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Amidst grey skies, President stresses on importance of celebrations in Trincomalee
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Torrential rains beat down on Sri Lanka’s 65th Independence Day celebrations at Fort Frederick in Trincomalee last week. Even President Mahinda Rajapaksa did not escape, as raindrops splattered down on him. His “satakaya” grew splotchy and his face glistened with water.
Eyes right, the President takes the salute. Pix by Indika Handuwala
Thankfully, an aide later rushed in with an umbrella. But President Rajapaksa was seen stepping away from his special dais —where he had stood for the flag-raising ceremony and the playing of the national anthem— wiping rainwater off his face with a white handkerchief.
The downpour only stopped intermittently during the celebrations, which were held on a comparatively lower key than in previous years.
Diplomats in the front row were particularly affected as the winds repeatedly swept in their direction drenching them. They were seen gathering up their soggy skirts and trousers and fleeing to the back of their tents, returning only when there was a break in the weather.
The highlights of the event themed “A Prosperous Tomorrow, Glorious Motherland” included the customary parade of the armed forces, traditional dancers representing Sri Lanka’s various cultural, religious and ethnic identities also swayed along the damp streets.
Rain proved a spoiler; VIPs in the front rows were seen tucking up their trousers and running for shelter
An army spokesman said around 4,000 security forces personnel participated. In his speech, President Rajapaksa underlined the historic importance of Trincomalee.
“The evidence of history is that to secure power in Asia control over this Port of Trincomalee should be obtained,” he said. The President also drew attention to the LTTE’s repeated efforts to capture Trincomalee.
“We have arrived in Trincomalee today, having broken the shackles of slavery” he stressed.
“Therefore, by holding our Independence Day celebrations in this city important to the world for thousands of years, we show the world the importance we attach to world peace, freedom and reconciliation.”
 The wet weather made a few diplomats nod off |
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