We, Sri Lankans, have a proud history woven around our splendid island.
Sri Lanka was first colonized by the Portuguese from 1505 to 1658. Re-colonization occurred under Dutch rule after 1658 for 150 years. The last colonization that Sri Lanka ever faced was by Britain, initiated in 1815. Ceylon, now known as Sri Lanka, was under British rule for more than 100 years. Sri Lankans had an utmost motive to not only achieve freedom for themselves but also to seek justice. The main reason why Sri Lanka was of interest to many foreign parties was due to its significant geographical location and high benefits in terms of foreign affairs and military activities.
As time passed, with maximum effort and dedication, Sri Lankans attained freedom in 1948 with the approval of the British through the Ceylon Freedom Act. Accordingly, the British government lost power to interfere in the governing activities of our motherland. Thus, from 1948, Sri Lankans proudly celebrate Independence Day, every 4th of February, by commemorating our national heroes and their efforts behind this achievement. We, Sri Lankans, show gratitude and respect with a remembrance that we belong to one nation, thus, hoisting our national flag and singing our national anthem with pride, on this special day. For 74 years, we have embraced the excellence of freedom of our proud nation. We may differ in religion and language but we all live in peace and harmony under one flag. As with every year, in 2022, our proud motherland celebrates its 74th independence day with pride and fortune.