On the occasion of the Seventh Anniversary of the freedom that we have regained, it may be of some interest to take a glance backwards as well as forwards. Looking backwards over the past s2ven years, our predominant feeling must be one of infinite regret at the golden opportunities that have been missed.

More than in any other Asian country that recently regained its freedom, the circumstances in Ceylon were favourable for the achievem,?nt of rapid progress and development. Unlike in many of the other Asian countries, the War had not produced conditions of confusion and devas­tation: indeed far from causing us damage, the war had greatly improved our economic position.

We were thus enabled to proceed to the transition under normal conditions-there was no breakdown in law and order in the country, nor were there any internal conflicts or dissensions. Secondly, our coffers were overflowing ; not only had we built up larg? reserves during the war

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