Sri Lanka is a soil in which, more than courage, resilience was planted and grew beyond the bounds of generations, so that those who inherited its freedom rise with every opportunity to prove it.
Sri Lanka celebrated its 75th Independence Day on 4 February at one of its diplomatic outposts in Manila by gathering citizens around its flag to sing an anthem that tells of stories about Sri Lankans’ nature to rise above self through acts that replicate the ideals of their forebears.
Prayers were offered, as well as silence, at the altar of its freedom, and other fronts where these Sri Lankan virtues, individually and as a nation, are demanded to this day.
“The 75th anniversary of [Sri Lanka’s] independence from colonial rule is being observed during an extremely critical and challenging time in the country,” said President Renil Wickremisinghe through Sri Lankan Charge d’Affaires in Manila P.G.P. Kaushalya.
“It is a decisive moment. However, it presents an opportunity for us not only to review our strengths and gains as a nation but also to rectify our errors and failures.”
Since 1948, Sri Lanka has been through the wringer of many tests and travails — from riots to insurgencies and war to natural disasters.
And now, effectively, hounded by its worst economic crisis since independence, it’s grappling with bankruptcy.
“These experiences have left us with a sense of inculcated resilience that has made us revive better when faced with adversity,” said the Sri Lankan president.
Sri Lanka’s new economic and social-reform agenda focus first on recovery and then on renewed development.
And, of course, the friendly and mutual diplomatic relations with countries and its allies that have helped them dance with the tempo of the times.
Several opportunities for bilateral cooperation have been consummated between the Philippines and Sri Lanka in such areas as agriculture, science, labor development and tourism.
Kaushalya put an emphasis on these vibrant exchanges and the countries’ mutual growth story with an emphasis on liberalized Filipino and Sri Lankan markets, and how both governments are deepening areas for business cooperation.
“I am confident that, even at this juncture, we will pool our energies as the daughters and sons of one mother to rise up from the current economic abyss and build back stronger,” Wickrimasinghe said.