The 78th National Independence Day of Sri Lanka, themed around “Let's Build Sri Lanka” was marked on 04 Feb 26. On the sidelines of the main ceremony, the Sri Lanka Navy honoured the nation, according a 25-Gun Salute onboard Sri Lanka Navy Ship (SLNS) Sayura at 12.00 noon.
The ceremonial tradition was executed at the directives of the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda and under the coordination of the Commanding Officer of the ship, Captain Conrad Annathugoda.
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.
