The 72nd National Independence Day ceremony that re-affirmed the commitment for strengthening of Sri Lanka’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, economic development, reconciliation and peaceful co-existence, took place at the historic Independence Square at Torrington yesterday morning with pomp and pageantry.
The colourful national spectacle of the year was dignified by the presence of religious leaders, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and First Lady Ayoma Rajapaksa and a host of distinguished invitees, including Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and his spouse Shiranthi Rajapaksa, former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, the Chief Justice, Leader of the Opposition, Ministers, Admiral of the Fleet, Marshal of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Governor for Western Province, State Ministers, Secretary to the President, Secretary to Prime Minister, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Acting Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army,Navy, Air Force, Acting Inspector General of Police, Director General of the Civil Security Department and Ambassadors were present. This year’s National Day celebration was also graced by the Russian Federation’s Commander-in-Chief of the Land Forces, General of the Army, Oleg Salyukov.
Pictures by Sudath Malaweera,
Sulochana Gamage
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