63rd independence from Britain (Photos)

Photos from:- Getty Images, REUTERS and AP

Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapakse (C) raises the national flag during a nationwide telecast ceremony to commemorate the island's 63 independence from Britain in Kataragama on February 4, 2011. Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapakse promised to promote economic development at all costs to make up for opportunities lost during the country's separatist war.

Sri Lankan military personnel march during the nationwide televised ceremony to commemorate the island's 63 independence from Britain in Kataragama on February 4, 2011. Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapakse promised to promote economic development at all costs to make up for opportunities lost during the country's separatist war.

Sri Lankan traditional dancers perform during the nationwide televised ceremony to commemorate the island's 63 independence from Britain in Kataragama on February 4, 2011. Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapakse promised to promote economic development at all costs to make up for opportunities lost during the country's separatist war.

Soldiers look over their shoulders before a parade celebrating Sri Lanka's 63rd Independence Day in Katharagama, about 238 km (147milles) from central Colombo February 4, 2011. Sri Lanka celebrated its 63rd anniversary of independence from the British in 1948 with celebrations that included cultural shows and over 3,000 members of the Sri Lankan military.

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, front right, unfurls the national flag during the 63rd Independence Day celebrations in Kataragama, Sri Lanka, Friday, Feb. 4, 2011. Sri Lanka's military earlier this week offered to discharge all deserters without taking disciplinary action against them as part of a concession to mark the independence anniversary, according to a news agency.

Sri Lankan traditional dancers perform during the nationwide televised ceremony to commemorate the island's 63 independence from Britain in Kataragama on February 4, 2011. Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapakse promised to promote economic development at all costs to make up for opportunities lost during the country's separatist war.

 Sri Lankan traditional dancers perform during the nationwide televised ceremony to commemorate the island's 63 independence from Britain in Kataragama on February 4, 2011. Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapakse promised to promote economic development at all costs to make up for opportunities lost during the country's separatist war.

Sri Lankan traditional dancers perform with masks during the nationwide televised ceremony to commemorate the island's 63 independence from Britain in Kataragama on February 4, 2011. Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapakse promised to promote economic development at all costs to make up for opportunities lost during the country's separatist war.

Sri Lankan traditional dancers perform during the nationwide televised ceremony to commemorate the island's 63 independence from Britain in Kataragama on February 4, 2011. Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapakse promised to promote economic development at all costs to make up for opportunities lost during the country's separatist war.

Sri Lankan traditional dancers perform during the nationwide televised ceremony to commemorate the island's 63 independence from Britain in Kataragama on February 4, 2011. Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapakse promised to promote economic development at all costs to make up for opportunities lost during the country's separatist war.