The ceremony was held under the patronage of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Acting Minister of Defence Ruwan Wijewardene and Secretary to the Minister of Defence Eng. Karunasena Hettiarachchi were also present at the occasion.

The developed Hyde Park Ground also known as the Philip Gunawardena Playground now consists of a gymnasium, trade union offices and a press.

Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Colombo Mayor, state officials and a large number of invitees were present at the occasion.