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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.

Here follows the message of Commander of the Army:

"The 77th Independence Day celebrations will undoubtedly usher in a new era for the nation," stated the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Hon. Dr. A.H.M.H Abayarathna, today (Jan 30). "Guided by the forward-thinking vision of His Excellency President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, this year's celebrations will mark the beginning of efforts to establish a political, social and economic environment that upholds and ensures citizens' rights while empowering them."

The Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) held a historic ceremony to induct Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo RSP ctf-ndu psc IG, Commander of the Army, into its prestigious Wall of Fame at the DSCSC premises.

Major General Alexander Ivanovich Zinchenko, Deputy Chief of the Main Directorate for International Military Cooperation of the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation, along with his delegation, met Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo RSP ctf-ndu psc IG, the Commander of the Army, at the Army Headquarters on 27th January 2025.

Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo RSP ctf-ndu psc IG, the Commander of the Army, along with Mrs. Swendrini Rodrigo, President of the Army Seva Vanitha Unit (ASVU), received blessings from the Most Venerable Dr. Kirinde Assaji Nayaka Thero, the Chief Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple, on 19th January 2025 after assuming his duties.

The Regiment of Sri Lanka Artillery hosted a grand felicitation parade on 17th January 2025 to honour Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo RSP ctf-ndu psc IG, the newly appointed 25th Commander of the Army. Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo is the fourth Commander of the Army to have emerged from the Regiment of Sri Lanka Artillery.

‘To recover from the present crisis faced by the country, we should take up our duty with a strong sense of self-discipline and true commitment and must act with responsibility and accountability’ stated Acting Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) while speaking during his visit to the Army Hospital in Colombo, yesterday (Jan 16).

Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo RSP ctf-ndu psc IG, the Commander of the Army, paid a formal courtesy call on the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at her office in Colombo on 16th January 2025.

Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo RSP ctf-ndu psc IG, Commander of the Army, together with all Senior Officers, Officers, Other Ranks and members of the civil staff, extends heartfelt wishes to all Hindu devotees across our beloved Mother Lanka on this auspicious and joyous occasion of the Hindu faith - a Very Happy 'Thai Pongal' festival.