President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday emphasised the importance of ensuring civic rights for the well-being of all Sri Lankans. Speaking at a relatively simple and brief Freedom Day celebration at the Independence Square, President Rajapaksa reminded his fellow citizens that he considered himself as president of all Sri Lankans “irrespective of ethnicity, religion, party affiliation or other differences” and not “a political leader concerned only about a particular community”.
In keeping with the Rajapaksa presidency’s emphasis on simplicity, yesterday’s event was limited to impeccably parading troops and a few other displays highlighting the modern technical capabilities of the armed forces rather than a showing-off of firepower. Mobile small unit capabilities, urban emergency response units, and underwater warfare capability was on display, demonstrating the security forces’ forward-looking approach to national defence.
In his speech, President Rajapaksa pointed out that there were many factors that entail true democracy. “Balancing of power between the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary is of vital importance.There needs to be a straightforward agreement in power sharing between the central government and decentralised responsibilities. It must not be forgotten that people have personal rights as well as collective rights.