National day ( Independence Day)

Independence Day or National Day is celebrated every year on February 4th. Sri Lankans are celebrating the 77th Independence Day. The Sri Lankan government hopes to celebrate this occasion of independence from British rule in 1948 with great pomp and show at the Independence Square in Colombo under the theme “Let’s join the national renaissance”. This day is not just a public holiday. It is the result of the dedication and hard work of many people who share a rich history, and it perfectly reflects the pride and unity of the nation.If we look at the historical background of Independence Day, it was first ruled by the Portuguese in the early 16th century and then by the Dutch in the 17th century. But despite their efforts, they were unable to conquer the entire country except for the coastal areas. Finally, in 1815, the British took control of the entire country with the help of the Sri Lankan people who were frustrated by the mismanagement of King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe who ruled the Kandyans. Thus, they ruled our country for more than 130 years. They exploited the country’s resources and severely affected its political, social and cultural structures. For these reasons, the Sri Lankan people made immense sacrifices for freedom. The struggle for freedom was a combination of both peaceful resistance and political activism. Unlike in other countries, the struggle for freedom in Sri Lanka was largely based on non-violence.The rise of the Buddhist revival movement led by figures like Anagarika Dharmapala Srimathana can be seen as the first sign of the freedom struggle. The Sinhala-Muslim riots of 1915 marked a turning point in anti-colonial sentiments, where the British brutally suppressed Sinhala protesters. This was followed by the rise of various political organizations to achieve independence. Mr. Ponnambalam Arunachalam, D.S. Senanayake played a key role in advocating for self-rule.

The introduction of adult suffrage through the Donoughmore Constitution gave Sri Lankans the opportunity to gain limited self-government. As the British colonial grip weakened due to the subsequent Second World War, Sri Lanka officially became an independent state on 4 February 1948 through diplomatic negotiations with the British under the leadership of D.S. Senanayake, who is considered the father of the nation.When Sri Lanka celebrates its independence each year, it is not only a tribute to the past but also a commitment to the future. It inspires every Sri Lankan to respect the courage of the heroes who fought for freedom, to appreciate the country’s cultural heritage, and to strive for a peaceful, united, and prosperous nation.

Written By: –

 

 

 

 

Rtr.Tharushi Randini
(Junior Blog Team Member 2024-25)

Edited By:

 

 

 

 

Rtr. Moksha Munasinghe
(Junior Blog Team Member 2024-25)

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