President insists on Independence Day celebration but at minimal cost

• Says: “We must celebrate the 75th Independence Anniversary, otherwise, the world will say that we are not capable of celebrating even our independence”

President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday insisted that Independence Day must be celebrated but at minimal cost.

He reiterated his stance during a pre-discussion yesterday on the 75th Independence Day celebrations in a grand and proud manner but maintaining minimum cost.

“We must celebrate the 75th Independence Anniversary, otherwise, the world will say that we are not capable of even celebrating our independence. Similarly, we need to attract tourists and investors to our country. We need to build a positive image of our country. Therefore, let us minimise our expenditure and celebrate our Day of Independence,” President told the meeting.

The President advised the officials that it is their responsibility as well as that of the political authority, to pay attention to the current financial situation of the country while estimating the expenses required for these activities and in spending in a practical manner and reducing expenses.

While pointing out that there is huge opposition among the people regarding the allocation of funds for the 75th Independence Day celebration, the President emphasised that efforts should be made to minimise the related expenses.

“The Treasury does not have enough funds to bear the full cost of these activities. Therefore, we will have to focus on other activities only after allocating funds for the main activities,” Wickremesinghe said.

In conjunction with the 75th Independence Day celebration, many special programs are scheduled to be implemented from 2 to 19 February. The special Dalada Pooja and Pirith chanting, religious ceremonies of all faiths, cultural show held at the Independence Square, the traditional Independence celebration main event held at Galle Face Green, the national parks and Zoo will be open to the public free of charge, the opening of the Jaffna Cultural Centre, the Kandy republic parade, the cycle race from Dondra Point to Point Pedro etc. have also been planned.

The President also said that it has been planned to initiate a project to create urban forests in conjunction with the Independence Day celebrations.

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to the President on National Security Sagala Ratnayake, Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake, Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake, Secretaries of Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Defence, Foreign Affairs, Education, Cultural and Buddhist Affairs, Media, Finance and the officials of the Treasury and the line ministries participated in this discussion.