Amidst pride and grandeur, the 76th National Independence Day celebration unfolded at Galle Face Colombo, serving as a poignant testament to the nation’s renewed commitment to “Let’s Build a New Country.” Presided over by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the event welcomed esteemed guests, including the Prime Minister of Thailand, Honorable Srettha Thavisin, and garnered well-wishes from global dignitaries such as His Holiness Pope Francis and King Charles III.

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On February 4th, 2024, Sri Lanka commemorated its 76th Independence Day, a pivotal moment marking the nation’s liberation from British colonial rule on the same date in 1948. This historic occasion holds deep significance for the people of Sri Lanka, symbolizing the culmination of decades of struggle and unwavering determination for self-governance.

The journey towards independence was a protracted one, characterized by numerous movements and legislative endeavors aimed at challenging colonial dominance. Sri Lankans employed various forms of nonviolent resistance, including boycotts and strikes, to propel the Independence Movement forward.

The timeline of the Sri Lankan Independence Movement is punctuated by key events:

• 1796: The British wrested control of the Dutch-controlled maritime provinces through the Treaty of Amiens, marking the onset of British rule.
• 1802: Complete British control was established with the capture of Kandy, the last remaining independent inland kingdom.
• 1815: The Kandyan Convention was signed, formally making Ceylon a British colony while preserving the privileges of the Kandyan aristocracy.
• 1833: The Colebrooke–Cameron Commission initiated colonial reforms, albeit with increased centralization of control.
• 1884: The Ceylon National Congress, the country’s first major political party advocating for self-governance, was formed.
• 1915: Communal representation was introduced, sparking communal politics between the Sinhalese and Tamils.
• 1919: The Manning Reforms granted increased self-governance and control of internal affairs to the Ceylonese.
• 1931: The Donoughmore Constitution conferred dominion status within the British Empire and introduced universal suffrage.
• 1942: Despite the occupation by Japan during WWII and subsequent economic devastation, the State Council of Ceylon passed a resolution demanding complete independence from British rule, intensifying pressure on the British to expedite decolonization.
• 1947: The recommendations of the Soulbury Commission, formed in 1944 to facilitate constitutional reforms, culminated in the passage of the Sri Lanka Independence Act, granting Ceylon independence as a Commonwealth Realm the following year.

Independence Day festivities in Sri Lanka are marked by a series of ceremonial events. The day commences with the official flag hoisting ceremony in Colombo, presided over by the President, whose nationally televised speech underscores the significance of the occasion. A prominent feature of the celebrations is a grand military parade showcasing the prowess of the armed forces, complete with aerial displays by the Sri Lanka Air Force and exhibitions of military vehicles. Additionally, cultural festivities featuring traditional music, dance, and cuisine are held nationwide, uniting the country in a jubilant celebration of freedom and national identity.