Sri Lanka Army military police personnel take part in the 78th Independence Day celebrations in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Feb. 4, 2026. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua)

Air force personnel take part in the 78th Independence Day celebrations in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Feb. 4, 2026. (Photo by Thilina Kaluthotage/Xinhua)

Police personnel take part in the 78th Independence Day celebrations in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Feb. 4, 2026. (Photo by Thilina Kaluthotage/Xinhua)

Artists perform during the 78th Independence Day celebrations in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Feb. 4, 2026. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua)

Artists perform during the 78th Independence Day celebrations in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Feb. 4, 2026. (Photo by Thilina Kaluthotage/Xinhua)

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake attends the national flag-raising ceremony during the 78th Independence Day celebrations in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Feb. 4, 2026. (Photo by Thilina Kaluthotage/Xinhua)

Sri Lanka Army personnel take part in the 78th Independence Day celebrations in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Feb. 4, 2026. (Photo by Thilina Kaluthotage/Xinhua)

Sri Lanka special forces personnel take part in the 78th Independence Day celebrations in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Feb. 4, 2026. (Photo by Thilina Kaluthotage/Xinhua)