75th Independence Day on a glorious and austere note amid tight security

Military and school bands are rehearsing; the freedom monument at Independence Square is being spruced up and makeshift pavilions are being built at the Galle Face Green for the nation’s most iconic parade signifying 75 years of independence from colonialism.

Although the Galle Face area will be the main venue for the independence celebrations next Saturday, across the country, religious and cultural events are to be held to mark the occasion, which the government wants to celebrate on a glorious note within a budget of Rs 200 million.

Colombo’s District Secretary K D Wijesiri said the Home Affairs Ministry was in charge of arrangements for the main event while the Colombo District Secretariat has been entrusted with the task of organising floral tributes to the statues of national heroes in Colombo and pirith chanting at Divisional Secretariats.

Police spokesman Nihal Thalduwa said they have taken measures to ensure security at the celebrations, in view of antigovernment protests. Besides security, the Police band and cultural troupes would add more colour to the events, he said.

Senior Superintendent Thalduwa said they would set up road barriers beginning from Wednesday as a security measure and also to facilitate the rehearsals, intensify vehicle searches and use Police intelligence to ensure the security of dignitaries taking part.

From 5 am to midnight roads surrounding the main event area would be closed with restricted vehicle movements. The Galle Road stretch from Kollupitiya to Galle Face, Chaithya Road, DR Wijewardene Mawatha, and the Bambalapitiya-Kollupitiya

stretch of the Marine Drive would be closed, SSP Thalduwa said.

In his instructions to state officials this week, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said the event should be held with pride but at a minimal cost, given the prevailing economic crisis.

According to the President Media Division, the State celebrations

will begin on Feb 2 with events such as a special Dalada pooja, pirith chanting, religious ceremonies of all faiths, and cultural shows.

Meanwhile, National flag makers are busy meeting the demand. In Dematagoda, a manufacturer said he was hoping there would be a big demand for the flags.