Security, prosperity theme of Freedom Day

November 19, 2024

political Current Affairs

Security, prosperity theme of Freedom Day ^Featured

February 04, 2020

A spirit of patriotism will inspire Sri Lankans across the country today as they celebrate the 72nd year of freedom from colonial rule. The state celebration, the first such event of the regime of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, will, as usual, focus mainly around the pomp and ceremony of the security forces’ displays at the Independence Square under the patronage of the President, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and other official dignitaries.

The theme of this year’s ceremony is “A Secured Nation – A Prosperous Country’. The ceremony will begin with the hoisting of the National Flag at Independence Hall by the President.Some 2,500 invitees, including Prime Minister and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya PC, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, Ministers, Parliamentarians and members of the diplomatic corps will participate in this ceremony. Commander in Chief of the Land Forces of the Russian Federation General Oleg Salyukov will also participate in the National Day ceremony as a special guest at the invitation of Acting Chief of Defence Staff and Army Commander Lt Gen Shavendra Silva.

A special area has also been demarcated at Independence Square for about 1000 members of the general public to view the ceremony.The military parade consisting of 8,260 Tri Forces personnel will be led by Major General Mahinda Mudalige . Over 4,000 members of the Sri Lanka Army 868 personnel from the Navy and 815 from the Air Force will participate in the parade.Over 1,300 police personnel are also expected to be part with the Independence day celebration today.

Navy Spokesman Lieutenant Commander Isuru Sooriyabandara said the Sri Lanka Navy will also celebrate Independence Day with the customary gun salute at the Colombo Lighthouse at 11.20 a.m. today. After the main ceremony, the Navy puts on a display of sea manoeuvres at sea off Galle Face Green and also performances by troops on Galle Face Green.Six offshore vessels belonging to the Navy are anchored in the sea at Galle Face as part of events organized by the Navy to mark the National Day today.

The elite Special Boat Squadron (SBS) will also provide a special display in the sea off Galle Face.Air Force Spokesman Group Captain Gihan Seneviratne said 30 aircraft would fly in the aerial fly-past and a special air show would also be held at the celebration.“The Air Force air show will include three K8 aircraft, five PT-6 aircraft, three F7 jets, three MI17 helicopters and a Bell 212 helicopter,” he said.Police media sources said a special traffic plan will be in place in the Colombo city today from 4 am in view of the national day celebrations.