Most Rev. Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, Archbishop of Colomboin his Independence Day messaage said, “I would like to emphasize the importance of uniting for performing the responsibility of building a true independent atmosphere in the country that all communities live in peace, unity, coexistence and blissfully in this juncture of celebrating the 68th independence of our motherland.

 
It is well known that we could gain the independence defeating the British colonialism due to the people’s efforts motivated by a single objective. We failed to use that independence in a meaningful manner for the development of our country as we have divided based on race and political views. We could have been in a better place if we could rise as a single Sri Lankan nation.

 
The priority need of this moment is that all political and religious leaders to get united and work towards the development of the country that protects rights of all nationalities and believers, domestic culture and morals, and build upon the equity, justice, equality, truth, and coexistence. It is the duty of all civilians to perform their responsibilities and obligations with utmost commitment for the fulfilment of that noble objective.
 

Let us pray our almighty god to give us the strength and privilege to loyally perform the task of further improving the independence that our motherland gained. We request our lord motherland Sri Lanka to be intervened before our almighty god.”