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Independence Day to feature scaled-down military parade
The 77th Independence Day celebrations in Sri Lanka will see a scaled-down military presence, with the parade featuring 1,873 personnel—1,511 fewer than last year’s (2024) event. Armoured vehicles from the Army, Navy, and Air Force will also be absent this year, according to the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha.
The changes, aimed at streamlining the event while maintaining its core ceremonial aspects, were announced during a press conference held on Thursday (30) at the Department of Government Information.
The Navy will carry out the traditional 25-gun salute, while only three aircraft will be used in the celebrations, a significant reduction from the 19 deployed last year.
Scheduled for 4 February at Independence Square in Colombo, the event would be held under the theme “Let’s Rally for National Renaissance” (Jathika Punarudhayata Pelagasemu), Minister of Public Administration, A. H. M. H. Aberathne said.