No war equipment exhibition at this year's Independence Day celebration

The 78th National Independence Day celebration, themed "Let's Build Sri Lanka," was held majestically yesterday (04) morning at the Independence Square premises in Colombo, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The proceedings of the festival commenced after the invited guests were seated, with the Guard of Honour marching towards the venue.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who arrived at the venue at 8:00 AM, was welcomed by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Minister of Public Administration Professor Chandana Abeyratne, along with the commanders of the three armed forces and the Inspector General of Police. Subsequently, the President was escorted to the main flagpole by the defense chiefs, and at the auspicious moment of 8:04 AM, amidst the sounds of traditional drums (Magul Bera) and conch shells (Jaya Sak), the President hoisted the national flag.

After the hoisting of the national flag, 44 school children sang the national anthem. Students from the following schools participated in this rendition: Ratmalana School for the Blind, Anuruddha Balika Vidyalaya, Ananda College, Defence Services College, De La Salle College, Muslim Ladies' College, Royal College, Ramanathan Hindu Ladies' College, Veluwana College, Zahira College, and Hindu College.

After the President was escorted to the special dais, 16 female students from Devi Balika Vidyalaya, Visakha Vidyalaya, and Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya sang the Jayamangala Gatha and the Devo Vassatu Kalena Gatha. This was followed by a two-minute silence observed in remembrance of the war heroes who sacrificed their lives for the independence and territorial integrity of the motherland, after which the President addressed the nation.

Showcasing the pride of Sri Lanka, 4,602 personnel participated in this year's Guard of Honour parade, which was jointly presented by the tri-forces, police, Civil Security Department, and the National Cadet Corps. This year's parade did not feature a display of military equipment, with only four armored vehicles included.

Coinciding with the Independence Day celebration, the Sri Lanka Navy also presented a 25-gun salute to the nation yesterday at 12:00 PM at Galle Face Green. The proceedings of the 78th National Independence Day celebration concluded after a cultural show held at the venue, followed by the singing of the national anthem in Tamil.