Sri Lanka is celebrating its 78th National Day today. The official celebrations were held at Independence Square in Colombo, featuring a military parade, cultural performances, and a special address by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. In his National Day message, the President called for national unity and sweeping education reforms to build an economically strong and inclusive country.

 

The President said the country must harness its human resources while setting aside divisions, stressing that there would be “no room for racism and extremism” in the future. He announced plans for the largest education reforms aimed at creating a globally competitive workforce. The ceremony honoured those who fought for independence from British rule in 1948 and was attended by more than 4,500 members of the security forces, alongside around 400 invitees including foreign diplomats.