he theme will be Piripun Maubimak - Abiman Heta Dinak (a prosperous motherland, a dignified tomorrow).

Several roads leading towards Parliament in Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte will remain closed until 11.00am today.

Traffic will be restricted on Sri Lanka-Japan Friendship Road, the Road in front of the Parliament, the road from Polduwa Junction to the Parliament, road from the Kimbulawala junction, Pelawatta junction and the road towards the Parliament from Palam Thuna Junction.

The Independence parade will consist of 5,922 Tri Forces, police, civil defence force, youth brigade personnel and a cultural troupe of 600 will also perform at the ceremony.

The previous government had earlier planned to hold the national ceremony in Weeraketiya, Hambantota. However, the venue was shifted to Sri Jayewardenepura by the new government in a bid to slash costs.

Independence day ceremonies will also be conducted on the district secretariat level in parallel to the main event.

Meanwhile, the ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs urge public to light a lamp in lieu of independence day from 9.30pm - 9.34pm.