Lanka marks 65th Independence Day today

Dharma Sri Abeyratne in Trincomalee

Sri Lanka’s 65th Independence Day celebrations will be held on a grand scale at Fort Frederick in Trincomalee today. The celebrations will be held under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The theme of this year’s celebration is ‘A Glorious Motherland - A Flourishing Tomorrow’ (Asirimath Mawubimak - Isurumath Heta Dinak).

Over 2,500 invitees including members of the diplomatic corps and foreign embassies will attend the event. Mass Media and Information Ministry sources 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.

Over 100,000 people from all parts of the island are expected to witness the celebrations. 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 from 10 pm.