04th February 2025 19:05:16 Hours
Sri Lanka's 77th National Independence Day was celebrated on 04th February 2025 at the Independence Square in Colombo under the theme “Nawa Punaruda Yugayaka Arabuma” (Let’s Join the National Renaissance). The ceremony was presided by His Excellency the President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, accompanied by the Honourable Prime Minister and a distinguished gathering of multi-religious leaders, Diplomats, Ministers, Military Officers, Civil Dignitaries and invitees.
The day commenced with an elegant yet simple ceremony as His Excellency the President arrived at the venue, marking the official beginning of the celebrations. Leading figures, including the Prime Minister, Speaker of Parliament, Chief Justice, Military Commanders, and representatives from various sectors, had already assembled before the arrival of the Chief Guest. The President was warmly received by the Prime Minister.
The President was then escorted to the main flag post by the Commanders of the Army, Navy and Air Force, along with the Acting Inspector General of Police, where he hoisted the National Flag to the resounding sounds of the National Anthem sung by a choir of school children. This moment was filled with patriotic pride as the voices of young Sri Lankans echoed the nation’s deep-rooted cultural heritage.
Following the flag hoisting, the President received blessings through the recital of the ‘Jayamangala Gatha’ and ‘Devo Vassatu Kalena’ by a group of school girls. A two-minute silence was observed in memory of those who sacrificed their lives to defend the nation’s territorial integrity, including war heroes and patriots.
The ceremony continued with a splendid Tri-Services Guard of Honour presented to the President. Following the Guard of Honour, the President delivered a speech to the nation, sharing his reflections on the country’s progress and the importance of unity in its journey forward.
The parade, comprising Tri-Services personnel, members of the Sri Lanka Police, Special Task Force (STF) members, Civil Security Department personnel, National Cadet Corps members, and both retired and serving physically disabled war heroes, was commanded by Major General A.H.L.G Amarapala RWP RSP ndc psc, the Commandant (Overlooking) of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force (SLAVF) and the Commander, Security Forces (West). The parade showcased Sri Lanka’s military discipline and national pride, with participants saluting the President in accordance with military tradition.
The final segment of the day’s celebrations featured vibrant performances by cultural troupes, with traditional dances showcasing the rich diversity of Sri Lankan culture. The event concluded with a heartfelt rendition of the National Anthem in Tamil by children of various ethnicities, symbolising the unity and harmony of the nation’s multi-ethnic society.
