Feb 04, Colombo: Sri Lanka today celebrates the 72nd anniversary of gaining independence from the British colonial rule in 1948in a simple but gallant ceremony under the patronage of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the participation of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The theme of today’s Independence Day ceremony is “A Secured Nation – A Prosperous Country”.

The national Independence Day celebrations commenced this morning at the Independence Square in Colombo, after President Rajapaksa hoisted the national flag.

A two-minute silence was observed before the ceremony commenced to commemorate the patriots who had sacrificed their lives for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka.

The Independence Parade following the President’s address was adorned with parades by the tri forces and cultural dances by students and civil organizations.

The tri-forces parade consisted of 3,376 Sri Lanka Army, 799 Navy, 847 Air Force, 596 Sri Lanka Police, 327 Special Task Force and 385 Civil Defense Force personnel. In addition, 252 National Cadet Corps, 475 Cultural and Dancers also joined the parade.