I am pleased to send this message on this National Safety Day commemoration. 

Our country had to suffer much due to natural disasters in recent years. In every such incident the government's ability to minimize the disruption of people's lives is a great achievement. 

As a political leader who witnessed the tsunami tragedy and from that instance was engaged in rehabilitation efforts, I am aware of the magnitude of the tsunami disaster and the complexity of the restoration efforts. Our aim was to restore all, other than human lives sadly lost in the tragedy. Therefore, the ability to build new houses for the affected people and resettling them, restoring infrastructure and livelihoods as well as enhancing the welfare, economy and the living standards of children, women and youth is a significant achievement reached by us during the past ten years. 

The government's attention is drawn to find both rapid solutions and formulate long-term plans for the effective management of natural disasters,with development plans implemented giving due attention to disaster management. In this context, raising public awareness on disaster preparedness is vital. Establishing a mechanism for early warning and having post-disaster preparedness in place are laudable steps. Efforts by the National Council for Disaster Management towards a new modus operandi to reduce the impact of natural disasters that could occur in Sri Lanka, in keeping with Mahinda Chinthana Forward Vision, are also most commendable. 

Development of our country is aimed at ensuring a secure Sri Lanka. I am happy to see that this year’s National Safety Day theme “Towards a more secure tomorrow” is most relevant, and hope the commemorations of National Safety Day will give full meaning to it. 

I wish events of this National Safety Day every success.

Mahinda Rajapaksa

December 16, 2014