Naval artillery resounds in tribute on Independence Day

The 78th National Independence Day ceremony of Sri Lanka was held at the Independence Square, Colombo this morning (04 Feb 26). The main ceremony went by the theme “Let's Build Sri Lanka”, was held under the patronage of the President and Commander – in – Chief of the Armed Forces, Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Filled with great pride, the Sri Lanka Navy added glamour to the elegant national spectacle held in a dignified sequence.

According of a Gun Salute is considered as a mark of respect and the highest honour of a 25-Gun Salute is only accorded to the nation. The custom stems from an age-old tradition, dating back to the 14th century. In 1948, the Royal Navy accorded a Gun Salute at the Galle Face on the first Independence Day. Since then, the Navy has continued the tradition, according a 25-Gun Salute to the nation, on Independence Day. Since 2021, the Sri Lanka Navy has upheld the tradition of rendering the 25-Gun Salute from a naval ship, and today’s event was a continuation of this time-honored practice.

Bursts of gunfire presented from guns fitted onboard SLNS Sayura rent the air in the city of Colombo, rekindling the national spirit. Meanwhile, when the Gun Salute honour was presented, the main mast of a ship was dressed with maritime signal flags, denoting the phrase ‘25 Gun Salutes for the Nation’.

Further, SLNS Gajabahu and Vijayabahu, along with SLNS Sayura, were dressed with flags and anchored off Galle Face by the Sri Lanka Navy.