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Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government, Dr. A.H.M.H. Abeyratne, stated that the current government's objective is to digitalize the public service and guide it towards a new path.

Dr. A.H.M.H. Abeyratne, Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, made these remarks on September 15, 2025, while attending the event to introduce digital signatures to public officials of the Home Affairs Division of his ministry. The Minister further stated that his goal is to create an efficient public service that the people expect, and this new technology should be extended to the Grama Niladhari level.

As per the Electronic Transactions Act No. 19 of 2006, the process of digitizing the signatures of officials within the District Secretariat and Divisional Secretariat offices of the Home Affairs Division was initiated to make official duties easier and more efficient.

Under the provisions of the Electronic Transactions Act, LankaPay is the Digital Signature Certification Authority. This will help to avoid delays in official correspondence, thereby providing a more efficient and productive service.

Several key officials, including S. Alokabandara, Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; Additional Secretaries of the Home Affairs Division Chithra Thilakaratne, Dr. Roshini Dissanayake, A.G. Nishantha, Dhammika Muthugala, Omali Wimalaratne; Chief Financial Officer J.D.A.P. Jayasinghe; Director General Engineer U.L.A. Nasar; and Colombo District Secretary Prasanna Geeganage, along with many other staff members of the Home Affairs Division, were present at the event.

-Home Affairs Media Unit-

Mr. A.H.M.H. Abayarathna, Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government, stated that this year’s 77th National Independence Day Commemoration Ceremony will be held on February 04 at the Independence Square under the theme “Towards National Renaissance.”

The minister stated this while attending the press conference held on 30.01.2025 (today) at the Department of Information regarding the preparations for the Independence Day celebrations.

Minister A.H.M.H. Abayarathna further added that all arrangements are in place to hold this year’s Independence Day commemoration ceremony with dignity at a low cost.

According to Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha, the number of Army personnel deployed in this year’s Independence Day commemoration ceremony has been reduced by 40% compared to last year.

He also added that some changes have been made in the composition of the Independence Day commemoration parade. Accordingly, this year's military parade is limited to 1,873 members, which is a decrease of 1,511 armed forces members compared to last year, the Defence Secretary said.

The Defence Secretary further added that no tri-forces armored vehicles will feature in this year’s ceremony.

Meanwhile, the Defence Secretary stated that the traditional 25-gun salutes are to be conducted by the Navy, and he also added that of the 19 aircraft used last year, only 3 aircraft will be used for this year’s Independence Day ceremony.

- Home Affairs Media Unit -

Sri Lanka's 77th National Independence Day was celebrated on 04th February 2025 at the Independence Square in Colombo under the theme “owards National Renaissance”.