As crisis loomed Sri Lanka spent Rs. 95 million on military parade

A Right to Information (RTI) request has revealed that the Sri Lankan government spent around Rs 95 million for Independence Day celebrations amidst the worst economic crisis the island has faced in decades.

Spending on the celebration this year was the highest in the last 5 years, with an increase of more than Rs. 15 million since the previous Independence celebration in 2021.

The event was organized by the State Ministry of Home Affairs on 4 February and saw the Sri Lankan president salute a massive military parade that showcased  heavy weaponry, boats, drones, missiles and special forces troops, as well as a concluding performance from Sinhala Kandyan dancers.

Military jets performed a flyby, whilst helicopters hovered overhead with the Sri Lankan flag. Sri Lanka’s “Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear and Explosive Wing” of the military were also paraded through the streets, dressed in full hazmat suits.

Sri Lanka’s defence secretary, and another accused war criminal, Kamal Gunaratne told reporters earlier in the week that 6,500 personnel, 11 mechanised vehicles, and 26 aircraft would be taking part in the parade.

One of the floats used in the military parade was adorned with a photograph of LTTE fighters.

A reported Rs 11 million was used to fund electricity for the Independence Day celebrations alone. It took place whilst the state imposed power cuts due to fuel shortages as early as 18 February. Civilians were made to wait in lengthy lines in order to obtain fuel for their vehicles. The crisis has only continued to deteriorate leaving the island both economically and politically unstable.

Sri Lankan Independence Day has long been rejected by Tamils. The day is considered a celebration of Sinhala supremacy that has served to systemically oppress Tamils on the island.