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Religious observances and fanfare to herald the day
A view from above: A show of military strength opposite Galle face Green
The public are cordially invited to mark the 68th Independence Day celebrations to be held under the theme ‘Ekama Deyak- Maha Balayak’ at the Galle Face Green on Thursday.
A military parade in the morning and a cultural event later in the day are the two main events, while a string of celebrations are also due to take place at provincial level.
Nearly 9,000 security personnel will participate in the military parade with 3,986 officers from the Sri Lanka Army (SLA), 2,102 from the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN), 1,238 from the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), 927 from the Sri Lanka Police and 664 from the Civil Security Force (CSF), officials said.
Ministry of Parliament Reforms and Mass Media officials said the Independence Day celebrations will commence as early as Tuesday, with an all night pirith ceremony at the Independence Hall, Independence Square, Colombo 7, to be followed by an almsgiving at the Gangarama Viharasthana, Hunupitiya at 7 a.m. on Wednesday.
A number of religious observances will also take place at various religious places in Colombo at 6.30 am on Thursday.
The Sunday Times was told that Buddhist religious observances will commence at Polwatta Dharmakeerthyarama Viharasthana, a pooja will also commence at the Sri Ponnambalawaneswaran Kovil in Colombo 13, prayers will be held at the Jumma Mosque in Maradana and a Catholic Service at the All Saints’ Church, Borella, with a Christian Service at the Christian Reform Church at Wolfendhal.
These will be followed by a floral tribute at the statue of D.S. Senanayake in Independence Square at 7.30 a.m. by the Secretary, D.S. Senanayake Memorial Committee, I.
Dissanayake. Mayor of Colombo, A.J.M. Muzzammil will garland the statue. The area will be decorated with the National Flag and Provincial Flags.
Watching the tanks roll by: A young family at Galle Face Green
The main Independence Day event will commence at 8.30 a.m. at Galle Face Green on Thursday, under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.
The President is due to arrive at the venue at 8.47 a.m. with trumpets heralding his arrival. He will then hoist the national flag to the sounds of the magul bera and conch shells.
The National Anthem will then be sung by 100 schoolchildren to the SLN Eastern Band’s accompaniment. This will be coordinated by the Assistant Director of Education, Waruna Alahakoon.
Following the recital of Jaya Mangala Gathas and Devo Vassathu Kalena by a bevy of schoolgirls, two minutes silence will be observed in honour of all ‘patriots who have laid down their lives to preserve and protect’ Sri Lanka. Then a 21-gun salute for the President will follow at 9.11 a.m.
The President will address the nation at 9.15 am and at 9.55 am, the March-Past by the SLA, SLN, SLAF, Police and CSF will take place.
Following the departure of the guests and invitees, the event will be concluded with a 25-gun salute to the nation by the Sri Lanka Navy.
‘Nidahase Hada Gasme’- a traditional cultural show will be staged at 7 p.m. at Galle Face Green, with the participation of renowned artistes.A special transport facility will be provided for the public to attend the events.
Snapshot to take back home: A foreigner clicks as the Police Mounted Division passes by while rehearsals (above, top and left) were underway on Saturday. Pix by Amila Gamage