Leaders of many countries congratulated President Mahinda Rajapaksa on taking tremendous strides towards development in the aftermath of the 30-year conflict which claimed the lives of thousands of people belonging to all communities.

In congratulatory messages to the Lankan President and Prime Minister on the occasion of Sri Lanka's 64th Independence Day, they lauded the dynamic and charismatic leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa who saved the country from the scourge of terrorism.

Celebration of the 64th Anniversary of Independence in New York, USA organized by the Sri Lankan Mission in New York was held on Saturday, February 4th, 2012 at the Springer Hall of the College of Staten Island, New York. Sri Lankans of all ethnic, religious, academic, political, and social groups in the tri-state area attended in large numbers.

"Our nation is fortunate to celebrate the 64th Independence Day with a genuine sense of dignity about freedom" stated H. E President and |C-in-C Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Under the direction of the Commander Northern Naval Area, naval personnel of SLNS Velusumana and Naval Deployment K-Point rendered assistance for the successful conduct of the annual feast at St. Jude Church at K-Point in Poonerin. Food, refreshments and drinking water were also provided to the devotees attending the feast.

As the United States' and European Union's combined sanction against Iran take effect, small nations like Sri Lanka are extremely worried said President Mahinda Rajapaksa to Foreign Journalists, yesterday( Jan 01), at the Temple Trees in Colombo.