78th National Independence Day celebrations (Live)

2026-02-04 - 04:39

Sri Lanka is marking its 78th National Independence Day today (Feb. 04). The 78th National Independence Day celebration under the theme “Rebuilding Sri Lanka”, with the main state ceremony taking place at Independence Square in Colombo. Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government – Prof. Chandana Aberathne said this year’s event will be conducted in a simple format, similar to last year, while preserving all traditional ceremonial elements. Proceedings will begin with a floral tribute to the statue of Rt. Hon. D.S. Senanayake at Independence Square. The tribute will be paid by Colombo Mayor – Vraie Cally Balthazaar. The celebration will include cultural performances, while members of the tri-forces, Police, and Civil Security Department will take part in the ceremonial parade, with nearly 5,000 personnel expected to participate. 03 Bell helicopters of the Sri Lanka Air Force are scheduled to conduct a flypast carrying the National Flag. In parallel with the main ceremony, the Sri Lanka Navy will conduct the traditional gun salute in honour of the nation at 12.00 noon today from a naval vessel positioned off the Galle Face coastline. Since Independence in 1948, the Navy has customarily accorded a 25-gun salute to mark the occasion. In line with the Independence Day theme, a series of programmes are also being conducted island-wide under the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, with the participation of District Secretariats, Government institutions, the tri-forces, and the Police.