Sri Lanka celebrated its 70th anniversary of Independence Day on 4th February 2018. The event witnessed grand military parades and attendance of political celebrities.
- Sri Lanka tri forces held a colourful grand parade along the Galle Road, close to the Colombo Harbour to celebrate its 70th anniversary of independence from the British colonial rule in 1948.
- The event was held under the patronage of the President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and the Countess of Wessex who participated representing Queen Elizabeth II.
- Over 500 prisoners were released under a Presidential Pardon from prisons across Sri Lanka on Sunday in order to mark the 70th anniversary celebrations of the country's Independence Day.
- Around 544 prisoners serving jail terms for minor offences were released under the pardon based on their behaviour during the detention period.
About Sri Lanka’s Independence Day
- Sri Lanka's Independence Day is celebrated on 4th of February to commemorate its internal political independence from British rule on that day in 1948.
- This day is a national holiday in Sri Lanka. It is celebrated all over the country through flag-hoisting ceremony, dances, parades and performances.
- The main celebration takes place in Colombo, where the President raises the national flag and delivers a nationally televised speech.
- In the President's speech, he highlights the achievements of the government during the past year, raises important issues and gives a call for further development.
- Traditionally the Sri Lanka Navy accords a 25 gun salute to the nation from the ceremonial naval gun battery at the Colombo Lighthouse.
