4TH FEBRUARY IN 1948
Prior to the year 1972, Sri Lanka was known
as Ceylon. For more than a century Sri Lanka was a British crown colony but on
4 February, 1948 the country achieved its independence to officially become the
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. The independence day of Sri Lanka
is a great national occasion celebrated with parades and pageants combined with
the spirit of patriotism and national pride. The celebrations begin with the
hoisting of the national flag and singing the national anthem, followed by the
traditional lighting of the lamp ceremony. Subsequently there are various
cultural programs. This national day holds much significance for the people of
Sri Lanka as it reflects the history of great sacrifices made by many Sri
Lankans in the Attainment of its freedom. It is the day to pay tribute to the
armed forces that played a major role in the country's freedom struggle.
The Sri Lankan independence movement was a
peaceful political movement which aimed at achieving independence and self-rule
for Ceylon from the British Empire. It was initiated around the turn of the
20th century lead mostly by the educated middle class and ultimately was
successful when February 4, 1948 Ceylon was granted independence as the Dominion
of Ceylon. Dominion status within the British Commonwealth was retained for the
next 24 years until May 22, 1972 when it became a republic and was renamed the Republic
of Sri Lanka.
In 1848 the abortive Matale Rebellion, led
by Hennedige Francisco Fernando (Puran Appu) and Gongalegoda Banda was the
first transitional step towards abandoning the feudal form of revolt, being
fundamentally a peasant revolt. The masses were without the leadership of their
native King (deposed in 1815) or their chiefs (either crushed after the Uva
Rebellion or collaborating with the colonial power). The leadership passed for
the first time in the Kandyan provinces into the hands of ordinary people,
non-aristocrats. The leaders were yeomen-artisans, resembling the Levellers in
England's revolution and mechanics such as Paul Revere and Tom Paine who were
at the heart of the American Revolution. However, in the words of Colvin R. de
Silva, 'it had leaders but no leadership. The old feudalists were crushed and
powerless. No new class capable of leading the struggle and heading it towards
power had yet arisen.
Celebrations
There are also dances, singing and performances that showcase national unity
and culture. Religious observances are also made in many places of worship
around the country, wishing for peace and prosperity to the country, people and
the tri-forces. The national media also try to promote ideas such as bravery,
confidence, dedication, national unity, patriotism, nationalism, peace,
national responsibility and awareness of national history in the minds of
people.
List
of Sri Lankan independence activists
- · Colvin R. De Silva
- · Marc Anthony Bracegirdle
- · Gratien Fernando
- · William De Silva
- · Philip Gunawardhana
- · Pieter Keuneman
- · N.M Perera
- · Sir Edwin Wijayarathne
