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by P. Muttiah

Sri Lanka celebrated its 58th Independence Anniversary with a solemn but grand ceremony at Galle Face Green, Colombo yesterday with the participation of thousands of people including state and party leaders, members of the clergy of all religions, members of the diplomatic corps resident in Colombo and other distinguished invitees.

The entire Galle Face Green took a festive atmosphere with national flags and multi-coloured decorative flags fluttering majestically in the cool gentle breeze that came from the Indian Ocean. Bright sunrays in the background of the emerald waters of the sea added a touch of serenity to the commemoration.

The ceremony began after the arrival of dignitaries one after the other in an ascending order of rank at specified times with clockwork precision. The Minister of Public Administration and Home Affairs, the Chief Justice and the Speaker of Parliament arrived in that order followed by the Prime Minister who was escorted by a police platoon in ceremonial dress. The President and Madam Shiranthi Rajapakse were the last to arrive escorted by ceremonially dressed Mounted Police.

Escorted to the Flag Post by the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chiefs of the Armed services and the Police the President hoisted the National Flag amidst the ceremonial drumbeat and the blowing of conch shells. This was followed by the singing of the National Anthem by a bevy of 100 schoolgirls selected from Colombo and outstation schools representing Sinhala, Thamil and Muslim communities.

Another set of 24 schoolgirls sang the Jaya Mangala Gatha and chanted Devo Vassatu Kalena. This was followed by pin drop silence as the crowd stood in silence in remembrance of fallen heroes in the struggle for freedom.

The President then addressed the Nation from the specially constructed ceremonial dais. A colourful march past of the Army, Navy and Air Force followed together with an aerial display of its aircraft and helicopters by the Air Force and a parade of naval fleet in the sea evoked awe and inspiration.

School children representing all provinces including the North East also participated in a colourful march past.

Clebrations were held at Galle Face Green after a lapse of 28 years.

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