CROWDS OF THOUSANDS TRAVELLED 150 MILES TO BADULLA, A DISTRICT TOWN IN CENTRAL CEYLON, FOR THE SEVENTEENTH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY OF CEYLON, WHICH WAS CELEBRATED LAST WEEK (4 FEB).THE GLITTERING CELEBRATION WAS CENTRED ON A SHOW OF STRENGTH BY CEYLON'S ARMED FORCES.

THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL, MR.WILLIAM GOPALLAWA, THE PRIME MINISTER, MRS.SIRIMAVO BANDARANAIKE, CABINET MINISTERS AND OTHER DIGNITARIES, WATCHED THE PARADE FROM A BEAUTIFULLY DECORATED PAVILION.

THE THREE CHIEFS OF THE RESPECTIVE FORCES SHARED AN OPEN VEHICLE TO REVIEW THEIR TROOPS.

SEVERAL ELEPHANTS AND HUNDREDS OF SCHOOLCHILDREN ALSO TOOK PART IN THE PARADE.THE ELEPHANTS LIFTED UP THEIR TRUNKS IN SALUTATION AS THEY WALKED PAST THE PAVILION.

FOOTNOTE: SINCE CEYLON ATTAINED INDEPENDENCE FROM THE BRITISH IN 1948, NOT ONE GOVERNMENT HAS COMPLETED A FULL TERM OF OFFICE.THE SIXTH GENERAL ELECTION IN CEYLON WILL BE HELD NEXT MONTH -- MARCH 22.THREE MAJOR POLITICAL GROUPS ARE FIGHTING FOR THE COUNTRY'S 151 PARLIAMENTARY SEATS.