intelligence.

The two front paws of the lion Purity in handling wealth.

The vertical orange stripe The Tamil ethnicity.

The vertical green stripe The Muslim faith and Moor ethnicity.

The yellow border round the flag People from other cultures living in Sri Lanka.

The crimson background Other minor religions and ethnic groups, Portuguese/Dutch Burghers. Also refers to the rich colonial heritage and background of the country.
Flag of Sri Lanka - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[Lankan Ranger]

Azerbaijan president extends independence day greetings to Sri Lanka

The President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev sent a congratulatory letter to his Sri-Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa on the country's Independence Day, AzerTAj state news agency reported.

In the letter, the President expressed hope that "friendly and cooperative relations between Azerbaijan and Sri-Lanka will develop and strengthen in accordance with the interests of two peoples."

The Head of State extended to the Sri-Lankan leader his best wishes and the friendly people of Sri-Lanka - peace and prosperity.

Trend News: Azerbaijan president extends independence day greetings to Sri-Lankan counterpart