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29 March 2024

Sri Lanka celebrates independence today

A Sri Lankan motorcyclist drives past Sri Lankan national flags in the north-eastern town of Trincomalee on February 3, 2013 ahead of Independence Day. Sri Lanka will celebrate its 65th national day on February 4 . (AFP)

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By Correspondent

The stage is set to hold the 65th Independence Day Celebrations today in Trincomalee in the Eastern Province and parades and pageants will be witnessed by thousands of civilians who were directly caught up in the conflict, The Sunday Times reported yesterday.

Over the past few days, rehearsals and preparations had been underway at Black Bay where the event will be held and along with 625 members of the National Cadet Corp and Yovun Senankaya (Youth Forces), some 2400 soldiers, sailors, airmen, policemen and Civil Defence Force members will take part of the parade.

The cultural pageant will be the highlight of the event with the participation of eight hundred and sixty students from six schools in the Trincomalee district.

Presdient Mahinda Rajapakse will hoist the National Flag at 8.50 am and before the military march past, he will address the nation at 9.15 am.

A number of religious programs to coincide the event have also been organized  including the Buddhist ceremony at the Wigamvehera Rajamaha Viharaya (Buddhist Temple)  in Trincomalee at 6.30 am and Hindu ceremony will be held at Thirukoneswaram Periyakada, Trincomalee at the same time.

Mohideen Andavar Jumma Mosque will conduct Islamic prayers while the Catholic service will be held St. Mary’s Cathedral in Trincomalee and the Christian service will be conducted at the Methodist Church.

Several roads surrounding the area of the event have been given a new look coinciding the Independence celebrations.