Funday Times

Independence Day, 2006
Sri Lanka celebrated her 58th Independence Day in grandeur at the Galle Face Green on February 4.

It was the first time in 28 years that the celebrations have been held at the Galle Face Green and member of the armed forces, Police and school children all took part in the celebrations to mark the day that the country got Independence from British rule,

On February 4, 1948, Independent Ceylon's (Sir Lanka) first Prime Minister D.S.Senanayake too raised the Lion flag at the same venue. President Mahinda Rajapakse presided at the celebrations along with member of his Cabinet and many other dignitaries as well as members of the diplomatic corps. He was accorded a ‘21 Gun Salute’ as part of the celebrations.

There was also a display of military hardware by the Sri Lanka Army, Navy and Air Force with armoured cars, artillery guns, ships, helicopters as well as fighter jets being among those put up on display for the public. Children of several schools from thought the island also participated in the celebrations and took part in a march past well.

The President in his address to the nation called upon everyone to unite to solve the problems in the country and bring about a dawn of a real independence for the people at all levels.

Chandani Kirinde

Back to Mirror Magazine