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Tree planting programme highlight of Independence Day celebrations
Independence Day rehearsals taking place. Pix by Indika Handuwela
Independence Square is being decked up in preparation for the celebration of the country’s 72nd Independence Day, on Tuesday.
State buildings and institutions have been asked to fly the National flag from February 1-7, while the buildings should be lit up on February 3-4, according to a circular (01/2020) issued on January 25.
The circular has been sent by Public Administration Ministry secretary S Hettiarachchi to secretaries of ministries, chief secretaries of the provinces, governors and district secretaries, heads of state departments, institutions and corporations.
An islandwide tree planting programme will be the highlight on Independence Day. 
At 7.29 am President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will launch the programme by planting a tree. The public is requested to plant a tree, whether it is a potted herb or a large tree like kumbuk. It is important to spread the message that trees are vital for the environment, said K G Dharmathilake, Additional Secretary (Home Affairs) of the Public Administration Ministry.
State institutions are also requested to plant a tree at 8.30 am followed by a shramadana to clean the building premises.
Religious observances will be held at the Athula Dassana International Buddhist Centre at 7 am and at the Polwatte Sri Dharmakeerthiyarama Viharaya in Kollupitiya at 6.30 am. The Mayurapathi Sri Bathrakali Amman Kovil in Colombo 6 will conduct a religious ceremony at 6.30 am, while St Mary’s Church in Bambalapitiya and the Baptist Church on Bagatale Road will hold services at 6.15 am. The Jumma Masjid mosque in Kollupitiya will have a ceremony at 6.25 am.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will be the Chief Guest at the Independence Square event. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, ministers, deputy ministers, members of parliament, foreign envoys, senior government officials and a total of 2,500 guests will grace the event.
About 1,000 people will be able to witness the celebration while 4,325 personnel representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Civil Defence Force and National Cadet Corps will take part in the pageant.
President Rajapaksa will address the nation at 8.44 am, which will be followed by a march past including the tri-forces, Police, Civil Defence Force and the National Cadet Corps.
Thirty Sri Lanka Air Force aircraft will fly over Colombo, said Air Force Spokesman Group Captain Gihan Seneviratne.
Among the aircraft will be three supersonic F-7s, three K-8 trainer aircraft, five piston engine PT-06 used for aerobatics, one Bell 212 helicopter , three Bell 412 helicopters, three Mi -17, four Y-12, C-150, B-200 and MA 60 passenger aircraft.
Army Spokesman Brigadier Chandana Wickremasinghe said about 70 military vehicles including military tanks will be part of the parade.
Cultural dance items will add colour to the Independence Day celebrations.
About 100 school students will sing the National Anthem and Jayamangala Gatha.
Meanwhile, Independence Day rehearsals will continue today (2) and tomorrow (03) with some roads being completely closed for traffic and others with restricted traffic.
