Ministry of Defence of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

02/04/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/04/2026 09:41

78th Independence Day Celebrated with National Pride

Sri Lanka's 78th National Independence Day was celebrated today (04 February) 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.

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.

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