Independence and the Observer

Sri Lanka celebrates her 59th anniversary of independence today. This year's independence celebrations are a significant milestone in our nation's history. Today, we celebrate our independence under a Government which has given top priority to national security.

Over the past two decades or more, our security forces have been fighting a ruthless terrorist organisation - the LTTE, which has an endless thirst for blood. Most Governments which ruled our country during this period either bowed to foreign pressure or made a business out of war.

Thanks to a true patriotic son of our soil who became the fifth executive President of Sri Lanka, all citizens - Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims or Burghers, could now hold their heads high. National security has always been given top priority and President Mahinda Rajapaksa would never compromise on matters relating to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our beautiful island.

The blood-thirsty terrorists gave no chance to President Rajapaksa as a series of explosions forced him to cut short his political honeymoon after the 2005 Presidential election victory in November. When President Rajapaksa extended his hand of solidarity, terrorist leader Prabhakaran misunderstood it as a sign of weakness.

When things were going out of hand, the President felt that enough is enough and took firm steps to eradicate terrorism and protect innocent civilians suffering in the North and East. The Government had no alternative but to respond to LTTE terrorism in the language that Prabhakaran understands. But unlike his predecessors, President Rajapaksa did not set time frames or try to take political advantage out of military victories.

As a result, our brave security forces personnel emerged victorious in taming the Tigers in places such as Mavil Aru, Sampur, Kanchikudichcharu and Vakarai. They have liberated almost the entire east after over two decades. This is why this year's independence celebrations become even more significant.

The President has made it clear that he would never ever compromise on matters relating to national security. As a democratically elected head of state, President Rajapaksa has all the right to say so. Moreover, he has an obligation by the nation. He is not a leader who would even dream of selling our sovereignty or territorial integrity merely to remain in power. President Rajapaksa's main concern has been his country and its people.

Though the war against terrorism continues, the Government has convinced the international community, who have faith in the Rajapaksa administration. The huge volume of international funding to the tune of USD 4.5 billion pledged at this week's international donor conference in Galle was explicit proof by the international community to the Government's right economic vision.

On the other hand, there has been a continuous flow of foreign investments to the country. Though the LTTE terrorists explode bombs targeting innocent civilians and the brave security forces personnel, most investors have continued to repose faith on the right economic policies of President Rajapaksa.

At the same time, Sri Lanka has performed creditably with a steady economic growth of nearly eight per cent. A recent World Bank report also indicated that Sri Lanka is on the verge of becoming a middle-income country. These bear testimony to the Government's right policies with regard to the national economy. Winning both the war against terrorism as well as the economic war takes the number one slot in President Rajapaksa's agenda. With the Government extending its majority to 121 seats in the Parliament with MPs from the UNP, SLMC, CWC and JHU joining, President Rajapaksa now has a greater strength to usher in peace and also bring about economic prosperity.

Meanwhile, the Sunday Observer celebrates its 79th birthday today. Sri Lanka's English newspaper with the largest circulation was founded some 20 years before we gained independence from British colonial rule.

Coincidentally, it was on February fourth too. Hence, the birthday of the Sunday Observer and Sri Lanka's independence are celebrated on the same day.

The Sunday Observer has been Sri Lanka's flagship Sunday English newspaper, which has served generations. Its contribution to the socio economic development in the pre and post independence eras has been immense.

On this historic occasion, let's remember with deep gratitude all those past editors, journalists and all those who made worthwhile contributions towards the success of Sri Lanka's No.1 English newspaper in every aspect, be it circulation, readership, quality or quantity.

Let's remember the founder of the ANCL, the late D.R. Wijewardene, with profound gratitude and appreciate the roles played by him and successive managements as well as all employees of Lake House in protecting the country's oldest newspaper house.

Understanding the needs of different segments of the society has made the Sunday Observer the undisputed market leader. Our millions of readers worldwide have been the key to this huge success.

We salute you for your continued patronage as our valued readers and we at the Sunday Observer would make every endeavour to feel the pulse of the people better.