Independence Day (Sri Lanka)
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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 raises the national flag and delivers a nationally televised speech.
| Nation Day | |
|---|---|
| Official name | National Day of Sri Lanka ශ්රී ලංකා ජාතික දිනය இலங்கையின் தேசிய தினம் |
| Observed by | Sri Lanka |
| Type | National |
| Significance | Commemorates Sri Lanka's independence from Britain in 1948 |
| Celebrations | National Day Parade and an address by the President of Sri Lanka |
| Date | 4 February |
| Next time | 4 February 2024 |
| Frequency | Annually |
Many national struggles were made in the history of Sri Lanka. And on the independence day, all of these are remembered and celebrated. But the independence movement against the British is especially recalled.
In the President's speech, he 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, it showcases the power of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and the Civil Defense Force. The commitment, bravery, national unity and determination to achieve peace are recollected in the minds of people, who also thank the people who fought and laid down their lives for the country.
Celebrations
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
- 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]
See also
References
- ^ Independence Day celebration to be named as National Day Celebration, ColomboPage.com, 23 January 2019
- ^ "Sri Lanka Independence Day 2021". google.com. Retrieved 25 February 2021.
- ^ a b "Independence day ceremonies in Kandy".
- ^ "Sri Lanka Celebrates 65th Independence Day".
- ^ "Independence Day Speech by President Maithripala Sirisena on February 4, 2017".
- ^ "Sri Lanka celebrates 70th anniversary of Independence Day, vowing to achieve economic freedom - Xinhua | English.news.cn".
- ^ "Sri Lanka Celebrates 71 Years of Independence".
- ^ "Sri Lanka celebrates 73rd Independence Day - Xinhua | English.news.cn".
- ^ a b https://www.presidentsoffice.gov.lk/index.php/2023/01/12/the-country-celebrates-its-75th-national-independence-celebration-with-pride-with-the-new-reformist-program-for-the-next-25-years/[bare URL]