The history woven by the pearl of Asia is simply amazing! From the start of the civilization in Ceylon with the arrival of Prince Vijaya, the journey of this small island consisted of many excitements and victories. Bypassing strong kingdoms and strong rulers who fought against multiple foreign conquerors like the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, this small country was pushed toward independence with proper democracy.
This is why we remember and celebrate when it comes to the history of Sri Lanka!
74 years ago, Dr. SN Sashtri wrote this poet for our first Independence Day celebration,
‘Mighty is the land of Bharata;
And, likewise, mighty is the Lion’s Land.
Rejoice! For this day’s bright dawn
Sees the Lion Island Free.
Victory to those who lead their people’s ever beloved.
Victory to Senanayake, leader of the government,
And victory to India’s gem of Gems.’
[Courtesy JR Jayewardene Centre-: MFN 7854]
The Sri Lankan Independence Movement and the Youth Leagues
The youth of Sri Lanka were involved in the country's independence. They represented the entire community and the nation by motivating people to create proper justice. The shadow behind this revolution was Hon. Anagarika Dharmapala and Dharmapala’s ethnic group. Because of them, many youth leagues were raised from all sides of Sri Lanka. However, CNC demanded more power from the colonial government. They petitioned the government to take their demands and justice but the colonial government never demanded independence or domain statutes.
Nevertheless, the young leagues created multiple ways to influence the road toward independence in Sri Lanka.
Following are the main two activities initiated by youth leagues.
Suriya- Mal Movement
Formation of Lanka Sama Samaja Party
Suriya-Mal Movement
During Armistice Day on the 11th of November, in the course of British rule, they started to sell Suriya mal around the country against the poppy sellers. This was the project which encouraged British servicemen to detriment the Sri Lankan servicemen. Many British authorities gave their maximum power to stop this project. Yet, they failed. Thereafter, this project was carried out until the second world war by which competition was created against the poppy sellers.
Formation of the Lanka Sama Samaja Party
This was a significant milestone in regards to the youth league's involvement in Independence. The Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP) was the first party established that was built by young blood. Their vision was accurate and their main aim was to have complete national independence. To build up nationalism, they abolished the ethnic, caste and gender inequalities. They had demanded colonial authorities to replace Sinhala and Tamil as the main language and English as another language. The English language continued to be an official language until 1956.
The Sri Lankan Society
With the Colebrook reforms, new job opportunities and income pathways were generated throughout the country. It was at this point that the typical Sri Lankan culture diminished. Instead of high-class and lower-class families, the new middle class was generated within society. Under this, government workers and businessmen were included and most of them were educated abroad. They knew the proper democracy, independence and political state of our country. The middle-class became involved in the youth leagues and a proper walk toward independence was enhanced.
Soulbury Reforms and the Sri Lankan Independence
Due to the vast impact created by the youth leagues, the British government introduced Soulbury Commission. They gave power and the right to amend internal activities to the Sri Lankan people. At this point, the first-ever parliament election was set to date.
National heroes like D.S. Senanayake argued detailing the rights that Sri Lankans have for independence.
In 1947, the first parliamentary election was held and the United National Party won majority of the seats and the first-ever Sri Lankan government was born. Their leader was D.S. Senanayake.
On the 4th of February 1948, the British government lost its right to interfere with Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka was finally an independent country!
On the 10th of February that the first parliament was elected led by D.S. Senanayake, the British flag was taken down and the Sri Lankan national flag was hoisted to symbolized the establishment of Ceylon's independence. Ever since that fateful day, every Sri Lankan celebrates their independence to commemorate our national heroes and to celebrate the value behind the achievement. The annual Independence Day is celebrated with the president as a chief guest. To show off the pride of our nation, parade and cultural performances take place as a part of this official celebration. By hoisting the national flag at home, all Sri Lankans join to celebrate.
The Bottom Line | Sri Lanka Independence Day History
Through further consideration, the journey toward independence was not easy; it took plenty of sacrifices. An effort of unity was established between all nations.
Sri Lanka achieved independence on the 4th of February 1948 but it was not until the 22nd of May 1972 that the status of the republic was obtained.