As elaborate arrangements in connection with the 63rd National Independence Day (February 4), themed ‘Protect the Rebuilt Nation’ at Kandasurindugama, Kataragama, are being finalized, the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya on Tuesday (1), took time off to inspect the rehearsal of the Army parade and the Guard of Honour at Kataragama Gam Udawa grounds.
Lieutenant General Jayasuriya, along with a few senior officers closely observed the conduct of the march past of the Army troops taking part in the forthcoming Independence Day celebrations and provided necessary instructions for further improvement and precision. Lieutenant General Jayasuriya personally inspected every phase of the movements during rehearsals and shared a couple of views with participating troops and commanding officers.
HE the President Mahinda Rajapaksa, gracing the occasion as Chief Guest, is scheduled to address the nation at 9.15 a.m. on the National Independence Day. A special Guard of Honour and gun salutes, accorded separately by the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and the Civil Defence Force troops are to honour the President and the Nation on the same occasion. Hundreds of artistes of cultural centres in Uva and students from the province are expected to add colour to the Independence Day parade.
Lieutenant General Jayasuriya after his sojourn at Kataragama Independence Day site, moved to Buttala and saw for himself how Army stalls at ‘Deyata Kirula’ Exhibition at Buttala that coincides with the 63rd Independence Day, are being organized receiving final touches. A large number of Regiments in the Army are associated with the exhibition stalls at the ‘Deyata Kirula’ site.
The mega exhibition, held for the 5th consecutive year with about 2000 state and private sector exhibition stalls, mirrors the series of development projects in progress across the country. Tri-services, Police and Civil Defence Force, showcasing their own achievements and talents as well as arms and equipment captured from the LTTE, are to set up separate stalls at the exhibition complex.
The exhibition is to be declared open by HE the President on the National Independence Day after main ceremonies at Kataragama are over. A tri-service cultural pageant on the opening day is to add more significance and colourfulness to the exhibition that will be open to the public until 10th February after its formal opening on 4th February.
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