SL marks Independence Day with low key but colourful celebration

The country marked the 77th anniversary of its Independence at a low key yet colourful event held at Independence Square in Colombo this morning. 

Under the theme “Let's join the national renaissance", the message on Independence Day was one of unity and reconciliation. 

The event was held under the patronage by President Anura Kumar Dissanayake with a host of dignitaries in attendance.

They included Prime Minister Hirini Amarasooriya, Speaker Dr Jagath Wickremaratne, Chief Justice Nirupa Bidushinie Fernando,Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, Minsters such as Bimal Ratnayake, Sunil Handunetthi, Harshana Nanayakkara, Wasantha Samarasinghe. 

Several opposition MPs including Faizer Mustapha and Ravi Karunanayake as well as former MP Vadivel Suresh were also present along with
Field Marshal Sarth Fonseka, commanders of the tri forces and the acting inspector General of the Police.

Addressing the nation President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that they as the the new government, over the past four months, have laid the foundation for a stable economy, introduced a new political culture, and committed ourselves to a new political ideal. 
He added that they strive for a society where people regard each other with equality, respect, and empathy; —free from racism and religious divisions. 

The Independence Day parade was scaled down  with a lesser number of military personnel while there were no military hardware such as armored cars, tanks etc. on display.

The Sri Lanka Air Force helicopters flew overhead with one displaying the National flag.
A cultural dance with three segments which portrayed the dificuties faced by mothers of the repressed, how the repressed children struggled towards renaissance. The dance encompassed udarata, Pahatharata, Baratha, hindu and western dance styles.

The 21 gun salute to the president was not held at the  Independence square event. however the 25 gun salute to the nation held by the navy was held at the Galle face green at 12.00 noon.