Sri Lanka celebrates 74th Independence Anniversary |04 February 2022

Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Sri Lanka today celebrates 74 years since independence from Britain with the theme ‘An affluent tomorrow and prosperous motherland with challenges overcome’.

Over the centuries due to its geographic location, the country has been well known by traders, thus was known by many different names. From being mapped as Taprobane by the ancient Greek geographers to being referred to as Serendib by the Arabs. Under the British Empire, however, it was known as Ceylon for over 135 years. Although the country gained independence on February 4, 1948, constitutionally it remained part of the British Empire with the Queen as the Head of State until 1972. When after many discussions, Ceylon adopted its own constitution and became the Republic of Sri Lanka. This year Sri Lanka marks 40 years since becoming a Republic.

In Seychelles, due to the prevailing situation, the Mission will mark the occasion with a small official ceremony limited to the Mission staff at the official residence in North East Point. While in Sri Lanka, the official celebrations will be at the Independence Square, Colombo.

In addition to the official ceremony there are other activities being held to commemorate the occasion across the country such as tree planting and religious performances covering all major religions.

Contributed by Ruth Dinushi Mohotti