Expenses Cut for the 77th Independence Celebration
Three Air Force Helicopters to Carry the National Flag – Secretary of Defence
The Secretary of Defence, Air vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha, stated that the 77th Independence Day celebration, scheduled to be held on the 4th of February at Independence Square in Colombo, will not feature military parades or Air Force displays. Instead, only a ceremonial tri-forces parade will be conducted.
The Secretary stated this during the media briefing held yesterday at the Government Information Department to provide awareness regarding the National Independence Celebration.
“77th Independence Day celebrations”
Accordingly, only approximately 4,421 personnel will participate in the military parade at this year’s Independence Day celebrations. This includes 2,052 Army personnel, 668 Navy personnel, 776 Air Force personnel, 549 members of the Police and Special Task Force, 370 members of the Civil Security Department, and 550 members of the National Cadet Corps.
The Secretary of Defence stated that the number of Army personnel participating this year has been reduced by 40% compared to the previous year. As a result, only 1,873 Army personnel will take part this time, which is a reduction of 1,511 compared to last year.
For carrying the national flag, three Air Force helicopters will be deployed this year, whereas 19 Air Force aircraft participated last year. Additionally, the traditional 25-gun naval salute will be conducted as usual, the Secretary further stated.
