Home Affairs and Fisheries Minister Joseph Michael Perera addressing a media briefing yesterday said prior to the commencement of the ceremony, floral tributes will be laid at the statue of the first Prime Minister of Sri Lanka D.S. Senanayake opposite Independence Square, Colombo 7 at the auspicious time of 7.30 am. The minister was speaking at a press conference at the Information Department yesterday.

The Independence parade will consist of 5,922 personnel from Tri Forces, Police,Civil Defence Force and Youth Brigade. A 600 strong cultural troupe will also perform.

Parallel to the Independence day ceremony, an all night Pirith ceremony will be held at Independence Square on February 2 with an alms giving to monks of the Sri Lanka Maha Pirivena, Maradana the following day. Hindu, Christian as well as Islamic religious observances will also be held parallel to this event.