Independence celebrations in Kataragama

Chaminda PERERA

All arrangements are in place to celebrate the country’s 63rd Independence Day in Kataragama under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. This is the first time a national ceremony to celebrate the country’s independence is held in the Uva Province. A 21 gun salute in honour of President Mahinda Rajapaksa is to be conducted by the Sri Lanka Army on this occasion.

According to Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister W D J Seneviratne, the Government has provided all facilities to the public to witness the Independence Day celebration and an area in extent of 7 acres has already been allocated to the Public coming from Moneragala, Badulla, Hambantota districts.

He said that a special transport service is to be launched by the Government for the benefit of the people coming from adjacent districts.

Over 3,000 members of Sri Lanka Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and the Civil Defence Force would participate in the national day parade followed by cultural show, he added.

The Minister said more than 1,400 artistes representing the all districts of the country would take part in the cultural show.

Children from a number of schools in the Moneragala district will participate.