Strict compliance to healthcare guidelines during Independence Day Parade
February 01, 2021- A tree planting program to celebrate the 73rd Independence Day
- Religious performances will be held covering all major religions
- Rehearsals commences from 1 February onwards
- A special traffic plan in place
All set for the 73rd Independence Day Celebrations following healthcare guidelines under the patronage of HE the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Independence Square, Colombo on february 4, 2021, said Minister of Irrigation and State Minister of National Security, Home Affairs and Disaster Management Hon. Chamal Rajapaksa today (Feb 1).
Addressing the media at the Government Information Department's Auditorium he said, “Religious observances including Pirith Chanting will also be held at the Independence Square tomorrow night (Feb 2) under the patronage of the President and the Prime Minister.
Minister of Mass Media Hon. Keheliya Rambukwella was also present at the online media brief organized to educate about the arrangements on Feb 4.
Speaking at the session, Secretary, Ministry of Defence and State Ministry of National Security, Home Affairs and Disaster Management Gen. Kamal Gunaratne (Retd) said “National flag will be hoisted in all the state institutions during the week to signify the Independence Day”, while requesting all Sri Lankans to follow the same.
“This year's ceremony will be held in keeping with the healthcare guidelines in-order-to prevent the spread of coronavirus”, he asserted.
Further elaborating that there is no room for the general public to witness the Independence Day parade at the venue in view of potential virus spread he said, “All the proceedings of the programme will be telecast as an alternative”.
While stressing on the safety of participants of the ceremony, Gen. Gunaratne mentioned, “Rapid Antigen and PCR tests will be conducted beforehand for those who are witnessing the event”.
The garlanding of former Prime Minister DS Senanayake statue will also be held during the ceremony, Gen Gunaratne also noted.
Highlighting on further preparations to signify the day of national value he said, a tree-planting program has been scheduled covering all the Grama Niladhari Divisions across the island in the sideline of the programme.
Total of 3153 persons from the Army, 821 from the Navy, 740 from the Air Force, 510 Policemen and STF staffers, 458 from Civil Security Department and 340 persons for cultural events including Tri-Forces personnel will also take part at the glamorous event, Gen. Gunaratne added.
Police Media Spokesperson Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Ajith Rohana said a special traffic plan will be in place surrounding the Independence Square in view of the rehearsals and it will be in operation until the end of the programme from today.
During the aforesaid period, several roads will be completely closed from 6.00 a.m. to 1. 00 p.m. and traffic on several neighbouring roads would be restricted, DIG Rohana also said.
Director General of the Government information Department Nalaka Kaluwewa and Tri-Forces Media Spokespersons were also present at the event.
