A spirit of patriotism will inspire Sri Lankans across the country today as they celebrate the 72nd year of freedom from colonial rule. The state celebration, the first such event of the regime of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, will, as usual, focus mainly around the pomp and ceremony of the security forces’ displays at the Independence Square under the patronage of the President, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and other official dignitaries.