http://www.dailynews.lk/2011/02/05/news02.asp

Kataragama comes alive with pomp and pageantry

Dharma Sri Abeyratne
Sri Lanka’s 63rd Independence Day was celebrated yesterday with pomp and pageantry under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa in the historic city of Kataragama highlighting great qualities such as bravery, confidence, dedication, national unity, patriotism, nationalism, peace, national responsibility and awareness of national history in the minds of people.
The Independence Day ceremony commenced with the arrival of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa at 8.45am. They were then received by Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister W D J Senaviratne and Deputy Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister Wijaya Dahanayake. This was followed by the blowing of trumpets heralding the arrival of the President by Sri Lanka Army.
The President was later accompanied to the main flag post by the Chief of Defence Staff Service Commanders and Inspector General of Police. The President hoisted the National Flag amidst the beating of Magul Bera and blowing of Conch Shells. The National Anthem was sung by 100 schoolchildren from 12 schools in Badulla and Bandarawela. All the invitees and thousands of people participated in singing the National Anthem together with the schoolchildren.
The President was then conducted to the special dais by the Chief of Defence Staff Service Commanders and the Inspector General of Police. After that President Rajapaksa was blessed with Jaya Mangala Gatha and Devo Vassathu Kalena which was sung by 25 schoolgirls representing 10 schools in the Uva Province.
Then, there was a two minute silence in honour of all patriots who have laid down their lives to preserve and protect the freedom, unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the motherland. The President also paid tribute to the patriots and national heroes of Sri Lanka, observed two minutes of silence in their memory.
After that the Three Forces personnel accorded a guard of honour to the President and it was followed by 21 ceremonial Gun Salute.
A great military parade by 1,400 Army, 300 Air Force, 300 Navy, 300 Police and 250 Civil Security Force personnel was another big draw. Besides, 250 School Cadets representing the Three Forces and the Police took part in the parade. The march past showcased the power of the Army, Navy, Air force, Police and the Civil Security Force. The gallant march of Army Commandos and Special Forces Personnel, STF and the Navy SBS was eye-catching.
In addition the commitment, bravery, national unity and determination to achieve peace were recollected in the minds of people who viewed the march past.
There were also dances, singing and performances that showcased national unity and culture. Around 1,400 dancers representing many cultural centres participated in various dancing items including 18 Wannama