Sri Lanka Independence Day

Sri Lanka celebrates 71 years of Independence on the 4th of February 2019. After being under the British and colonial rule; this long and hard won victory is celebrated nationwide with beautiful displays of dances, cultural performances, parades and with every household hoisting the Sri Lankan flag.


EUROPEAN INVATIONS

In 1505, with the Portuguese fleet commanded by Lourenco de Almeida landing in Colombo, the country came to its last moments of sovereign Ceylon. As a monopoly for spice and cinnamon trade, Sri Lanka became popular and of enormous importance to the trade world. For over a century the coastal areas of Sri Lanka were under the Portuguese reign, when in 1658 they were driven away by the Dutch.

“Like exchanging ginger for chili.”

This is a popular saying that became famous among the Sri Lankans when King Rajasinghe II acquired the help of the Dutch to fight off the Portuguese soldiers. However, this did not bring about the desired effect. Instead, as the proverb suggests, the Sri Lankan coastal areas fell under the harsh and the much stronger reign of the Dutch. They would then, for a period of 140 years reap profits from trade establishments, spread their religion and attempt various unsuccessful invasions to bring the Kingdom of Kandy under their rule. In 1796 the Dutch were easily overthrown by the British, and by 1815 with the downfall of the kingdom of Kandy, the British became the first European power to control the whole island.


EVENTS LEADING UPTO INDEPENDENCE

During this period, Sri Lankan noblemen and leaders like Keppetipola Disawe, Veera Puran Appu, Gongalegoda Banda and the Buddhist monk Wariyapola Sri Sumangala Himi led various rebellions for independence. Today these national heroes are revered for their bravery and struggle to free the nation from European oppression. With the end of WW2 Sri Lanka was eventually pushed towards independence, and on the 4th of February 1948 Sri Lanka was declared a free country and to date is an independent member of the British Commonwealth.


NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATIONS IN SRI LANKA

The biggest celebration of this national holiday is found in Colombo, where the great military parade is held, showcasing the power of the army, navy, air force, police and the civil defense force. The parade displays the bravery, commitment and unity of the Sri Lankan military and its determination in bringing peace to the country.

After hoisting the national flag, the president speaks of the achievements, the bravery of the people, current issues and beseeching the people to join hands in remembering this historic day. The speech along with the proud celebrations taking place in Colombo is broadcasted nationwide and a two minute silence is observed throughout the country in remembrance of the national heroes.




Written By: Kavisha Perera