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| File photo: Sri Lankan troops in Colombo. |
Preparations for the annual Victory Day Parade in Colombo are in full swing, with rehearsals for the event causing the closure of roads around the Galle Face Green.
The parade will be held on May 19 under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapakse.
Media on the island report sources in the Defence Ministry as saying the parade this year will consist of 852 officers and 12, 828 other rankers from the tri-forces, the police, and Civil Defence Force.
The parade will be commanded by Maj. Gen. Jagath Rambukpotha, who was the commander of the 56th Division during the final phase of the armed conflict.
The military will be showcasing its might with 148 vehicle columns including infantry and Special Forces vehicles.
33 aircraft of the air force will conduct a flypast with 23 officers and 167 airmen.
The Navy parade in the sea along the Galle Face coast will see 72 vessels and will consist of 147 officers and 1524 sailors.
