President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday called for unity, beyond petty differences, to build an economically strong Sri Lanka, declaring that the country’s greatest asset was its human resource and warning that there would be no place for racism or extremism in the nation’s future.

Addressing the 78th National Independence Day celebrations, at Independence Square, in Colombo, the President said Sri Lanka must embark on a path of rebuilding, rooted in its sovereignty, history and values, while embracing reform and progress. The national celebrations, held under the theme, ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’, commenced at around 7.30 a.m., paying tribute to those who sacrificed much to secure independence from British rule in 1948.

More than 4,500 personnel from the tri-forces and Police took part in the ceremony, alongside around 400 invited guests, including foreign diplomats. A special security and traffic management plan was also in effect, with over 2,000 Police officers deployed across Colombo to ensure public safety and smooth traffic flow.

In his address to the nation, President Dissanayake paid tribute to past generations who fought for the countrys freedom, describing them as heroic patriots whose sacrifices formed the foundation of the nation.

The land on which we stand today is drenched with the blood and tears of our ancestors, he said, adding that it was the duty of present and future generations to honour that legacy.

The President stressed that rebuilding Sri Lanka required drawing strength from the country’s proud history while rejecting harmful practices of the recent past. Economic development, he said, must not erode the foundations of the nation but instead be firmly rooted in the soul of the land and its people.

Emphasising the importance of human capital, the President said Sri Lanka must transform its human resources into a competitive force capable of standing alongside developed nations. He underscored the need to prioritise knowledge, unity and progress over ignorance, prejudice and division, and announced that the Government was ready to implement the most far-reaching education reforms in the country’s history to achieve this goal.

We are prepared to initiate a transformative era in education, he said, pledging to overcome resistance from outdated thinking, and expressing confidence that the people would support the reform process.

The President also highlighted the centrality of the rule of law, national unity and healthy international relations in rebuilding the country. True freedom, he said, could only be achieved through economic strength, supported by good governance and social cohesion.

Reaffirming his commitment to national unity, President Dissanayake said racism and extremism would not be tolerated, warning that both only weakened the nation. He called on all segments of society, including the Government, Opposition, public service and religious leaders, to unite with determination to rebuild Sri Lanka in every sphere.