Sri Lanka, Feb. 4 -- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized that Sri Lanka is celebrating this year's Independence Day by looking towards the future, rather than dwelling on the past.

Speaking at the 77th Independence Day celebrations held at Independence Square in Colombo, the President underscored the collective expectation of all Sri Lankans-both in the north and the south-to build a modern, united nation.

"There is a journey ahead for each and every citizen, a collective journey that ensures economic and socio-cultural independence while fostering the freedom to live as a modern citizen," President Dissanayake stated.

He highlighted the importance of achieving economic freedom without succumbing to the pressures of the globa...