en_153427_0	Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa has said that he wished to take this opportunity to remind everyone that they should unite to create a truly non-dependent Sri Lanka, a country that is self-sufficient and bold enough to not let external forces try to divide itself based on their vested interests.
en_153427_1	The Leader of the Opposition said that although Independence Day is the day we achieved independence from the British, by spirit, it serves as a reminder that Sri Lankans are first and foremost, one.
en_153427_2	Having been a young boy when it happened and growing up watching our country’s growth, he said he cannot help but reflect on their journey as a people.
en_153427_3	Mahinda Rajapaksa said he feels overjoyed and yet, sympathetic as I haveseen our nation rally together in the darkest times and at the same time, tear itself up from within.