Sri Lanka Celebrates 68th Independence Day Thursday February 04,2016

The celebrations of the 68th Independence day will take place at the Galle Face premises this morning under the auspices of President Maithripala Sirisena.

 

The Prime Minister and other ministers along with diplomatic officials will be present at the event.

While the event will include a parade by the Sri Lankan Army and spectacular performances, it will also see the participation of a representative of the National Youth Council

Marked by symbolism of high degree, the 68th Independence Day of Sri Lanka was on Thursday celebrated with an uncommon element - the rendering of the Tamil version of the national anthem at the government's main event of the day.

Around 8-50 a.m., the celebration got off to a colourful start as the Sinhala version of the anthem was played and President Maithripala Sirisena hoisted the national flag. 

 

But, what captured the attention of many was that the Tamil version was sung by school students at the end of the event, which was also participated by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Leader of Opposition R. Sampanthan and former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga.