(LANKAPUVATH | COLOMBO) – The 74th Independence Day celebration will be held at the Independence Square in Colombo under the patronage of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa today (4).
It is held following the All Night Pirith Chanting ceremony held at Independence Square on February 2 and the Sanghika Alms Giving held the following day.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will Address the Nation following the Guard of Honour by the Tri-Forces personnel during the event today. At this year’s Independence Day parade, 3,463 soldiers from the Sri Lanka Army, 919 sailors from the Sri Lanka Navy, 804 Airmen from the Sri Lanka Air Force, 336 Police Officers, 282 personnel from the Police Special Task Force, 437 members from the Civil Defence Force and 259 cadets, totalling 6,500 personnel will participate.
In line with the celebrations, floral tributes will be offered to the National Heroes while religious observances representing all the religions and an islandwide tree planting campaign will be conducted..
A total of 111 military vehicles and 26 aircraft will also join the Independence Day event.
The ‘Gajabhahu’ ship will join the traditional Gun Salute to the nation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy at 12.00 noon at Galle Face today.
Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Police said a special traffic plan will be in effect in Colombo and around Independence Square from 6 a.m. until the end of the event today.
“Motorists are urged to use alternative roads during this period as the temporary traffic plan affects the vehicular movements along 21 nearby roads,” Police said.
A special security plan will also be in effect in Colombo today with the support of 3,000 Police and Tri-Forces personnel.
