Difficult times do not last forever; let’s join together to build the country: President

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa urged the people not to fall into the hidden agenda campaigns launched by certain elements undermining the government leadership and requested them to support the government policies as the country is going through economic tough times in recent years.

“Forces against a national leadership that values our indigenousness and protects the country’s sovereignty are subtly misleading the people through various false propaganda. I urge the people of this country to always act prudently. No one can mislead the people if they make inquiries based on fact, ascertain the truth and make decisions,’ President Rajapaksa said today while addressing at 74th Independence Day celebrations at Galle Face. 

“The most important criterion for this is the belief in ourselves. Difficult times do not last forever. People of great resolve are needed to face difficult times. Anyone who demoralizes another is not doing any good to society at this moment. Therefore all of us have an enormous responsibility to build a positive attitude in the country to face these crises successfully. We have faced critical problems in recent history as well and found solutions."

Some excerpts from the Presidential address at the 74th Independence day celebration: 

“I have pledged as the Head of State to always protect the freedom won for the future generations, and to safeguard the unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of this country. We will always abide by that pledge.’

“Cultural freedom is important to all communities. We consider it our prime responsibility to preserve our thousands of years of indigenous traditions and customs, values and identity. Steps have been taken to preserve and develop places of archaeological value that have been subject to various threats and destroyed in the recent past.”

‘The people have given the opportunity for the current government to implement the Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour Policy Statement presented by us.”

“There have been no changes in the policy framework we presented in regard to identified priorities such as green agriculture, promotion of renewable energy use, education reforms compatible with the modern world, encouragement of local entrepreneurship, export diversification and value addition, and promotion of technology use for a new leap in the economy. We are committed to achieving the basic goals of a productive citizen, a happy family, a disciplined, virtuous society and a prosperous country.”

“I was given the leadership of the country at a very difficult time. In the last two years we have had to find solutions to a number of unanticipated problems. Despite all these difficulties, our government was able to carry out many development activities.”

“All the plans required for the sustainable development of the country, during my remaining tenure are being implemented. No matter what the obstacles are, if the majority of the people in our country are optimistic about the future and give their due contribution, we will be able to achieve those goals.”

“I heartily invite all patriotic Sri Lankans to unite to build a proud nation that has achieved the true meaning of freedom.”