75th Independence Day Celebrations in Point Pedro

On 04th February 2023, 55 Infantry Division joined in celebrating the 75th Independence Day by conducting a series of programmes at Colins Ground Nelliadi in Point Pedro, one of the most populous regions in Jaffna Peninsula. Within the overall concept of the President, Ranil Wickremesinghe, to mark the 75th independence across the country, celebrations in Jaffna are predominantly significant in terms of national peace and harmony. This was the first time in modern history that an Independence Day celebration was held in the Jaffna Peninsula.

Conceptual guidance of the Commander Security Forces (Jaffna), Major General Swarna Bothota and visionary and pragmatic directions of General Officer Commanding, 55 Infantry Division, Major General Prasanna Gunaratne paved the way for a successful event to commemorate the 75th Independence day of Sri Lanka at Point Pedro.

Troops of 551, 552 and 553 under the Brigade Commanders, Colonel Jude Kariyakarawana, Brigadier Wijayanath Jayaweera, and Colonel Janak Premathilake centrally coordinated the event. Commanding Officer 4 SLSR, Lieutenant Colonel DMGNMN Daulagala, Commanding Officer 20 NCC, Lieutenant Colonel RHNP Rathnaweera, Commanding Officer 16 (V) SLLI, Major MDS Amarasinghe, Staff Officers and Officers of the 55 Infantry Division, Brigades, and Battalions fine - tuned the entire event with the blessings of Provincial Government Officials, Principles of schools in Point Pedro and religious heads in the area. A large participation of school children with their parents joined in celebrating momentous 75th Independence Day and, following events were unfolded at the ceremony.

Guard of honour by school children, Parade by school cadets, school bands, scouts, march past and cultural teams in the area, Distributing spectacles to adults and dry ration to pregnant ladies, Distribution of books to school libraries, Distribution of 2000 x coconut saplings to people, A Medical clinic and a dental clinic.

Following the programme, the National Flag was hoisted and the National Anthem was sung in both Sinhala and Tamil languages by teenage Tamil students from Methodist Girl High School and Hartley College Point Pedro and, it was a heart touching moment reiterated the fact of true reconciliation and harmony among communities. The event featured a cadet band from Ashoka Vidyalaya Colombo, making an excellent mix of two communities through music and marching. Approximately 360 students from nearby schools participated in the Independence Day procession presented and, over 1500 spectators were witnessed the days celebrations. School Cadets were honoured by the Security Force Commander by taking their salute and giving away certificates to the children participated for guard of honour and parade. Provincial Director of Education Northern Province, Mr T John Quintuss grace the occasion as the guest of honour.

Teachers and students from Ashoka Vidyalaya, Central College Nelliady, and Saint Henry's College Ilavalai, who participated in the guard of honour and procession were provided with lunch at Thalsevana Holiday Resort making a venue for North and South children to interact with each other. It may serve as a model for reconciliation among the country's young generation.

The whole purpose of the celebration was to encourage the Tamil community to participate and feel the thoughts of Independence Day as Sri Lankans. This leads to foster cohabitation, mutual respect, and ethnic harmony among nationalities.

Zonal Education Director Mr K Sathyabalan, Divisional Secretaries of Point Pedro and Karaveddi Mr Alvaipillai Siri and Mr E Dayaruban, School Principles, HQI of Point Pedro CI Priyantha Amarasingha, OIC of Nelliady and Valvatithurai IPK Wimalaveera and CI RMS Padmasiri, Government officials from Land Registry, Road Development Authority, Officials of Agricultural Department, Bank Managers, Economic Development Officers, Chairmen of Sports Clubs, Chairmen of different Societies, and religious leaders were participated for the event.