Military presence minimal at 77th Independence Day parade

Colombo, February 4 (Daily Mirror) - The number of tri-service personnel deployed for this year’s Independence Day celebrations has been reduced by 40%, with the decision not to include tri-services armoured vehicles in the parade.

The 77th Independence Day celebrations will be held today (February 4) at the Independence Square and Independence Mawatha area.

The total number of military personnel participating in the parade will be 1,873, a reduction of 1,511 from last year.

Despite the reduction, the parade will maintain its grandeur and dignity. Only three aircraft from the Sri Lanka Air Force will participate this year, compared to 19 last year, and there will be no armoured vehicle parades. 

The Sri Lanka Navy will conduct a traditional 25-gun salute from a ship at sea.

Police spokesman SSP Buddhika Manatunga said during a special media briefing that over 1,000 police personnel have been assigned to ensure security during the event.

The Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government has opted for a low-cost, public-friendly approach to this year’s celebrations, focusing on minimal disruptions and encouraging greater public participation.

The government has decided to open the 77th Independence Day celebrations for the public to witness.

Accordingly, those arriving will be directed to the Independence Day celebration after being screened, the spokesman said.

A large number of people are expected to participate in the Independence Day celebration.

The police also said that a special traffic plan will be implemented on Tuesday.

Traffic DIG Indika Hapugoda said that all invitees are requested to arrive at the relevant venue before 7 a.m. and take their seats.

Meanwhile, the public coming to watch the Independence Day celebrations should enter from Bauddhaloka Mawatha, where they will be checked near the Rupavahini premises and directed to their seats.

Entrance to Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Torrington Junction, Premakeerthi de Alwis Mawatha, R.S.P. Junction towards Public Administration, Wijerama Vidya Mawatha towards Vidya Mawatha, the Independence Roundabout towards Maitland Crescent, Stanley Wijesundara Mawatha at the Foundation Mawatha Junction towards Independence Mawatha, the Independence Roundabout towards Independence Square, the Library Roundabout towards Horton Roundabout, and the Independence Foundation Junction to Independence Mawatha have been closed, and traffic has been restricted.

Indika Hapugoda also said that residents in these areas will be allowed to enter, based on their identities.

He urged motorists to use alternate routes when entering Colombo.

Vehicles coming from Nanda Motors can turn right from the Independence Roundabout and proceed along Philip Gunawardena Mawatha, Stanley Wijesundara Mawatha and enter Bauddhaloka Mawatha, continuing towards Thummulla and Borella Cemetery.

Meanwhile, vehicles coming from Bauddhaloka Mawatha to Horton Roundabout can proceed along Wijerama Mawatha and head towards Horton Place, while vehicles travelling from Wijerama Junction to Vidya Wijerama Junction to Thummulla can proceed towards Buller's Wijerama from Vidya Wijerama Junction and continue towards Borella Cemetery and Thummulla.