Independence Day (Sri Lanka)

National Day
Official nameNational Day of Sri Lanka
ශ්‍රී ලංකා ජාතික දිනය
இலங்கையின் தேசிய தினம்
Observed bySri Lanka
TypeNational
SignificanceCommemorates Sri Lanka's independence from Britain in 1948
CelebrationsNational Day Parade and an address by the President of Sri Lanka
Date4 February
Next time4 February 2025 (2025-02-04)
FrequencyAnnually

National Day, also known as Independence Day,[1] is a Sri Lankan national holiday celebrated annually on 4 February to commemorate the country’s political independence from British rule in 1948. It is celebrated all over the country through a flag-hoisting ceremony, dances, parades, and performances. Usually, the main celebration takes place in Colombo, where the President of Sri Lanka raises the national flag and delivers a nationally televised speech.

The President's speech typically highlights the achievements of the government during the past year, raises important issues and gives a call for further development. The President also pays tribute to the national heroes of Sri Lanka, observes two minutes of silence in their memory, challenges and vows to eradicate separatism. A great military parade is also made. In recent years, National Day has been used to showcase the power of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and the Civil Defense Force.

  1. ^ Independence Day celebration to be named as National Day Celebration, ColomboPage.com, 23 January 2019