Sri Lanka celebrates its 78th National Independence Day today (February 4) under the theme “Rebuilding Sri Lanka.” The main state ceremony will be held at Independence Square in Colombo, commencing at 7:30 a.m., under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The celebrations commemorate the nation’s independence from British rule in 1948 and honor those who made sacrifices for the country’s freedom.

More than 4,500 members of the Security Forces and Police are expected to participate in the ceremony, alongside around 400 invitees, including foreign diplomats.

Meanwhile, a special security and traffic management plan has been put in place for the event. Over 2,000 police officers have been deployed across Colombo to ensure public safety and facilitate smooth traffic flow.