Colombo: Sri Lanka’s 78th National Independence Day was celebrated today with a grand state ceremony held at Independence Square in Colombo under the theme ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka.’ President Anura Kumara Dissanayake attended the event as the Chief Guest and presided over the commemorative proceedings.

According to Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), and the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), were also present, along with ministers, diplomats, tri-forces commanders, the IGP, and other senior state officials.

A ceremonial parade was a highlight of the celebrations, with members of the tri-forces, Sri Lanka Police, Civil Defence Force, and the National Cadet Corps (NCC) participating with precision and pride. The event also featured a flypast by the Sri Lanka Air Force and a gun salute by the Sri Lanka Navy at the Galle Face Promenade this morning.