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 -
