Govt. to unveil reform program for next 25 years on Independence Day

• President aims to reform and maintain stable State Policy to ensure solid economic growth for Sri Lanka by 100th Independence Day in 2048  
• Outlines multiple national events organised countrywide to celebrate Diamond Jubilee celebrations

The Government will launch the new reform program for the next 25 years at the Diamond Jubilee celebration of Independence Day on 4 February. 

The 75th National Independence Day will be held under the theme ‘Namo Namo Matha – A Step towards a Century’.

“During the celebrations, the Government will announce its new reform course for the next 25 years for the implementation of a stable Government policy right until the 100th Independence Day celebrations in 2048,” the President’s Media Division said.

The main ceremony of the National Independence Day celebrations will be held on 4 February at 8:30 a.m. at Galle Face Green under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.

President Wickremesinghe aims to reform and maintain a stable State Policy till the 100th Independence Day in 2048 to ensure solid economic growth for Sri Lanka by the 100th Independence Day in 2048. For this, the Cabinet of Ministers at its meeting on Monday approved the proposal tabled by President Wickremesinghe to establish several new institutions, laws and projects within the next 25 years.

The objective of establishing these measures is to ensure the progress of socio-economic, cultural and political harmony in the country. These include three sub-categories such as establishing institutions, introducing new laws, and implementing new projects. 

The establishment institutions include; the Institution of History, the Institute of Economic and Trade, the Institute of Women and Gender, the University of Government and Government Policies, the University of Agricultural Technology, the University of Climatic Changes, and the University of Sports.

Introduction of new laws for activities include; National Commission on Women’s Act, Gender Equality Act, Women Empowerment Act, Child Protection Act, Act on Climatic Changes, Commission on Social Equality Act, Reforestation and Forest Cover Act, Live Entities Act (River Mahaweli, Sinharaja, Sri Paada Conserve/Solitary Peak Horton Plains, Knuckles Adam’s Bridge), Laws for oceanic resources expedition and management (Specific economic zone/within EEZ), Muthurajawela (Conservation) Act, and Protection Act of Differently Abled Persons. 

The festivities are scheduled to begin after the offering of floral tributes at the statue of post-independence first Prime Minister D.S. Senanayake at Independence Square and the statue of the war heroes at the Presidential Secretariat.

It is also of significance that many cultural and religious programs have been organised throughout the country in concurrence with the 75th National Independence celebrations.

In addition, arrangements have been made to hold Independence Day commemorations at the provincial and district level, whilst the entrance to all public and national parks will be opened to the public free of charge on National Independence Day. 

It also added that a Rs. 1,000 special commemorative coin is also expected to be issued by the Central Bank.

An exhibition of artefacts reflecting the history of the country, organised by the Buddhasasana Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry, the National Museum Department, the Central Cultural Fund, and the Department of Archaeology, is also scheduled to be held from 4-10 February.