Sri Lanka’s Independence Day: A Celebration of Freedom and National Identity – By Bhanuka – eLanka Sri Lanka’s Independence Day, celebrated annually on February 4th, marks the country’s liberation from British colonial rule in 1948. This historic day is a symbol of national pride, unity, and the resilience of the Sri Lankan people in their struggle for self-governance. The event is commemorated with grand ceremonies, cultural performances, and patriotic fervor across the nation. Historical Background Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, was under colonial rule for nearly 450 years, first by the Portuguese (1505-1658), then the Dutch (1658-1796), and finally the British (1796-1948). The fight for independence was fueled by national movements that sought to reclaim sovereignty, with leaders such as D.S. Senanayake, who played a crucial role in negotiations with the British government. As a result, Sri Lanka peacefully gained its independence on February 4, 1948, becoming a self-governing ...

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The commercial capital and largest city of Sri Lanka ” Colombo ” – By Malsha – eLanka Colombo is the commercial capital and largest city of Sri Lanka, located on the west coast of the island. It has a population of over 750,000 people and is the center of economic and political activity in the country. Colombo is a bustling city with a mix of modern and colonial architecture, and is known for its vibrant street markets, historic temples and mosques, and scenic oceanfront promenade. It is also home to many government institutions, educational institutions, and cultural attractions such as the National Museum and the Viharamahadevi Park. The city’s international airport, Bandaranaike International Airport, is located approximately 35 kilometers north of the city center. History of colombo The history of Colombo dates back to ancient times. The city was a trading port and a center of commerce for many centuries, ...

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The People of the Fire – By Randika Jayakody & Jerome Perera Source :  Sri Lankan Group of Radio 4EB is pleased to present its Newsletter “Dæhæna” for August 2022. What do the Mumtaz Mahal (former residence of Speaker of Parliament), Independence Memorial Hall, Tintagel Colombo, Temple of Fire and the Kandy Masonic Temple have in common? All of these iconic buildings were intricately crafted within the mind of a Sri Lankan Parsee named Homi Billimoria. The Parsis of Sri Lanka are an ethnoreligious group that originated in Iran who left Iran to escape religious persecution. As a result, many Parsis in Sri Lanka practice Zoroastrianism, a fascinating religion with a wholesome philosophy. The migrations out of Iran brought the Parsi community to Ceylon where they have settled and contributed vastly to the historical, intellectual and cultural landscape of modern Sri Lanka. The Parsi community has significantly invested in improving ...

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