Following is the full text of the Message-
Sri Lanka which is our country has a written history beyond 2600 years. In that history we find a unique culture. The main characteristic of that culture which is mostly highlighted is the equality. King Buddhadasa who ruled the country in around 338 AD, is a ruler that had conferred his kindness even to animals. King Agbo V around 816 AD had fed, washed, his mother himself and had washed his head and the crown with water which he washed his mother’s cloths with. King Dutugemunu, who had ruled the country for 24 years from 383 BE, was well known for building a shrine for the death of his enemy. King Mahasilumahathis in 467 BE has learnt about the benefits of alms-giving and went in disguise for harvesting and with the payment he received, he has given alms to Ven. Mahasudhamma thero. All these rulers in this country are memorized even today for their quality of equality.
In addition, in the recent history our country was invaded by three foreign empires and at the end the whole country came under the British throne in 1815. That was under an agreement. However, within a period of three years our citizens have fought against those empires in 1818 till the full freedom is gained. That will be written in the modern chronicles. The country became independent in 1948, 68 years away as a result of a number of riots against the rulers. In this day we commemorate everyone who has gathered despite their race and religion to gain the independence, as national heroes.
Moreover, we have experienced a terrorist war for 30 years out of the past 68 years since the independence. We have learnt many things defeating that war in May 2009. Commemorating all those matters, it is our mission to bestow this country to our future generation as a free, sovereign and self-sufficient country.
As Sinhala Buddhists, let us commit in performing our obligations for the prosperity and independence of the country united with our fraternal nationalities and religious communities by emphasizing the importance of the quality of equality.
Ven. Davuldena Gnanissara
Mahanayaka Thero of Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya
