Independence Day of Sri Lanka

National Day of Sri Lanka, also known as Independence Day of Sri Lanka is celebrated annually on the 4th of February. Ceylon or Sri Lanka gained Independence from the British on February 4, 1948. On this day SriLankan’s pay their respects to all the leaders from the Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim, Burgher, and other sections of the population who made various sacrifices to win independence.

The day is a national holiday in Sri Lanka. It is celebrated all over the country with national flag hoisting and dancing. In addition, parades and various activities. Many national struggles were made in the history of Sri Lanka and on Independence Day all of these are remembered and celebrated. But the independence movement against the British is especially recalled.

History

The Independence movement in Sri Lanka was a peaceful political movement that aimed at achieving independence and self-rule for Ceylon from the British Empire. It was initiated around the turn of the 20th century, led mostly by the educated middle class.

After 450 years of colonial rule, under three of Europe’s maritime and military powers, Ceylon gained her independence from Great Britain.

On February 4, 1948, Ceylon was granted independence as the Dominion of Ceylon. Dominion status within the British Commonwealth was retained for the next 24 years until May 22, 1972, when it became a republic and was named the Republic of Sri Lanka. In 1972, the national constitution discarded the name Ceylon and adopted the name of Sri Lanka.

Previously known as Ceylon, after independence the country officially became the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. Sir Mox Mason Moore was sworn in as the first Governor of Sri Lanka before Sir John Howard, Chief Justice of Sri Lanka on February 4, 1948. Sri Lanka became an independent state with the implementation of the Dominion Constitution.

Today Sri Lanka is a democratic nation. Every citizen who lives in this country has equal rights. They reject any efforts to divide their citizens based on ethnic or religious reasons.

Celebration

The main celebration of Independence Day in Sri Lanka is held at Colombo, where the President hoists the National Flag and holds the Independence Day speech.

In the President’s speech, he highlights the achievements of the government during the past year, raises important issues, and requests the people to join together in commemorating this historic day. The President also pays tribute to the national heroes of Sri Lanka, observing two minutes of silence in their memory.

A great military parade is also performed. In recent years, it displays the power of the army, navy, air force, police, and the civil defense force. In addition, the commitment, bravery, national unity, and determination to achieve peace are recollected in the minds of the Sri Lankan people.

Moreover, the national flag is hoisted and the national anthem is sung, the traditional lamp is lit and the processions begin, complete with meticulously coordinated military parades, the firing of canons, and various religious and cultural performances, all to paying tribute to the ancestors of the land for their glorious feat. Sri Lanka celebrates the gaining of her independence from Colonial rule with magnificent pomp and pageantry and the spirit of patriotism resonating in every street corner.

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