Nearly 180 journalists covering the National Independence Day celebrations were subjected to PCR testing at the Media Ministry premises today.

The Ministry of Mass Media and Information, the Government Information Department, the Colombo Municipal Council and health officials were present at the event.

The 72nd National Independence Day celebration will take play tomorrow in Colombo under the auspices of President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.

Defense Ministry Secretary Kamal Gunaratne said yesterday that the Independence Day event would take place this year in strict adherence to health and safety guidelines.

The event will take place without any public participation. However, the members of tri-forces and the Police will take part in the event.