Feb 04, Colombo: Sri Lanka today celebrated its 60th year of independence from British rule at the Galle Face promenade in the capital Colombo with military parades of tanks and troops while fighter jets flew overhead despite threats of bomb attacks by Tamil Tigers.

At a tightly guarded ceremony, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa delivering his Independence Day address to the nation said steps will be taken to liberate the Island's North from the clutches of terrorism and to provide a political solution to the national issue.

President said Sri Lanka established new relations with our neighboring states, Arab states, and Buddhist states and enjoys the trust of its neighbours and the support of the international community in its fight against the Tiger terrorists.

“The confidence placed in us by the international community has not diminished one iota,” he said. The celebrations were also attended by foreign dignitaries and diplomats. Thousands of additional police and troops were deployed to provide security in the capital. Hours after the celebrations, a Tiger claymore mine targeted an Army tractor killing a soldier in Buttala while another bomb blast on a bus killed 12 civilians in Welioya. (Pix : Sudath Silva and Chandana Perera)