Independence after gradual and painful process
Ganga ILLEPERUMA
Independence Commemoration Hall |
Freedom is a value to act according to
one’s will without being held up by the power of others. The 62nd
Independence Day celebrations will be held on February 4th at the Maha
Maluwa of the most sacred Sri Dalada Maligawa.
The event is of special significance this year as it is the first
independence celebration held after defeating the war and uniting the
country. The celebrations are to begin with religious ceremonies of all
faiths. Following the war, popular pressure for independence
intensified.
The office of Prime Minister of Ceylon was created in advance of
independence on 14 October 1947, Don Stephen Senanayake being the first
prime minister. On February 4, 1948 the country won its independence as
the Dominion of Ceylon.
On July 21, 1960 Sirimavo Bandaranaike took office as prime minister,
and became the world’s first female prime minister and the first female
head of government in post-colonial Asia.
In 1972, during Sirimavo Bandaranaike’s second term as prime
minister, the country became a republic within the Commonwealth, and the
name was changed to Sri Lanka.
The island enjoyed good relations with the United Kingdom and had the
British Royal Navy stationed at Trincomalee.
Since the attainment of freedom from British rule, Sri Lanka has
enjoyed a stable democracy and steady economic growth in spite of the
conflict with a separatist LTTE in the recent years and now the country
is peaceful.
The National Flag
The National Flag of Sri Lanka has been designed with great care and
purpose. It not only represents the country and her heritage, but is a
rallying device that integrates the minority races with the majority
race.
The present day National Flag is an improvisation of the civil
standard of the last king of Sri Lanka, Sri Wickrama Rajasingha. The
civil standard had a royal lion with a sword in it’s right fore paw at
the center, and a bo-leaf on each of the four corners on a plain border.
The lion flag lost it’s significance after the British conquered Sri
Lanka in 1815. It was the Union Jack which was hoisted in its place.
When Sri Lanka gained her independence from Great Britain on February
04, 1948, it was the lion flag (the same as the standard of the last
king of Sri Lanka) which was hoisted once again.
Independence Commemoration Hall
Independence Commemoration Hall located on Independence Square is
known as one of the most prominent locations in Colombo.
It is commonly used as a place where Sri Lankans come together in
unison for significant national celebrations and cultural activities.
The Independence Commemoration Hall is also used to host ceremonies that
mark national unity.
This unique and outstanding monument positioned in the heart of Sri
Lanka’s commercial capital Colombo, commemorates the country’s
independence from foreign rule. Sri Lanka gained independence on the 4th
of February 1948 from the British who were the final colonial rulers of
the country.
However, this exceptional memorial hall was constructed quite some
time after Sri Lanka gained independence. Keeping in line with ancient
local architectural styles, the Independence Commemoration Hall was
built according to a Kandyan audience hall. It is made completely out of
concrete with enormous pillars.
The architecture here is simply elegant and is of distinct Sri Lankan
style that can’t be found elsewhere in the world.
One of the unique features of the Independence Commemoration Hall is
its rows of stone lions that guard this great monument, which is also an
impressive piece of art.
The elaborated stone carvings and painting found at the memorial hall
are simply breathtaking. This striking site in Colombo has become a
major tourist attraction due to its historical significance and
extraordinary work of architecture.
A statue of Sri Lanka’s first Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Don Stephen
Senanayake is placed at the head of The Independence Commemoration Hall.
Even today, Sri Lankan citizens and leaders come to The Independence
Commemoration Hall on Independence Square to celebrate Independence Day
each year in a spectacular ceremony. |