The 74th Independence Day celebrations will commence today (04) at the Independence Square under the patronage of President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.
This year’s Independence Day commemoration will be held under the theme ‘Abhiyoga Jayagath Isurumath Heta Dinak’.
The festival is designed to showcase the pride and glory of the nation following the covid guidelines.
6500 troops are scheduled to participate in the parade this year. This year’s Independence Day celebrations will be attended by 3463 Army personnel, 919 Navy personnel, 804 Air Force personnel and 336 Police officers. 437 Civil Defense Force officers and 259 cadets will also join the celebrations.
Traditional cultural items representing all races will also be included in this year’s Independence Day celebrations.
The main celebrations of the 74th Independence Day commenced at 08.13 am with the arrival of President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.
The President will then address the nation, followed by a colours parade presented to the President by the Armed Forces. It will be followed by a salute and armed parade by the Armed Forces, the Sri Lanka Police, the Civil Defense Force, the National Cadet Corps, as well as cultural groups. Under the current covid epidemic situation, this year’s Independence Day celebrations will be held in accordance with all health guidelines and will function as a bio-bubble.
Sri Lanka Navy’s Gajabahu ship will salute the motherland by firing 25 traditional salutes at the Galle Face and 26 aircrafts with the participation of the Air Force will join the Independence Day celebrations.
Many promotions will be given in appreciation of the service rendered by the members of the Army in line with the National Independence Day celebrations.On the recommendation of the Ministry of Defense and the Chief of Defense Staff and Commander of the Army, General Shavendra Silva, the Commander of the Armed Forces, President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa promoted 480 officers of the Sri Lanka Army and 8034 other personnel’s ranks to their next ranks.
Accordingly, the promotions were made to 480 officers of the Sri Lanka Army including 7 Senior Brigadiers have been promoted to the rank of Major General, 16 Colonels to the rank of Brigadier, 36 Lieutenant Colonels to the rank of Colonel, 50 Majors to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, 20 Captains to the rank of Lieutenant and 70 second Lieutenants to the rank of Lieutenant.
Today, 197 prisoners are due to be pardoned by the President.
