The President, Ranil Wickramasinghe advised the officials to celebrate the 75th Independence Day. He elaborated on celebrating in a special way at a low cost in spite of the current economic situation.
The instructions were given at the first meeting of the 75th Independence Day Commemoration Committee. A meeting was held yesterday (07) at the President’s Office under the chairmanship of President Ranil Wickramasinghe.
The 75th National Independence Day Festival will consist of various cultural elements. It is arranged to be held in the evening of February 04 in Galle face. The parades and ceremonies of the armed forces and police, cultural elements that show Sri Lankan pride, and artistic elements suitable for the youth have been added to it.
Cultural arts and religious programs representing the 9 provinces should be held in coordination with the political authorities and government officials of those provinces. Various competitions should be organized by the Ministry of Education. It should organize various competitions for school children at the provincial and national levels. Also, art and music programs for the aesthetic enjoyment of the youth at the provincial level. It was decided to proceed as per the President’s instructions. The President also explained the need to organize each of these programs in a meaningful way so that the public can participate in and enjoy them.
It was also decided to invite the foreign ministers of the SAARC countries. They participate as special guests of the free movement. This is with the hope of improving international cooperation.
Mr. Wickramasinghe also advised to prepare the necessary background to provide the main state auditoriums, theaters and Colombo Nelum Pokuna Theater, Tower Hall, Elphinstone and John de Silva Theater in the respective provinces at a very special price for a specified period.
It is planned to build 1996 houses for low-income families in conjunction with Independence Day. These houses are to be built in Peliyagoda, Dematagoda, Moratuwa, Maharagama and Kottawa areas. The housing complex to be built in Kotta will be allocated to the artists.
The President also informed that the necessary system to provide all these houses based on priority and due need. No basis for political affiliations should be allowed.
In conjunction with the Independence Day, the President proposed to hold exhibitions under various themes. All the provinces have the initiative to organize a demonstrative bicycle ride connecting Deundaratuduwa and Pedrotuduwa.
Also, on the day, it is planned to issue a special stamp. This limited number of copies and to launch a program in a way that instills pride in the people about Independence Day by re-publicizing the articles, reports, etc. published in conjunction with the 1948 Independence Day celebration.
President Ranil Wickramasinghe further instructed to appoint the relevant sub-committees. All this comes under the supervision of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and the leadership of the President’s Secretary.
Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Ministers Douglas Devananda, Susil Premajayant, Vidura Wickramanayake, Kanchana Wijesekera, Member of Parliament Vajira Abeygunawardena, President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake, Colombo Mayor Rosy Senanayake, Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration M.M. PK Mayadunne, Defense Ministry Secretary Retired General Kamal Gunaratne, Buddha Shasana Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry Secretary Somaratne Vidanapathirana, Chief of Defense Staff General Shavendra Silva, Army Commander Lt. Gen. H.L.V. Liyanage, Air Force Commander Air Marshal SK Pathirana, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugethanna, Inspector General of Police C. Mr. D. Wickramaratne, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr. Dharmathilaka were present.
