The 78th Independence Day celebration that reflects the collective identity of the Sri Lankan people.
News Whisperer presents a post shared today on Facebook by Colombo Mayor Vraie Kelly Balthazaar, as it reflects the National People’s Power (NPP) government’s genuine commitment to building an inclusive society in a real and meaningful way.
This is the post by Colombo Mayor Vraie Kelly Balthazaar:
For as long as I can remember, Independence Day reflected a single identity. Because I didn’t always see myself in it, the celebration often felt more symbolic than personal.
But today felt different.
Today, I felt like there was a message meant for me. For the hundreds of thousands like me. A sense of togetherness and shared purpose that finally made sense to a mixed-race person, who has also long stood for equality and equity for all.
Every choice made about the parade were deliberate decisions.
The President’s speech focused on coming together, and the cultural presentations amplified that message.
I loved seeing people from different parts of the island brought together in one performance. I loved that we included persons living with disabilities. I loved that our national anthem was sung in both Sinhala and Tamil by children from many schools, including the blind school.
Maybe people missed seeing those things today. But to me, those small details, framed everything about our celebration. And the direction in which our government has chosen to move forward.
Our challenge, I know, is to find ways to live this every day—not just to perform togetherness, but to ensure it is a promise we keep. I trust, this is something we can do.
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