A total of 3,457 tri-forces personnel will participate in the military parade for Sri Lanka’s 78th Independence Day celebrations, the Ministry of Defence said. 

The parade will also include 479 Cadet Corps officers and cadets, along with 633 police officers.

Rehearsals are currently underway, with a special traffic plan in effect around Independence Square in Colombo from 7.45 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. during practice sessions. 

Several surrounding roads have been temporarily closed, while alternative routes have been arranged for motorists.

The 78th Independence Day ceremony will be held on February 4 at Independence Square under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, under the theme “Rebuilding Sri Lanka,” with around 2,000 guests expected to attend.