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72nd Independence Day, simple but significant ceremony
On the same square where Sri Lanka marked its first Independence Day, a brief ceremony was held to mark the 72nd Independence on February.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's first Independence Day
This was President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s first Independence Day. There were no school children or wounded soldiers at the event but it was elegant with different drills and march past by troops.
A strong but brief presidential address, a shortened march past with a fewer number of military personnel and a fewer number of armoured vehicles were notable differences in the 72nd Independence Day ceremony.
Apart from that the special drill included a segment where those who were involved in heroic deeds took part in the parade under the banner ‘ Weera Podujana Padanama ‘ (Foundation for Civilian Bravery, Sri Lanka).
Even the arrival of the President was marked with fewer vehicles and there was no mounted police escort.
The grand event which was held to commemorate the sovereignty achieved 72 years ago was attended by local and foreign dignitaries and religious leaders.
The event began with the arrival of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his wife Ayoma.
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, his wife Shiranthi, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, Attorney General Dappula de Livera, ministers, state ministers and MPs were among other guests.
Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga who also attended the event was seen occasionally speaking with Prime Minister Rajapaksa drawing attention of media persons covering the event.
Top military officials, including the newly appointed Air Marshal Roshan Goonetileke, Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda, Acting Chief of Defence Staff and Commanders of the three forces, Acting Inspector General of Police, Director General of the Civil Security Department, High Commissioners and Ambassadors too were present.
Russia’s Land Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleg Salyukov also was present.
However Former President Maitripala Sirisena, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka and Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe who were invited for the event had informed the organisers that they would not be attending.
The President dressed in simple shirt and trousers was wearing medals he won during the time he served the military.
The President obtained the blessings of his brothers Mahinda and Chamal before he started the event by hoisting the national flag.
Later a guard of honour was given to the President by the tri-forces. The 21 gun salute was given by the artillery regiment.
Cultural pageant featuring dancing acts Pix by Indika Handuwala
The President in his message to the nation said maintaining balance of power between the executive, the legislature and the judiciary was important for democracy to function properly.
“There needs to be a clear consensus on the responsibilities of the central government and decentralised authorities in the devolution of power,”he said.
The President also said that in democracy, when a leader was elected through a legitimate process he became the president of all people in the country. Therefore during his term of office he would serve all Sri Lankan people.
“I have the vision that I must serve as the leader of the country looking after all citizens rather than serve as a political leader concerned only about a particular community,” he said.
He stressed he was committed to working towards fulfilling the needs of the people of the country.
He said because of the way public administration had evolved, people were facing considerable harassment and inconvenience due to irregularities, corruption and various rules or regulations enacted without an adequate study.
More than 5,000 military personnel took part in the march past, apart from that a display of more than 150 military vehicles showcased the military might of the security forces.
Meanwhile the air force gave an air salute using 30 aircraft.
The event concluded with a cultural pageant featuring dancing acts including Kandyan and Sabaragamuwa dances, raban dance, Govi natuma and a tea pluckers dance. They represented all communities of the country.
Before the departure of the President he came to a special stage to wave towards the people who came to witness the event. This was the first time a president, after the conclusion of an independence day celebration came to say thank you to the crowds gathered to witness the event.
Afterwards the Sri Lankan navy held its annual gun salute at the light house opposite the navy headquarters, and presented the navy salute at sea. There were five advanced off shore petrol vessels anchored at Galle face.