Independence Square

	Area of the land	0.9859 hectares
	Area of the ground floor of the independence hall	10,000 sq,ft
	Laying of foundation stone for the building	04.02.1949
	Opening of the Independence Museum	03.02.2008

With a view to mark the triumphant victory of gaining independence for Sri Lanka in 1948, then the government of Sri Lanka decided to construct an independence memorial building which could be appreciated by local and foreign people symbolization of the long and splendid history of Sri Lanka; Accordingly a majestic  and magnificent looking building similar in form to Magul Maduwa in Kandy was planned. This building has been constructed so as to symbolize splendour of the nation with adequate seating accommodation for the total number of 224 persons who represent as the members of parliament and the members of Senate and with seating accommodation  for 25,000 persons in the open area outside the hall and with ground space around  the hall which can accommodate 100,000 people. Paintings which illustrate various events of the History of Sri Lanka drawn the inside walls since the day King Vijaya arrived in Sri Lanka upto the present. and hence the entire building has been created as a reflection of our glorious ancient culture in the ultimate sense of the word.

To commemorate the Independence that we gained . The festival was held at the independence square during the first years. It is our prime duty to protect this building as a national asset. In accordance with a decision taken by the cabinet of Ministers on 20^th April 1983 the Independence Hall has been entrusted into the custody of the Cultural Ministry. At present  Development of the building’s surrounding has been entrusted to the Urban Development Authority in a manner of the protection of its magnificence ,The  maintenance and repairs of the Independence Hall and its premises have been done by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs . Large number of local and foreign tourists visit this place every day to see its splendour.