Sri Lanka celebrates 75 years of independence from British rule

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe (R, front) participates in a parade celebrating the country's 75th Independence Day in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Feb. 4, 2023. Sri Lanka celebrated 75 years of independence from British rule on Saturday. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua)

COLOMBO, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka celebrated 75 years of independence from British rule on Saturday by holding a military and cultural parade with the participation of a number of foreign special invitees.

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena participated in the events held at Galle Face in Colombo.

The parade included armored vehicles of the military, and parades with the participation of troops, including retired officers and disabled officers.

A two-minute silence was observed to commemorate all Sri Lankans who sacrificed their lives for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka.

The President's Media Division said that the event was organized with great pride and dignity ensuring minimal cost to showcase the pride and past glory of Sri Lanka to the world. 

Sri Lanka's military personnel take part in a parade celebrating the country's 75th Independence Day in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Feb. 4, 2023. Sri Lanka celebrated 75 years of independence from British rule on Saturday. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua)

Sri Lanka's military aircraft take part in a parade celebrating the country's 75th Independence Day in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Feb. 4, 2023. Sri Lanka celebrated 75 years of independence from British rule on Saturday. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua)

Sri Lanka's paratroopers take part in a parade celebrating the country's 75th Independence Day in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Feb. 4, 2023. Sri Lanka celebrated 75 years of independence from British rule on Saturday. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua)

Sri Lanka's military personnel take part in a parade celebrating the country's 75th Independence Day in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Feb. 4, 2023. Sri Lanka celebrated 75 years of independence from British rule on Saturday. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua)

Sri Lanka's military personnel take part in a parade celebrating the country's 75th Independence Day in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Feb. 4, 2023. Sri Lanka celebrated 75 years of independence from British rule on Saturday. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua)