Have we achieved any tangible victory? - Asgiri Mahanayake

COLOMBO (News 1st); Although 74 years have elapsed since Independence, it has become the talk of the town today as everybody is questioning whether have, we achieved any tangible victory which we can look back and appraise, said Most Venerable Dr. Warakagoda Gnanarathana Thera, the Mahanayake of the Asgiri Chapter on Friday (4). The Venerable Thero said, "But we, as a nation are still inclined to a ‘pick-a-back’ mindset and stuck to various differences such as religious and political fraction, and fast walking toward further deterioration." "We should admit with regret that we do not sincerely try at least to escape from this bane. The duty of all the people in this country is to abhor this bickering social and political nature and take the opportunity of the 74th Independence Day anniversary to unite as a nation. Or else nobody would be able to stop us from falling into insolvency," the Most Venerable Thero added. Message by the Most Venerable Dr. Warakagoda Gnanarathana Thera, Chief Prelate of the Asgiri Chapter of the Syamopali Sect., Chief Incumbent of the Asgiri Wijayasundararamaya and the Badulu Muthiyangana Ancient Temple. History records that the people of Sri Lanka claim a proud heritage that runs into thousands of years but were got divided themselves lost their freedom and sovereignty of the nation in certain eras in the past. Consequent to this, our nation fell to Portuguese and Dutch invasions and ultimately was defeated by the British; and was compelled to live under its Colonial Rule for over 150 years thereby ruining our national, religious, social, and cultural values. Subsequently, Sri Lankans, as a nation missed their unity, spiritual values, prosperity, and plenty. As a result of the tireless efforts taken by the national heroes including priests of different denominations and laymen while performing their responsibility at life risk to save the country from this calamity, we were able to free our motherland from the clutches of the imperialists on February 04, 1948. Although 74 years have elapsed since Independence, it has become the talk of the town today as everybody is questioning whether have, we achieved any tangible victory which we can look back and appraise. During the same period of time, many other countries which obtained freedom from foreign invaders were successfully back on their feet. When looking at those countries, it seems that they have achieved development in all sectors including economic and social aspects to enjoy the true meaning of freedom. But we, as a nation are still inclined to a ‘pick-a-back’ mindset and stuck to various differences such as religious and political fraction, and fast walking toward further deterioration. We should admit with regret that we do not sincerely try at least to escape from this bane. The duty of all the people in this country is to abhor this bickering social and political nature and take the opportunity of the 74th Independence Day anniversary to unite as a nation. Or else nobody would be able to stop us from falling into insolvency. May the Sacred Tooth bless Sri Lanka and its citizens with courage to achieve their hopes and aspirations on this occasion of the 74th Independence Day celebration. Most Venerable Warakagoda Gnanarathana Thera, The Chief Prelate of the Asgiri Chapter.