Sri Lanka Freedom Party commemorates 61st Anniversary

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party which inherited a people friendly political tradition to Sri Lanka is geared to commemorate its 61st Anniversary. The Anniversary of the Party which paved the way for a significant transformation in Sri Lanka is tomorrow.

Even though Sri Lanka gained freedom from the clutches of the imperialists, an explicit awareness on this independence did not reach the people until several years had passed. It was for this reason that the people considered that an imperialist and capitalist administrative system of a nature similar to a class subservient to Englishmen from colonialists. The people began feeling deeply the need for an administrative system of their own.
Not only the people but political leaders were also searching for a new administrative tradition based on a local vision and devoid of capitalism. S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike and D.A. Rajapaksa took a bold decision to ditch the United National Party which had taken over the rule of the country since gaining independence. They gave up all government privileges of the Government group in mid 1951 and took seats in the Opposition.
Thereafter these people friendly politicians resumed the search for the values of the nation. They were also determined not to belittle the dedication of the patriots who shed blood and tears for several years to win freedom for the country. Patriotic leaders such A.P. Jayasuriya of Horana, T.B. Ilangaratne of Kandy, H. Sri Nissakka of Kurunegala, Bernard Aluvihare of Matale and C.A.S. Marikkar of Kadugannawa took the forefront to inject strength to Bandaranaike of Attanagalle and Rajapaksa of Tangalle.
It is through this concerted effort that the launch of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, the historic political force took place at the New Town Hall premises in Colombo on 02nd September 1951. The positive influences made by the Sri Lanka Freedom to civilian life during its over six decade journey are immeasurable.
The Freedom Party which led the 1956 era revolution nationalized the transport buses and directed public services such as education and health to a welfare path. It thus laid the foundation of a revolution in the Lankan political strategy. It was the Coalition Government led by the Sri Lanka Freedom and headed by Sirimavo Bandaranaike that laid the foundation for a journey to inherit the real freedom to the motherland by making Sri Lanka a Republic.
The Sri Lanka Freedom Party which is completing 61 years has not deviated at all from the people friendly political policy giving an ear to the voice of the people. It is this people’s vision that of the Sri Lanka Freedom party that is steering the motherland to a revolutionary chapter through a development war routing terrorism under the bold leadership of Mahinda Rajapaksa. People’s forces from all corners of the country will trickle to the Urban Council Grounds in Kegalle tomorrow for the proud commemoration of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party’s Anniversary commemoration.