Independence of hope

Tuesday, 4 February 2025 00:47 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

For many years, Sri Lanka’s Independence Day has felt more like a hollow spectacle than a celebration of true freedom. Rather than being a moment for reflection on our hard-earned independence and a time to unite as a nation, it has become a day often marked by military parades, a display of outdated weaponry, and an inflated sense of State power. The focus has shifted from national unity and healing to glorifying heads of State and showcasing military strength, leaving little room for the real spirit of patriotism to thrive.

In recent memory, the occasion has been overshadowed by leaders who seem more focused on boosting their own image than on celebrating the diverse and vibrant nation that Sri Lanka has the potential to be. Whether it was Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the ex-president whose leadership led Sri Lanka to its worst economic crisis, or the unelected former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, both have presided over military salutes and speeches in an atmosphere where the general public has been conspicuously excluded. These displays of authority and force did little to foster national pride or inspire hope for the country’s future. On the contrary, they reminded citizens of elitist cabals that rule the country and had little to show for eight decades of self-rule.

Sri Lanka’s military, having fought in a long and bitter civil war against its own people, parading their aging but still formidable weaponry, hardly seemed like a symbol of healing or collective victory. Instead of evoking a sense of pride and forward-thinking, these displays of might was a reminder of the country’s turbulent, divided past, not its potential future.

That is why this year’s Independence Day marks a refreshing shift. Under President Anura Dissanayake, the celebration has been scaled down—stripped of its extravagant displays. Dissanayake, who comes to office with a significant mandate for change, has wisely chosen this occasion to set a new tone for the country, signalling a departure from the old guard’s reliance on grandiose symbolism.

A promising development announced last week is the special day in October dedicated to celebrating the diverse cultures, traditions, and values of all ethnicities in Sri Lanka. This is a crucial step toward creating a truly inclusive society. For too long, Independence Day has been framed in a way that excludes many of the nation’s ethnic communities, and it’s high time that Sri Lanka embrace its rich, pluralistic identity. This gesture is more than just symbolic; it hopefully represents a real commitment to bridging divides and fostering a sense of unity in diversity—a sense of belonging that has often been missing from past celebrations.

Sri Lanka’s true independence lies not in displays of strength, but in the ability to come together as one nation—acknowledging past mistakes, celebrating the rich diversity of its people, and building a future grounded in hope and mutual respect. President Dissanayake’s approach is a welcome start, and if sustained, it could transform Sri Lanka’s Independence Day into a day that all can truly celebrate. This is the independence of hope, where the focus is on the future, on unity, and on the people of Sri Lanka, rather than on the past and the pageantry of power.