Freedom was won for all - President

President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his Independence Day message told the nation that independence was meant for the entire Sri Lankan nation and was not confined to a single community.

He said the nation celebrates its 59th anniversary of independence at a time it could take pride of its ability to come together, irrespective of pollical differences.

Following is the full text of his message

"We celebrate this 59th anniversary of Independence with great pride.

On that historic occasion in 1948, the late Rt. Hon. D. S. Senanayake said Independence was obtained to reduce suffering and increase happiness among people without any discrimination on the grounds of race, political affiliation, religion or any such differences.

Accordingly, we celebrate this 59th anniversary of Independence at a time when we take pride in our ability to come together, irrespective of political differences. History has shown us that we can rise up as a country and nation when we are united.

All of us who celebrate this 59th anniversary of Independence should remember that in the great struggle for Freedom all our communities - Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims and all others-were committed as one to the cause of Freedom. Therefore, freedom was won, not for any single community but for all, which includes the Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, Burghers, Malays and all others who comprise the Sri Lankan nation.

Freedom is our right to decide on our own destinies without being subservient to any external forces. Having thus taken charge of our destinies, we are faced with a great responsibility."