The 62nd anniversary of independence celebrated in Kandy, was probably the most important celebration in the last 30 years, as it was the first post independence celebration after the Tiger guerrillas were defeated.
Crowds gathered early in the day around the Kandy lake and on the streets to witness the event. But strict security procedures prevented them from having a closer glimpse of the military and cultural parade which was part of the celebrations.
A decision by the police not to allow crowds to gather on the pavements saw many turned away, complaining of the failure to keep them informed of security arrangements leading to a situation causing inconvenience to the public.
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| President Rajapaksa leaving the dais. Pix by Gemunu Wellage |
Similar security arrangements were in place in streets well away from VIP movements as well and people were forced to watch the parade from some 100 metres away.
Small crowds were allowed to assemble at a few junctions to witness the parade.
The celebration itself lacked colour without the usual display of the armoured vehicles and other military weaponry as has been traditionally seen during earlier parades.
However cultural events and the limited number of school bands held the interest of the public.
A resident of Matale, Ms. Dilini Perera 34, who came with eight members of her family, told the Sunday Times they expected a better view of the events, but as security personnel were standing in front of them their view was blocked.
“We came to see the President and the parade, but the children were not able to get a clear view”, she said.
Ms. W. Anulawathi 57, from Pilimathalawa, who also accompanied a number of children, said they came to witness the military vehicles which were seen during earlier parades. Unfortunately we witnessed only the armed forces and police parades she said.
“The children were interested in seeing the parade, but they were disappointed”, she said.
Boats used by the security forces were on display in the lake, but they hardly caught the eye of the VVIPS who seats were not facing the lake. The naval vessels could not be seen by the public either as the boats were beyond view.
Kapila Piyaratna a resident of Kandy, said Independence Day ceremonies were being celebrated in Kandy after nearly 30 years. He said it had been decided to hold the 50th anniversary of independence in Kandy, but it had to be postponed after the LTTE attacked the Dalada Maligawa in 1996.
“We were happy when it was decided to select Kandy as the venue for Independence Day celebrations. We hope next year too they will hold the event here. We are happy there is a climate where we can celebrate the event without security risks such as worries of bombs exploding”, he said.
K.N. Dharmasiri, from Menikhinna said most of the cultural events at the parade were usually seen during the annual perahera, but they expected a bigger military display during the parade.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressed the nation on impendence day, in both Sinhala and Tamil.
“This is the time when the benefits of unifying the nation begin to show results. Now that the war has ended, the nation is saving more than the cost of the war”, he said.
“You are aware during the operation to defend the country; I protected the heroes who fought for the motherland. I represented them everywhere. Now in the nation building process, I will protect the honest and skilled people who work for the betterment of the country”, he said.
“I implore separatist forces and local and international conspirators not to underestimate our motherland and the people of this nation”, he said.
Addressing the gathering in Tamil he said “It is a very happy day for all of us. Thirty years of terrorism is now over.
“For the first time in years we are celebrating our independence in a peaceful atmosphere. Now all of you can live without fear or doubt.We are celebrating our independence in such an atmosphere for the first time. Now all of you can live in consolation without fear or doubt”.
President Rajapaksa said: “Anyone can go anywhere freely. That is very important. This is our motherland. All of us are children of one mother. All of us are kings today”.
Meanwhile the Deyata Kirual exhibition which coincided with Independence Day celebrations will continue until February 10. All security establishments have put up stalls and are displaying military hardware including items recovered from the LTTE. Other government institutions too are participating in the exhibition. |
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