Independence Day (Sri Lanka)

National Day
Official nameNational Day of Sri Lanka
ශ්‍රී ලංකා ජාතික දිනය
இலங்கையின் தேசிய தினம்
Observed bySri Lanka
TypeNational
SignificanceCommemorates Sri Lanka's independence from Britain in 1948
CelebrationsNational Day Parade and an address by the President of Sri Lanka
Date4 February
Next time4 February 2025 (2025-02-04)
FrequencyAnnually

National Day, also known as Independence Day,[1] is a Sri Lankan national holiday celebrated annually on 4 February to commemorate the country’s political independence from British rule in 1948. It is celebrated all over the country through a flag-hoisting ceremony, dances, parades, and performances. Usually, the main celebration takes place in Colombo, where the President of Sri Lanka raises the national flag and delivers a nationally televised speech.

The President's speech typically highlights the achievements of the government during the past year, raises important issues and gives a call for further development. The President also pays tribute to the national heroes of Sri Lanka, observes two minutes of silence in their memory, challenges and vows to eradicate separatism. A great military parade is also made. In recent years, National Day has been used to showcase the power of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and the Civil Defense Force.

Celebrations

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There were also singing and performances that showcase national unity and culture. Religious observances are also made in many places of worship around the country, wishing for peace and prosperity for the country, people and the tri-forces. The national media also tries to promote ideas like bravery, confidence, dedication, national unity, patriotism, nationalism, peace, national responsibility and awareness of national history in the minds of people.

Traditionally the Sri Lanka Navy accords a 21 gun salute to the nation from the ceremonial naval gun battery at the Colombo Lighthouse. A Google Doodle reaching only Sri Lanka celebrated the occasion in 2013 and from 2017 continuously onwards.[2]

List of celebration and place

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  • 1991 - Independence Square
  • 1992- Independence Square
  • 1993 - Independence Square
  • 1994 - Independence Square
  • 1995 - Independence Square
  • 1996 - Independence Square
  • 1997 - Independence Square
  • 1998 - Parliament Complex - Sri Jayawardana Pura Kotte
  • 2008 - Galle Face Green
  • 2009 - Galle Face Green
  • 2010 - Dalada Maligawa - Kandy[3]
  • 2011 - Katharagama
  • 2012 - Anuradhapura - Jayanthi St
  • 2013 - Trincomalee [4]
  • 2014 - Kegalle[3]
  • 2015 - Galle Face Green
  • 2016 - Galle Face Green
  • 2017 - Galle Face Green [5]
  • 2018 - Galle Face Green [6]
  • 2019 - Galle Face Green [7]
  • 2020 - Independence Square
  • 2021 - Independence Square [8]
  • 2022 - Independence Square[9]
  • 2023 - Galle Face Green[9]
  • 2024 - Galle Face Green[10]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Independence Day celebration to be named as National Day Celebration, ColomboPage.com, 23 January 2019
  2. ^ "Sri Lanka Independence Day 2021". google.com. Retrieved 25 February 2021.
  3. ^ a b "Independence day ceremonies in Kandy".
  4. ^ "Sri Lanka Celebrates 65th Independence Day".
  5. ^ "Independence Day Speech by President Maithripala Sirisena on February 4, 2017".
  6. ^ "Sri Lanka celebrates 70th anniversary of Independence Day, vowing to achieve economic freedom - Xinhua | English.news.cn".
  7. ^ "Sri Lanka Celebrates 71 Years of Independence".
  8. ^ "Sri Lanka celebrates 73rd Independence Day - Xinhua | English.news.cn".
  9. ^ a b "The country celebrates its 75th National Independence Celebration with pride with the new reformist program for the next 25 years". presidentsoffice.gov.lk. 12 January 2023. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
  10. ^ "Sri Lanka's 76th National Independence Day celebrations". Wijeya Newspapers Ltd. 3 February 2024. Retrieved 4 February 2024.
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