8th February 1998

Images of Independence

Contents Images of Independence Roshan Peiris meets two veteran Parliamentarians Iranganie and Kamini rebels with a cause Clarke under cloud? "We are strict about our code" Rice:mills in a mess Beat the heat at Oasis - Travel Kala Korner - By DeeCee Book Review I write to discover - Interview People and Events

Images of Independence

Sri Lanka, with a touch of British pomp-and-ceremony, last week celebrated its 50 years of freedom from colonial rule, displaying many of its colours to the world. Public attendance at the Golden Jubilee commemoration, however, was restricted to around 1000 foreign and national dignitaries, led by its Chief Guest, Britain's Prince Charles, who added some royal flair to the occasion.

While he was not charming his senior Sri Lankan neighbours in the VVIP Box, or visibly dozing behind his sunglasses from an interrupted sleep cycle, he alertly soaked in the morning's activities. The show included the mightiest display of Sri Lanka's Armed Forces in many years, in which around 2000 of the nation's fighting men and women took part, and a cultural extravaganza, complete with brilliantly decorated floats and dancers.

Continue to Plus page 2 * I vowed I would do more than my best * I retain my independence

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