Independence Day celebrations in Kandy

Indika Polkotuwa and Asela Kuruluwansa

Sri Lanka’s 62nd Independence Day celebration will be held at the Maha Maluwa of the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy on February 4 under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

This year’s celebrations will be held in a grandiose manner since it is the first independence commemoration held in a unified country after liberating it from 30 years of terrorism.

Concurrent to the Independence celebrations an all night pirith ceremony will be held at Independence Square, Colombo on February 2 followed by a Sanghika dana at the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya on February 3 forenoon.

Celebrations on February 4 will begin with all religious ceremonies at the Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy, Selva Vinayagar Kovil, Kandy, Meeramakkam Mosque St. Anthony’s Church and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

The fourth Deyata Kirula exhibition staged in Kandy to coincide with Independence Day will be opened by President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Pallekelle International Buddhist Research centre premises on February 4 at 4 p.m.

The exhibition features about 300 State and private sector stalls.

The exhibition spread over an area of about 51 acres has reserved nearly five acres for Security Forces stalls. The exhibition titled Pelanda Ek Kirulak - Nevum Heta Davasak will continue daily till February 10.

The road network in Kundasale was rehabilitated at a cost of Rs. 50 million in preparation for the exhibition, said Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.