4th February 2026
Sri Lanka’s 78th National Independence Day was celebrated on 04 February 2026 at Independence Square in Colombo under the theme “Rebuilding Sri Lanka”. His Excellency the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
Upon the arrival of His Excellency the President, he was warmly received by Honourable Dr. Harini Amarasuriya,the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. He was then escorted to the main flag post by the Commanders of the tri forces, along with the Inspector General of Police, where he hoisted the National Flag while the National Anthem was sung by a choir of school children.
Following the flag hoisting ceremony, 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 remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives to defend the nation’s territorial integrity, including war heroes and patriots.
Then, a Guard of Honour was accorded by Tri-Services personnel. Thereafter, the President delivered an address to the nation, sharing his reflections on the country’s progress and emphasising the importance of unity in moving forward.
The parade, comprising personnel from 24 regiments of Sri Lanka Army coloured the parade with the participation of Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Airforce, Sri Lanka Police, Special Task Force (STF), Civil Security Department, National Cadet Corps, as well as retired and serving disabled war heroes, was commanded by Major General K.V.N.P. Premaratne RSP USP nps psc, Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force and Colonel of the Regiment of the Sri Lanka Artillery. The parade highlighted Sri Lanka’s military discipline and national pride, with participants saluting the President in accordance with military tradition.
The final segment of the celebrations featured cultural performances, with traditional dances showcasing the rich diversity of Sri Lankan heritage. The event concluded with a heartfelt rendition of the National Anthem in Tamil by children of various ethnicities, symbolising unity and harmony within the nation’s multi-ethnic society.
Multi-religious leaders, the Speaker of Parliament, diplomats, Ministers, Chief Justice, senior military officers, civil dignitaries and representatives from various sectors participated in the event.
(Photo Courtesy: www.presidentsoffice.gov.lk)
