Srilanka, Feb. 4 -- The number of tri-service personnel deployed for this year's Independence Day celebrations has been reduced by 40%, with the decision not to include tri-services armoured vehicles in the parade.

The 77th Independence Day celebrations will be held today (February 4) at the Independence Square and Independence Mawatha area.

The total number of military personnel participating in the parade will be 1,873, a reduction of 1,511 from last year.

Despite the reduction, the parade will maintain its grandeur and dignity. Only three aircraft from the Sri Lanka Air Force will participate this year, compared to 19 last year, and there will be no armoured vehicle parades.

The Sri Lanka Navy will conduct a traditional 25-gun sa...