Editorial

Security

Politics

World

Letters

Sports

Obituaries

Archives

by Don Asoka Wijewardena

The 55th Independence Day of Sri Lanka will be celebrated on February 4th at the Torrington Square with pomp and pageantry, under the patronage of President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe prior to the main ceremonies. Arrangements have been made to honour the late D. S. Senanayake, by offering a floral tribute at his statue. Local Government and Home Affairs Minister Alick Aluvihare, Power and Energy Minister Karu Jayasuriya, Environment and Natural Resources Minister Rukman Senanayake and the Colombo Mayor Prasanna Gunawardena will also offer floral tributes to the statue of Late D. S. Senanayake.

On the same day at 6.30 a.m., ceremonies of all religious denominations will perform their respective religious rites. With the rendering of bera and blowing of conch shells, the President will hoist the National flag with around 100 students will recite the National Anthem.

Twenty four students will recite "Jayamangala Gatha" and special arrangement has been made to show a mark of respect to all those who laid down their lives for the motherland, by observing two minutes silence and also to honour Sri Lanka's independence, sovereignty, national integrity and pray for co-existence.

The President will take the salute to a parade by the Army, Navy and Air Force will also take place followed by 21-gun salutes. The Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, National Youth Services Council, Boy Scout movement and students representing all the districts will hold a parade.

Another main feature of the Independence Day celebrations will be a cultural dance recital at the Sports Ministry's grounds with a gymnastic show followed by a school musical band show. After the main functions of the Independence Day celebrations, the Navy will make 25 gun-salutes sharp at midnight.

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager