Sri Lanka's Independence Day commemorates the island's peaceful independence from Britain in 1948. Marked by flag-raising, parades, religious observances, and cultural events, it is a celebration of sovereignty and national pride.

When is Independence Day?

Independence Day is observed on February 4 every year.

The following is the list of Independence Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Independence Day?

From 1505 to 1658, the Portuguese first established control over coastal areas, influencing trade and religion.

The Dutch replaced the Portuguese from 1658 to 1796, ruling key coastal territories, while the central Kandyan Kingdom remained independent.

The British took over in 1796. In 1815, the Kandyan Kingdom was ceded, bringing the entire island under British rule for the first time until 1948. Under the British, the island was renamed Ceylon, and plantations of tea, coffee, and rubber reshaped the economy.

By the early 20th century, Sri Lankans (Ceylonese) began demanding reforms. Movements for greater political participation and representation gained strength.

In 1931, Ceylon received universal suffrage under the Donoughmore Constitution, one of the first Asian countries to grant this right.

After World War II, the global wave of decolonization strengthened independence movements. In 1947, the British Parliament passed the Ceylon Independence Act.

On February 4, 1948, Ceylon officially became a self-governing Dominion within the British Commonwealth. Don Stephen Senanayake became the first Prime Minister.

In 1972, Ceylon became a republic, officially adopting the name Sri Lanka.