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Tipped to be one of the most popular public holidays in the island nation of Sri Lanka, the National Day celebrations is a commemorative occasion to mark the country’s independence from Britain. Having gained independence from the British Crown on that hallowed day in February, 1948 the national celebrations of Independence Day recount memories from the colonial era and the hard fought freedom from foreign rule that was won due to the sacrifices and foresight of many national heroes and iconic political forces. Falling on the 4th of February each year, the Independence Day of the island formerly known as Ceylon by its foreign rulers, is a grand occasion that celebrates the country’s progress in the post-colonial era and in modern times with larger than life parades, traditional folk items and flag hoisting ceremonies.

Watched by millions of Sri Lankan citizens on television and attended by the country’s political elite and foreign diplomatic mission representatives, the state celebration of Independence Day was conducted at the iconic Galle Face Green in Colombo till recent times but has been held in other major cities in the island in the past several years. This included hill capital Kandy while the 2012 state Independence Day celebrations were marked in the ancient citadel of Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle.

Following the program of Independence Day events that came before it, the celebrations included a televised speech by the country’s head of state President Mahinda Rajapakse who spoke on the challenges of the year ahead as well as the many strides towards development that have already taken place. He also paid tribute to the nation’s forces for their relentless service to the motherland. The speech was followed by a moment of silence for patriots and military personnel who lost their lives in the country’s civil war.

The procession begins with a show of military might as the various regiments of the country’s army, navy and air force take centre stage. Students from across the country performing traditional dance items are next in line along with marching bands from various local schools as well as cultural items that reflect the ethnic diversity of the island. The 2012 edition included 45 such cultural performances in the parade while a religious ceremony was conducted nearby with the participation of 300 invitees including religious leaders.

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