Sri Lanka, Jan. 26 -- The 25th of January, 1998 isn't a day for an anniversary nor remembrance. It is a day for the government to repent for not heeding the advice of religious custodians, Mahanayake of Asgiriya Ven. Palipanne Chandananda, Mahanayake of Malwatta Ven. Rambukwelle Vippassi, nor the lay custodian Neranjan Wijeyeratne that the celebrations of the 50th Anniversary of Independence should not be held at the Sacred grounds of Mahamaluwa. The Mahamaluwa (or Maha Maluwa) is the sacred ground, or open upper terrace, located in front of the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) in Kandy.

The Sacred Tooth Relic was brought for the first and last time to this hallowed grounds.

So they went ahead with the celebration...