Govt. to tone down Independence Day celebrations

Independence Day parade reduced to 1,873 Army personnel, 40% reduction compared to last year  

No fly-past, only three helicopters to carry national flag   

Navy to perform its traditional 25-gun salute   

By Ajith Siriwardana

The government has made significant changes to the 77th Independence Day celebrations where the usual mechanized column of the Army and usual Independence fly- past of the Air Force will not be held this time, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha said yesterday.   

He told a special news briefing at the Government Information Department that the composition of the Independence Day parade has been reduced to 1,873 Army personnel which is a reduction of 1,511 Army personnel when compared to last year.   

The Defence Secretary said only three helicopters will be used to carry the national flag whereas 19 aircrafts performed a fly-past in last year’s celebrations.   

“We will not organize the usual mechanized column this time. Only the troops parade will be held,” he said.   

Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha said the Navy will perform its traditional 25-gun salute on board the Sri Lanka Naval ship at 12 noon.   

Provincial Councils and Local Government Minister Chandana Abeyrathna said the government has decided to open the 77th Independence Day celebrations for the public to witness it unlike in previous years where only a restricted number of people were allowed.   

He said the government has decided to give more opportunities for the public to witness it in person.   

“Earlier, we had a question for whom the Independence Day celebrations were held. This time, the government has decided to celebrate it as the people’s Independence Day celebrations with more public participation,” he said.   

The Minister said the government has planned to cut down on expenses and that Rs. 80 million has been allocated and expected to limit the expenditure within the allocated funds.   
Responding to a question, the Minister said other institutions such as the security forces will have separate budgets.   

Meanwhile, DIG Lalith Pathinayake said 1,650 police and STF personnel will be assigned for security duties during the celebrations.