Sri Lanka began its 62nd Independence Day celebrations with religious activities yesterday while preparations are being finalized for Thursday's main event in the hill capital of Kandy.

The religious activities to bless the country commenced with an all night Pirith chanting at the Independence Commemoration Hall in Colombo followed by the alms giving to the Maha Sanga at the Hunupitiya Gangarama Temple this morning.

Hindu religious activities will begin with a Pooja at the Sri Selva Vinayagar Kovil in Kandy and Muslim religious observances will take place at the Meeramakkam Mosque in Kandy Thursday (04). Saint Anthony's Church in Kandy will hold a special sermon tomorrow.

The main celebrations will be held tomorrow in the Maha Maluwa of Dalada Maligawa (Temple of Tooth Relic) under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The fourth Deyata Kirula exhibition showcasing the products and services of over 1,000 government, private and international organizations will be opened in Pallekale from tomorrow through the 10th.

A special security arrangement is in place in the city during the event. According to the Senior DIG Gamini Navaratne 3,000 policemen will be on duty during the main event and another 8,000 policemen will be on duty during the Deyata Kirula exhibition period.

In addition, a contingent from Army, STF, and intelligence services has been deployed to provide security.

Meanwhile, a special traffic plan will be in effect during the event. Several streets around the Dalada Maligawa will be closed for the traffic and the through travelers to other areas will be directed on an alternate route.