All set for Independence Day celebrations in Trincomalee

Ridma Dissanayake

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.