Sri Lanka set to celebrate 77th National Independence Day

All preparations are in place to celebrate the 77th National Independence Day today (04).

The 77th National Independence Day celebration under the theme ‘Rallying for National Renaissance’ will be held today at Independence Square in Colombo under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The Independence Day celebrations will be centered around the Independence Square and the Independence Avenue areas.

This year, only 1,873 Tri-Fforces military personnel will participate in the Independence Day celebrations in comparison to 3,384 who participated last year, reduced by 1,511 soldiers with a 40 percent drop, and will be celebrated with a large participation of the public, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Sampath Thuyacontha said. The Government has also decided not to use armoured vehicles of the Tri-Forces for this year’s Independence Day celebration.

The traditional 25-gun salute by the Navy will be conducted.

Only three aircraft belonging to the Air Force are planned to be used this year for the Independence Day celebration in contrast to the 19 used last year.

The decision to light up and decorate all state institutions with electric lights on February 03 and 04 has also been cancelled while the national flag will be hoisted in all state institutions from February 01 to 07.

This decision has been made by the Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Ministry to hold this year’s Independence Day celebrations at a low cost with minimal disruption to the public and with greater public participation.

The Prisons Department stated that 285 prisoners will be released today to mark the 77th Independence Day under a special state pardon. Today will be an open day at the prisons for relatives to visit the inmates.

Speaking at a special media briefing yesterday, Police Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manathunga said that over 1,000 Police officers have been deployed for security today and that those arriving for the ceremony will be screened and then directed to the Independence Day celebrations. He added that a large number of people are expected to participate in the Independence Day celebrations.

A special traffic plan is set for with regarding traffic restrictions, road closures and the use of alternative routes in the Colombo area with special security checks for invitees attending the event near the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation.

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