The Independence Day celebrations will commence at 8.30 a.m., a spokesman for the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs said.

The ceremony will commence with the observing of two minutes' silence in honour of all patriots who laid down their lives for the sake of the freedom, unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka. President Mahinda Rajapaksa's address to the nation will be preceded by a 21 gun salute.

Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka, Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama, Home Affairs Minister Chandrasiri Gajadeera, Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara, Chief Justice J.A.N. De Silva, Central Province Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa and Central Province Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayaka will also participate.