Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has urged the nation to reflect on its history while remaining firmly focused on the future, in his message marking the 78th National Independence Day.

He said that as Sri Lanka commemorates 78 years since gaining independence on February 4, 1948, it is important to objectively assess the country’s journey, recognising both its achievements and its shortcomings without extremism. He stressed that understanding these realities and acting decisively in the present is essential to building a stronger future.

Premadasa noted that significant progress has been made over the years in safeguarding democracy and strengthening the economy, healthcare, education, social values, and cultural heritage. However, he acknowledged that civil conflicts arising from youth uprisings in both the North and the South had severely undermined national progress, placing continued pressure on living standards despite economic growth.

He said Sri Lanka must honestly examine the challenges that have hindered development, including irrational political decisions and transfers of power driven by narrow political interests. Referring to indicators such as the Happiness Index and the Human Development Index, Premadasa observed that current levels of well-being, education, health, and living standards remain unsatisfactory.

The Opposition Leader warned that Sri Lanka now faces threats not only to the free society and economy envisioned at independence, but also to democracy and the rule of law. He emphasized that these issues should not be dismissed as partisan concerns, but addressed collectively in the national interest.

Premadasa called on all democratic forces, political parties, civil organisations, and citizens to unite in safeguarding sovereignty, independence, and the supremacy of the people for future generations. He concluded by stressing that independence was achieved through unity, not division, and that the same spirit of unity is essential for the nation’s progress today.