The 74th National Independence Day falls today (04).

Independence Day celebrations will be held at Independence Square in Colombo this morning.

 The theme of this year’s celebrations is ‘Prosperous Tomorrow – Prosperous Motherland Overcoming Challenges’.

During Independence Day celebrations, 21 lanes around Independence Square will be closed to vehicles and a special road plan will be implemented.

Senior DIG in charge of the Western Province Deshabandu Tennakoon said that around 3,000 police and members of the Armed Forces have been deployed to provide security for the event.

The public will not be allowed to enter the premises to participate in the Independence Day celebrations this year and the ceremony will be held in accordance with health guidelines, said Defense Secretary, retired General Kamal Gunaratne.

 In line with the 74th Independence Day, 480 Army officers and 8,034 other ranks have been promoted to their next ranks.

 The promotions were made by the Commander of the Army, General Shavendra Silva, subject to the approval of the President.

2,513 Sri Lanka Air Force personnel have also been promoted. Accordingly, 175 officers and 2,338 other ranks have been promoted to their next ranks, the Sri Lanka Air Force said.

 Meanwhile, the Prisons Department stated that 197 prisoners will be released under a presidential pardon to coincide with Independence Day today.