Srilanka, Feb. 4 -- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his Independence Day message invited all Sri Lankans to stand strong and united, to take part in shaping a modern vision of freedom, and to contribute to the collective beginning of this new era of revival.

The President said despite countless obstacles and the deep-rooted flaws of the past corrupt political system, the people's government, built by the collective will of the citizens, is steadily progressing forward.

"Today, as we celebrate the 77th National Independence Day, we do so with hopes and aspirations for a new kind of freedom. Reflecting on Sri Lanka's history, we have now embarked on a new path, with a government built through the collective efforts of the people fr...