Queen Elizabeth II wished all Sri Lankans "good fortune and happiness" in the coming year. 

Queen Elizabeth issued an official message for Sri Lanka's Independence Day on February 04 and congratulated President Maithripala Sirisena on the country's Independence Day. 

Sirisena upon meeting Queen Elizabeth in 2015 said he felt honoured during the meeting as the Queen shook hands with him with bare hands. 

Sri Lanka's official ceremony for the 71st Independence Day will take place at Galle Face Green under the patronage of President Sirisena. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Speaker of Parliament Karu Jayasuriya will also attend the event. 

President of the Maldives, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih will attend the event as the Chief Guest.