The main ceremony of Sri Lanka’s 78th National Independence Day commenced today at Independence Square under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. This year’s celebrations are themed “Rebuilding Sri Lanka.”
The event is held in honour of the men and women who made great sacrifices to win independence from British rule in 1948.
More than 4,500 personnel from the Security Forces and Police are taking part in the ceremony, along with around 400 invited guests, including foreign diplomats.
Meanwhile, a special security and traffic management plan has been implemented in Colombo. Over 2,000 police officers have been deployed across the city to ensure public safety and smooth traffic flow.
According to Sri Lanka Police, traffic restrictions are in place on roads surrounding Independence Square from 3.00 a.m. until the conclusion of the Independence Day ceremony. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes during this period.
Roads subject to traffic restrictions include:
Horton Roundabout to Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha
Library Junction to Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha (towards Horton Roundabout)
Dharmapala Mawatha to F.R. Senanayake Mawatha
Kannangara Mawatha to F.R. Senanayake Mawatha
Nidahas Mawatha to Freedom Roundabout (towards Independence Square)
Stanley Wijesundara Mawatha towards the Foundation Institute
Bauddhaloka Mawatha – Torrington Junction to Premakeerthi de Alwis Mawatha
Bauddhaloka Mawatha – R.F.P. Junction to Maitland Place
Wijerama Mawatha – Vidya Mawatha Junction to Vidya Mawatha
Maitland Crescent – R.G. Senanayake Mawatha Junction to Freedom Roundabout
Maitland Crescent – Junction to Freedom Roundabout
Horton Place – Maitland Crescent Junction to Freedom Roundabout
The general public and motorists are kindly requested to cooperate with the Police and use alternative routes wherever possible.
