President says tough decisions will need to be taken to develop the country

Addressing the ministers, officials and foreign diplomats to mark Sri Lanka’s 63 Independence Day, the president said he would not hesitate to take “difficult decisions,” to develop the country.

“There is the need for an enormous attitudinal change from children to adults to achieve national development,” he said.

The president added that the country cannot be developed solely on popular decisions.

Whatever the obstacles, he said, Sri Lanka should not delay to regain the lost opportunities for economic development.

US message

“Inconvenient and difficult decisions are also necessary for the nation’s progress," said Mr Rajapaksa.

We hope to continue our efforts to strengthen this relationship by assisting in post-war reconciliation to bring about a peaceful, prosperous, just and democratic future for all its citizens US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton

"It is the nation’s responsibility to take hard and difficult decisions to bring light to the future of our children, rather than take popular decisions that will lead them to darkness ahead."

Prime Minister DM Jayarathne was absent at the official ceremony held in Kataragama, in southern Sri Lanka.

But in a message to mark the event, Mr Jayaratne said the “temporary set-backs” such as floods, landslides and drought “could be easily overcome through cooperative effort, unity and resilience of our people.”

Congratulating Sri Lanka on the occasion, the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has wished all Sri Lankans “continued peace and prosperity.”

“We hope to continue our efforts to strengthen this relationship by assisting in post-war reconciliation to bring about a peaceful, prosperous, just and democratic future for all its citizens,” the statement said.