All set for 77th Independence Day celebrations today

The stage is set for the 77th Independence Day celebrations at the Independence Square in Colombo this morning. 

There is tight security in the area and a special traffic plan is in effect centred around Independence Square. Local and foreign dignitaries, including ministers, government and opposition MPs, former MPs, Colombo-based diplomats and commanders of the tri-forces are currently arriving at the venue. 

This year's Independence Day celebration will be a scaled-down affair with a 40 percent reduction in troop participation, fewer military wares on display, greater public participation, and an overall shorter programme compared with previous years, according to the Ministry of Public Administration.  

The National People’s Power-led government’s first Independence Day will be celebrated under the theme ’Towards a National Renaissance, with the cost being reduced this year to Rs. 80 million—Rs. 27 million less than the Rs. 107 million spent last year. 

President Anura Kumara Dissanayke’s address to the nation will be limited to eight minutes and will follow a guard of honour for the President by the three armed forces.