Independence Square and Hall improvement process to be expedited

Rohan Mathes

COLOMBO: The Public Administration and Home Affairs Ministry will expedite the process of improving the Independence Square and the Independence Hall, two places considered as a symbol of national pride for all Sri Lankans.

Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister Karu Jayasuriya has said the ground floor of the Independence Hall, which has not been utilised for any purpose, will be used as an independence Museum.

The Minister said he would include the names of 'War Heroes' who sacrificed their lives for the country and the public, in a golden book within this proposed museum cubicle.

They expect to construct a non-extinguishing lamp within the Independence Square and light it for the first time, on February 4 next year, when the Nation celebrates its 60th year of independence.

Minister Jayasuriya expects to elevate the premises to the level of India, China and Berlin city august Independence symbols within the next six months. Following the discussion, the group led by the Minister including top officials of the Three Services and the Police, inspected the premises.

The Independence Square development plans prepared by the Urban Development Ministry had also come under the Minister's consideration.

A special committee in which the Public Administration and Home Affairs Ministry Secretary D. Dissanayake too will participate, has been set up by the Cabinet to plan the 60th Independence celebrations. Secretaries of the Education, Media and Information and Cultural Ministries and an Army representative will be included in the committee.