Sri Lanka Independence Day — 4 February
Sri Lanka celebrates its Independence Day every year on 4 February, marking the events of 1948.
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Why 4 February?
Sri Lanka observes Independence Day on 4 February, commemorating the day in 1948 when the island — then known as Ceylon — gained independence from British rule after nearly 150 years as a crown colony. The transition was peaceful, negotiated under leaders such as Don Stephen Senanayake, who became the first prime minister; the country adopted the name Sri Lanka and became a republic in 1972. The striking flag centres on a golden lion holding a sword, a symbol of the historic Sinhala kingdom, framed by four bo-leaves representing the Buddhist virtues of loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy and equanimity; two vertical stripes in green and orange honour the island's Muslim and Tamil communities, reflecting an intention of national unity. Independence Day is a national public holiday marked by a flag-raising and presidential address at a national ceremony in Colombo, a military parade, a two-minute silence and cultural performances, blending solemn remembrance with celebration of the island's sovereignty.
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Quick facts
- Date
- 4 February (every year)
- Official name
- Independence Day
- Commemorates
- 1948
- Public holiday
- Yes, in Sri Lanka