Colombo, Sri Lanka, Feb. 4 -- Ministry of Defence and Urban Development issued the following news release:
The full speech delivered by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the 78th National Independence Day celebrations.
Today, we celebrate the 78th National Independence Day. In 1948, we gained independence after 133 years of harsh and oppressive colonial rule. For centuries, our ancestors sacrificed their blood, tears and sweat for this motherland in resistance to colonialism. As a result of their courageous and steadfast struggle, we attained ownership of our own people's sovereignty. The year 1948 symbolises the victory, heroism and immense sacrifices of our ancestors and national heroes.
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