By Uditha Jayasinghe
“Independence is loyalty to one’s best self and principles, and this is often disloyalty to the general idols and fetishes” said author Mark Twain. As Sri Lanka stands at the threshold of a new chapter in its history, it would be prudent to ponder these words and dig deep within the collective conscience of our nation to understand what independence really means to the multitude.

Sixty-one years after independence, the questions of national import remain largely unanswered. With the end of the long-drawn-out conflict seemingly on the horizon, new challenges beckon Sri Lanka- issues that can no longer be ignored. Formulating and implementing an inclusive solution to the ethnic problem is without doubt at the top of the list. Peace has become the buzz word, not simply because it is in the hearts and minds of 20 million people, but also, because it is the foundation that the future can be built on. The power of peace is now fuel to the engine of growth.

The new wave of patriotism is sweeping changes even beyond the shores of this palm fringed island. The government is looking to the Sri Lankan diaspora for a helping hand to stay afloat amid the tides of global recession. Encouragement from all fronts are calling on people to unite finally, and spearhead the re-building and development drive that will necessarily have to follow close on the heels of a military victory and political power devolution.

‘Loyalty to one’s best self and principles’ is crucial at a time like this. What are the proud principles that we will build this new phase of our country on? How can the mistakes of the past be rectified? How can history mired in partisan nationalism be dissolved to make people understand that respect and tolerance should be the foundation stones for the future? In all probability, there has never been a stronger test for our people to face. By the 62nd Independence Day what will we have to celebrate? Would it just be another show of military might or an extravaganza of diversity and unity? Will all people be proud enough of our nation not to seek cultural identities outside our state? The questions keep piling up.

Deshamanya Bradman Weerakoon in an interview for this special supplement noted that the true heroes of Sri Lanka’s independence are the people. They are what make this country Sri Lanka: they are the essence that epitomises the past, present and future. In this scenario, they cannot be grouped as ‘general idols and fetishes,’ nor can their beliefs be dismissed as such. It is time for the generalisations to end. The mentality of ‘this country belongs only to us’ or ‘we were here first’ to be dismissed into the dark realms of banished ignorance. The time has come to acknowledge the shortcomings that have plagued everyone, and to genuinely rejuvenate reconciliation: to acknowledge the collective history that is shared by Tamil and Sinhalese and Muslim and Burgher. Time that they were not limited to the colours on a flag but those running in the veins of our hearts.

The sacrifices of our forefathers, be they the sword wielding Keppetipola Disawa or the suave D.S Senanayake, Ponnambalam Ramanathan and T.B Jayah of a different era makes little difference. It is their values, courage, intelligence, forthrightness and foresight that we must embody now. The next chapter cannot be penned by leaders alone. It should be penned by true Sri Lankans including the labourer dragging sacks in Pettah, the tea plucker in Nuwara Eliya, the scholar, the gem miners, tie wearing executives in plush offices and even tea drinking bureaucrats. Each segment of society has a contribution of value to make, and if they do not discover what lies behind the stereotype at least now, it may forever be too late.

Opportunity
The 61st independence has deep meaning and even deeper potential that must be tapped now. Now is the opportunity. Each Independence Day brings with it the gift of a new start and the opening to fuel change. With the determination of 2200 soldiers marching at the Galle Face celebrations, must come this fortitude to be free from fear. The willpower to be fiercely loyal to constructive change and ensure that the doubts and discontent that has been the legacy of Sri Lanka, are not allowed to spawn again.

It is time for the discourse of democracy to begin. In contrast to India, which had gained independence an year earlier, there was no massive violence and little social unrest. Despite Sri Lanka not having to shed blood to gain its independence, the violence caused by ‘Asia’s oldest insurgency’ has more than filled any lapse. Many consider this to be Sri Lanka’s second chance, and it is hard to imagine a much more crucial turning point in history.

For the average person Independence Day itself is little more that just another holiday. Optimism is brimming in minority communities over what could happen next, but underneath lurks the insecurity of not knowing whether the surface good will can be trusted. This can only be dispelled by real measures that reach the common man. On the other hand transparency is essential. People have the right to know, and until freedom of expression is assured in Sri Lanka democracy has a bleak future.

Sri Lanka has always maintained high standards of social indicators. Be it literacy, life expectancy or child mortality rates Sri Lanka has long been an example of excellence to the rest of the world. It is time that issues on the opposite side of the scale are tipped as well and quality behind the numbers improved. A high literacy rate alone does not decide that our people are intelligent. They must be introduced to new knowledge and education standards must be modernised. A different way of thinking will be the first step to true freedom and it is only then that our home will become a place where liberty resides.

61st Independence Day Programme

6.30a.m – Buddhist religious observances at Sri Lanka Maha Pirivena, Colombo 10

• Pooja at the New Kathineshan Kovil, Galle Road Colombo 4
  
• Prayers at the Peer Sahib Makkam Mosque at Colombo 12
  
• Catholic Service at St. Lucia’s Cathedral at Kotahena, Colombo 13
  
• Christian Service at Baptist Church, Cinnamon garden, Colombo 7,
  

7.00a.m – Offering of floral tributes at the statue of Sri Lanka’s First Prime Minister D.S Senanayake
8.15a.m – Invitees should be in their seats
8.20a.m – 8.26 a. m – Arrival of Govenor Western Province, Alavi Moulana, Home Affairs Minister Chandrasiri Gajadeera, Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama, Speaker W.J.M Lokubandara and Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake
8.30 a.m - President Mahinda Rajapaksa and First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa arrive and are received by the Prime Minister and other Ministers
8.32 a.m – Blowing of trumpets, heralding the arrival of the President by the Army
8.35 a.m – Hoisting of National Flag by the President amidst the beating of Magul Bera and blowing of Conch shells
8.37a.m – National Anthem sung by 100 school girls, representing 9 girl’s schools in Colombo
8.43 a.m – Conducting the President to the special dais followed by the Chief of Defence staff, Three Service Commanders and the Inspector General of Police
8.45 a.m – Jaya Mangala Gatha and “Devo Vassathu Kalena” sung by 25 school girls representing 7 girls schools in Colombo
8.52 a.m – Two minute silence in honour of all patriots who have laid down their lives to preserve and protect the freedom, unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka
8.56 a. m – 21 Gun Salute to the President
9.00 a. m – Address to the Nation by the President
9.30 a.m – March Past by Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and Civil Security Guards

• =“Rana Handa” cultural event
  

10.30 a.m – 10.40 a.m
Departure of the President followed by the Prime Minister, Speaker, Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister, Western Province Governor and Chief Minister. Departure of other invitees
12.00 noon- 25 Gun Salute to the Nation by the Navy at Light House, Chaithya Road