Happy Independence Day to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka! This February 4, 2025, the Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC) extends its greetings of friendship and prosperity to its Sri Lankan friends and colleagues in celebrating its 77 years of independence.

Sri Lanka gained its semi-independent status in 1948 and became fully independent in 1972, marking its official recognition as the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. Their Independence Day holds a monumental significance to their nation as it marked the end of 446 years of colonization under the Portuguese, Dutch and British rule. It promotes a sense of unity and commonality among the Sri Lankan communities regardless of their ethnicity and religious backgrounds, and provides a platform for important dialogues to address challenges and creates opportunities for Sri Lankans in building partnerships with other nations.

2025 Celebrations

The theme of this year’s celebration is “Let’s Join the National Renaissance,” which aims to foster unity and diversity through multi-religious ceremonies. The event is held at the Independence Square in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

With the leadership of His Excellency President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, this year’s celebrations are focused on establishing a political, social, and economic environment that supports its citizens’ rights and empowers them through it for future progress. The Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Dr. A.H.M.H. Abayarathna, stated that financial allocations have been made solely for essential events and efforts have been made to reach more public participation.

Traditional 25-gun salute in 2023
Photo courtesy of Sri Lanka Navy

Sri Lanka reduced its military participation to 40% this year, with three Sri Lanka Air Force aircraft and foot soldiers joining in the parade. A Sri Lanka Navy ship is also performing the traditional 25-gun salute to mark this significant celebration.

Rehearsal of the Independence Day parade 2025
Photo Courtesy of Global Times

In overseeing the safety and security during the event, a total of 1,307 personnel from the Sri Lanka Army, 725 from the Sri Lanka Navy, 521 from the Sri Lanka Air Force, 505 from the Sri Lanka Police and Special Task Force, 182 from the Civil Security Department, 500 from the National Cadet Corps, and 1,650 police officers are participating in the celebrations. There is also a special traffic plan that has been implemented to ensure a smooth traffic flow.

Hoisting of the National Flag of Sri Lanka in 2024
Photo courtesy of Daily News

Traditional dancers perform during the 67th Independence day
Photo courtesy of Anadolu Agency/Chamila Karunarathne

Reference:

  • Government of Sri Lanka. (2025, January 30). All arrangements are set in place for the 77th Independence Day celebrations. News.lk. Retrieved from https://www.news.lk/current-affairs/all-arrangements-are-set-in-place-for-the-77th-independence-day-celebrations