Arrangements have been made to hold the 77th Independence Day celebrations on 4 February at Independence Square in Colombo.
Minister of Public Administration Chandana Abeyrathna announced that this year’s celebrations will take place under the theme “Let’s Rally for National Renaissance” (Jathika Punarudhayata Pelagasemu).
Speaking at a press conference at the Department of Government Information today (30), the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha, revealed that there have been notable changes to the military parade’s structure this year.
Accordingly, the military parade will include 1,873 personnel, a reduction of 1,511 compared to last year’s parade. Additionally, armoured vehicles from the three armed forces will not be featured in this year’s celebrations.
The Defence Ministry Secretary also confirmed that the Navy will conduct 25 traditional gun salutes as part of the ceremony. Meanwhile, the air display will be limited to just three aircraft, a significant decrease from the 19 aircraft used last year.
