A Glorious Motherland - A Flourishing Tomorrow:
Independence Day celebrations in Trincomalee
Ridma DISSANAYAKE
State institutions directed to hoist National Flag
Ridma Dissanayake
The government directed all state institutions to hoist the National
Flag on February 3 and 4 to mark the 65th National Independence Day.
Public Administration and Home Affairs Ministry Secretary P B
Abeykoon said circulars regarding this, have been issued to ministry
secretaries, chief secretaries of Provincial Councils and heads of
government institution departments.
He said heads of governmental institutions should take measures to
work according to the circular.
The national flag represents the country and its heritage and
symbolises a rallying point that integrates minorities with the majority
community. The symbols in the flag have distinctive meanings. The
National Flag should be displayed on days of national importance and at
all state functions.
Abeykoon said whenever the national flag is flown, it should be
occupying the position of honour and distinctly placed. The national
anthem should be sung in full when the national flag is hoisted at any
function, he said.
All arrangements are in place to hold the 65th Independence Day
celebrations themed 'A Glorious Motherland - A Flourishing Tomorrow' (Asirimath
Mawubimak - Isurumath Heta Dinak) at Fort Frederick in Trincomalee on
February 4, under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Over 2,500 invitees including members of the diplomatic corps and
foreign embassies will attend the event. Officers of the Three Forces
including 55 disabled soldiers will also participate.
Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister W D J Seneviratne
said over 3,000 personnel representing the three Armed Forces, Police,
Civil Security Department, National Cadet Corps and National Youth Corps
will take part in the National Day parade followed by a cultural pageant
comprising 860 artistes belonging to 16 cultural groups.
The cultural pageant will be organised by the Culture and the Arts
Ministry with the assistance of the Education Ministry and the Eastern
Provincial Council.
The minister invited all residents in Trincomalee to attend the
Independence Day celebrations. A crowd of over 100,000 is expected.
Minister Seneviratne said all facilities for the public have been
arranged at Fort Frederick.
A large number of clergy representing all religions have been invited
to participate in the 65th Independence Day celebrations. The Buddhist
religious programme will be held at Wilgamwehera Raja Maha Viharaya in
Trincomalee and Hindu religious observances will be conducted at
Thirukoneshwaram Shive Kovil. Muslim religious observances will be
conducted at Mohideen Andervour Jumma Mosque, Trincomalee and the Roman
Catholic service will be held at the Cathedral of St Mary's, Trincomalee.
An all night Pirith chanting ceremony will be held at Independence
Square simultaneously to the Independence Day celebrations on February 2
from 10 pm.
It will be followed by a Sangika Dana on February 3 morning. Floral
tribute will be also placed at the foot of the D S Senanayake statue at
Independence Square on Independence Day at 7.30 am under the patronage
of UNP MP Karu Jayasuriya and Colombo District Mayor A H M Muzammil. |