The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka celebrated its 77th Independence Day on 4th February, 2025 at the Independence Day Square in Colombo. The ceremony was presided over by the President of Sri Lanka Mr. Anura Kumara Disanayake, who was accompanied by the esteemed guests such as the Prime Minister, Diplomats, Military officers, Multi-religious leaders, Ministers, Civil dignitaries and other invitees. The much coveted day was celebrated under the theme “Nawa Punaruda Yugayaka Arabuma”, which translates to Let’s Join the National Renaissance. The day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and included parades and cultural performances.
In the beginning, the President was escorted to the main flag post by the Commanders of the Army, Navy and Air Force, and the acting Inspector General of Police, after which he hoisted the national flag that went parallel with the sounds of the national anthem. The moment was filled with a sense of pride for all those who marked their presence at the event, as it radiated the glory of Sri Lanka’s journey of Independence.
Thereafter the ceremony continued with a splendid tri-services guard of honour that was presented to the President, after which he delivered a speech; sharing his reflections on the country’s progress and the significance of unity in its journey forward. During the address President Disanayake highlighted that “Rather than merely reflecting on our past, this year we celebrate Independence Day looking forward to the future. Today, we celebrate Independence Day, at a juncture when people from the northern, southern, eastern, and central regions of our country collectively dream of a future defined by a prosperous Sri Lankan State, a modern Sri Lankan nation. Therefore, we must recognize that in our quest to attain comprehensive economic, social, and cultural freedom, each of us is a warrior on the same battlefield. Collectively, we must persist in our struggle for freedom on behalf of this motherland. Perhaps you and I, indeed all of us, are united on this journey, and it is imperative to remember that this journey has the potential to render our motherland, this Sri Lankan state, an enduring exemplar of freedom and democracy in the contemporary political landscape. Although we may not emerge as the wealthiest nation globally, through our concerted efforts, we can evolve into a model state of equality and freedom, one that epitomizes the richest national spirit in the world”.
Thereafter, the final section of the Independence Day celebrations featured vibrant performances by cultural troupes, with traditional dances showcasing the rich diversity of Sri Lankan culture. The event concluded with a heartfelt rendition of the National Anthem by children, symbolising the unity and harmony of the nation’s multi-ethnic society.
President Disanayake who assumed office in September 2024 visited India in December 2024, which was his first overseas trip after assuming office. The President was welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi, wherein the leaders discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the fields of energy, trade, and infrastructure development. They also agreed to collaborate on connecting the countries’ power grids and laying down a multi-product petroleum pipeline; that is expected to enhance investment and commercial ties between the countries.