A sum of Rs. 200 million has been allocated for the 75th Independence Day celebration to be held on 4 February at the Galle Face in Colombo, confirmed Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Governments Neel Bandara Hapuhinna.

Speaking to The Morning yesterday (11), he affirmed that the Treasury has already made the necessary budgetary allocations for the ceremony, adding however that the Ministry is attempting its best to cut down on the costs of organising the said event.

“We have estimated the budget for the 75th Independence Day celebration to be at Rs. 200 million and the Treasury has already made the necessary budgetary allocations for this. However, we are trying our best to minimise and cut down on costs,” said Hapuhinna.

On Monday (9), the Cabinet of Ministers approved the programme presented by Prime Minister and subject Minister Dinesh Gunawardena concerning the 75th Independence Day celebrations to be held on 4 February. The programme includes the duties and responsibilities to be performed by the respective institutions for the said celebration.

The Government had previously decided to hold the 75th National Independence Day under the theme “Namo Namo Maatha, A Step to a Century” during the progress review meeting held on 3 January regarding the National Independence Day, which was held at the Ministry premises under the Chairmanship of State Minister of Home Affairs Ashoka Priyantha.

It was further revealed that a four-day rehearsal would be carried out prior to the ceremony.