The National Peoples’ Power (NPP) Government has made reductions to the tri-forces and other activities related to the 77th Independence Day celebrations, commemorated on 04 February. 

Addressing the media today, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha said that a 40% reduction has been made to the participation of Army personnel.

He said that only 1273 Army personnel will participate in the Independence Day celebrations this year, which was a reduction of over 1500 officers.

Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha further said that only three Sri Lanka Air Force helicopters will be used during the celebrations, a reduction from the 09 helicopters used last year.

The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence further announced that parades of armoured vehicles will not take place during this year’s Independence Day celebrations.

Stating that armoured vehicles of the tri-forces will not conduct parades, he said only parades by military personnel will take place this year.

Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha said, however, that the mid-sea gun salute by the Sri Lanka Navy will take place as usual, as it was a tradition.

He added that the Sri Lanka Police is tasked with security and traffic measures, as the rehearsals for the 77th Independence Day celebrations have commenced. 

The government has planned to conduct the 77th Independence Day celebrations surrounding the Independence Square in Colombo. (Newswire)

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