Sri Lanka celebrates its independence day on 4th of February, commemorating the independence from British rule in 1948. Also known as National Day of Sri Lanka, February 4 is a national holiday in the country and celebrates independence and self-rule from the British Empire. Here’s wishing all Sri Lankans 73 Years of Independence in …
On February fourth, 1948, Sri Lanka accomplished self-rule while remaining a British territory. It remained a Commonwealth domain, with Queen Elizabeth II as the head of state and Queen of Ceylon, until 1972 when it turned into a republic and was renamed, Sri Lanka.
The greatest celebrations for Sri Lankan National Day happen in the capital city of Colombo. Sri Lankans take interest in social exhibitions, marches, flag raising ceremonies and a speech-driven by the president. In addition to commending its autonomy, the nation also pays tribute to Sri Lanka’s heroes by observing two minutes of silence in their memory. Happy Sri Lanka Independence Day !
Independence Day Of Sri Lanka (Sri Lanka National Day): Here’s Everything You Need To Know
On February 4, 1948, Sri Lanka (then British Ceylon) gained political independence from the British Empire. The day is known as Sri Lanka Independence Day or Sri Lanka National Day. Celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor, this national holiday holds immense importance for all Sri Lankans, as it marks Sri Lanka’s freedom from British rule and remembers the nation’s struggle for independence from its colonial masters.
Sri Lanka Independence History (1505-1948): A Brief Summary Of Sri Lanka’s History & How It Gained Independence
The Kandyan Kingdom coming under the control of the British Realm and removing of Lord Sri Wickrama started the history of British Ceylon. The British rule ended over 2000 years of Sinhalese government rule on the island. Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) remained under British rule till 1948, when the Sri Lanka Independence Movement made Sri Lanka win its independence.
Sri Lanka Under Portuguese Rule (The Portuguese Ceylon Period 1505-1658)
Portuguese were the first Europeans to visit Ceylon. Lourenco de Almeida (Portuguese explorer and military commander) landed on the territory in 1505, finding the island partitioned into seven conflicting kingdoms and unfit to fight off foreign invaders. The Portuguese established a fort at the port city of Colombo in 1517 and steadily expanded their control over the coastal zones.
Sri Lankans under Portuguese rule were forced to convert to Christianity. The Buddhist majority of the island hated Portuguese rule and welcomed any other power who may save them and defeat the Portuguese. It was in 1602, that the ruler of Kandy appealed the Dutch captain Joris van Spilbergen to help Ceylonese.
Sri Lanka Under Dutch Rule (The Dutch Ceylon Period 1640-1796)
The Dutch Ceylon was a governorate formed in Sri Lanka by the Dutch East India Company. By 1660, they were able to establish their control over the whole island except the kingdom of Kandy. The Dutch persecuted the left-over Portuguese settlers in Sri Lanka but granted freedom of living to the Hindus, Muslims, and Buddhists. However, the main downside of Dutch rule was that they taxed the nation far more heavily than Portuguese had done.
In 1669, a British captain named Robert Knox landed by chance in Sri Lanka where he was captured by the king of Kandy. He escaped 19 years later and composed a story of his stay in Ceylon. The captain’s story brought the island to the consideration of the British.
National Anthem of Sri Lanka – SriLanka Matha
The British administration supported the semi-European Burghers (a mix of Dutch-Sri Lankan people), high-caste Sinhalese and the Tamils. The first-ever democratic elements in the history of Sri Lanka were introduced by the British.
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Sri Lanka On Road To Independence – Here’s How Sri Lanka Gained Independence
With the dawning of the 20th century, the Sri Lankan nationalist movement gained momentum. The movement demanded British authorities to allow Sri Lanka a great role in government, and by 1930s they had anchored the concession of allowing Sri Lankans to members of the Legislative Council.
D.S. Senanayake founded the United National Party (UNP) in 1946. The UNP won a majority of the seats in 1947 elections, yet cobbled together an alliance with the Sinhala Maha Sabha of S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike and the Tamil Congress of G. G. Ponnambalam. It was to this government that the British handed over ultimate political power to the Sri Lankans.
On 4 February 1948, English Ceylon has conceded independence as Ceylon and turned into a dominion within the British Empire. Stephen Senanayake became the first Prime Minister. In 1972 Ceylon turned into a republic within the Commonwealth and came to be known as Sri Lanka.
When is Sri Lanka Independence Day?
4 February Independence Day of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka Independence Day – Who Will Be The Chief Guest This Year?
The National Day of Sri Lanka will be attended by Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohammed Solih. This will be President Solih’s first official trip to Sri Lanka since assuming the office of Prime Minister. Maldivian President Ibrahim Solih will stay in Sri Lanka from February 3 to 5, to participate in the country’s independence day which is to be celebrated on the 4th.
The current President of Sri Lanka, Mr. Maithripala Sirisena will also grace the independence day event, and deliver a national address to the nation as usual.
Will it be a Public Holiday?
Yes, a national holiday will be observed in Sri Lanka on its National Day. All public, private, and governmental institutes, and offices will remain closed.
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Which year Sri Lanka got independence?
Sri Lanka got independence from the British on February 4, 1948. The day is a national holiday in Sri Lanka and is celebrated with patriotic zeal.
In which year Sri Lanka emerge as an independent country?
Sri Lanka became an independent country on 4 February 1948. It was granted independence as the Dominion of Ceylon.
How long did the British rule Sri Lanka?
The British rule in Sri Lanka is known as British Ceylon. The British ruled Sri Lanka from 1815 to 1948, which makes up to 130 years.
What is Sri Lanka Independence Movement?
The Sri Lanka Independence Movement was a non-violent political movement that worked for Sri Lanka’s freedom from the British Empire. The independence movement started with the dawn of the 20th century and drove for the most part by an educated middle class. The movement finally succeeded in its mission when on 4 February 1948 British Ceylon was granted independence as the Dominion of Ceylon.
How Sri Lanka got its name?
Sri Lanka was previously known as Ceylon. It actually originated from the name Ceilao given by the Portuguese explorers when they arrived in 1505. When Ceilao became a British Crown Colony in 1815, this very name was translated into English as Ceylon. Ceylon was the name that was widely used to name the famous Sri Lankan tea. The country was granted complete independence as the Dominion of Ceylon in 1948.
The present name of Sri Lanka was settled in 1972 when the island turned into a republic and came to be known as the Republic of Sri Lanka. Lanka was taken from the old name of the island, and joined with Sri, meaning “resplendent”. The name Sri Lanka means Resplendent Island.
Was Sri Lanka a British colony?
Sri Lanka was a British Crown Colony between 1815 and 1948.
Was Sri Lanka part of British India?
No, Sri Lanka has never been a part of India or the Indian subcontinent. For the past 3000 years, Sri Lanka has maintained its own traditions and culture.
Was Sri Lanka called Ceylon?
Yes, Sri Lanka was known as Ceylon starting from the time of the Portuguese rule to the British rule and to the independence in 1948. The name was finally changed to ‘Sri Lanka’ when the country turned into a republic in 1972.
Is Sri Lanka part of India?
Sri Lanka is not a part of India.
Why do we celebrate Independence Day in Sri Lanka?
We celebrate independence day in Sri Lanka as it is a perfect opportunity to remember all those heroes and leaders who had devoted their lives just for giving us a beautiful, peaceful, and independent life. Freedom is a blessing and we celebrate it on Independence Day.
When was Ceylon renamed Sri Lanka?
Ceylon was named Sri Lanka in 1972 when the country turned into a republic.
When did Portuguese come to Sri Lanka?
The Portuguese came to Sri Lanka in 1505.
When did the British come to Sri Lanka?
The British come to Sri Lanka in 1815.
How Sri Lanka is separated from India?
Sri Lanka was never part of India.
What is Ceylon called now?
Sri Lanka
How long was Sri Lanka under British rule?
Sri Lanka remained under British rule for more 130 years.
Is Sri Lanka an independent country?
Yes, Sri Lanka is an independent country. It got independence from British rule on February 4, 1948.
Is today a Sri Lankan holiday?
Sri Lankan Independence Day marks a public holiday in the country.
What is the holiday in Sri Lanka today?
Today (Tuesday, 4 February ) marks Sri Lankan Independence Day Holiday.
Is today Poya Day in Sri Lanka?
Poya Day is a public holiday in Sri Lanka that is observed every full moon. These full moon days are known as Poya Days. In February , Poya Day will be observed on Tuesday 19th.
Is Deepavali a public holiday in Sri Lanka?
Deepavali is a Hindu festival in Sri Lanka. A public holiday
Sri Lanka Independence, also known as the National Day of Sri Lanka, is a hugely significant national holiday which marks the moment the nation became independent from the British rule. This was officially declared on February 04 1948, making a year of Sri Lanka’s 73rd Independence.