9 years and below
An Independence Day Parade
Independence Day is a very important day for our country. It is celebrated every year on February 4th in Sri Lanka. On this day, we remember the freedom our country gained in 1948. One of the most exciting events of this celebration is the Independence Day Parade.
The parade is usually held in Colombo. The President and other important leaders attend the ceremony. The National Flag is hoisted proudly while everyone sings the National Anthem. Soldiers from the Army, Navy and Air Force march neatly in their uniforms. The Police officers and schoolchildren also take part in the parade.
The Independence Day parade teaches us to love and respect our country. It reminds us of the sacrifices made by our national heroes. I feel proud to be a citizen of Sri Lanka when I watch the parade. It is a day filled with happiness, unity and patriotism.
Umaimah Hussain (7 years)
Harvard Int. School, Matale
10 – 12 years
How Sri Lanka gained Independence
Sri Lanka is a fascinating island with congenial climate, rich heritage and friendly people. For centuries, it was a monarchy influenced by Buddhism. Owing to its location and resources, the coastal belt was captured by the Portuguese (1505) and Dutch (1658). Finally the British took control of the entire island in 1815.
Foreign rulers left significant advancements. ‘Ceylon Tea’ was invented. Trains joined Colombo to the Central Hills, unveiling divine views. Banking, postal and telecommunication services were establish. But benefits came at a cost. Alcohol and drug addiction, slaughter of cattle for beef were key issues. Religious and cultural disruptions were profound. Local resources and labour were exploited. Law was unfair.
Natives stood for sovereignty. People from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds supported the Independence movement differently. Courageous leaders raised their swords against injustice. An immense number of patriots sacrificed their lives. Religious leaders used voice and pen to emphasize the importance of indigenous values. Scholars negotiated diplomatically for Independence. All these efforts counted for Sri Lanka gaining Independence on February 4, 1948.
Over the past 78 years we have faced many challenges; terrorism, epidemics, economic crises, drugs, underworld, natural disasters. We should unite to overcome these issues and rebuild Sri Lanka. This would be the greatest homage to our national heroes!
Lisathma Munasinghe (12 years)
Sujatha Vidyalaya, Nugegoda
13 – 15 years
National heroes who worked towards Sri Lanka’s Independence
The history of Sri Lanka is filled with mind-blowing stories of bravery and patriotism, as many leaders fought for the freedom of our motherland from foreign rule.
The political heroes were the architects who navigated the complex halls of British law and diplomacy.
D. S. Senanayake, the first Prime Minister of independent Ceylon, headed the ‘Donoughmore’ and ‘Soulbury’ commissions.
Sir Ponnambalam Arunachalam founded the Ceylon National Congress. He was the first to demand for self-government rather than just administrative reform.
The movement for Sri Lanka’s independence wasn’t just fought in the boardrooms or through political petitions; it was sparked by a powerful cultural and religious awakening.
Anagarika Dharmapala, a Buddhist revivalist and an influential figure of this era, didn’t just preach, but travelled the country urging people to wake up from their “colonial slumber”.
Migettuwatte Gunananda Thera led the famous Panadura Vadaya. By winning intellectual debated against Christian missionaries, he restored the confidence of Sri Lankans.
In the North, scholars sought to preserve Tamil culture and ´Saivism against heavy missionary influence.
Arumuka Navalar, known as the ‘Champion Reformer’, revitalized ´Saivism in Jaffna by establishing schools and printing presses.
Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan was a bridge-builder who once famously travelled to the UK to advocate for the rights of Buddhists, embodying inter-religious unity.
The Muslim community played a vital role by focusing heavily on education as a mean of liberation. T. B. Jayah was an educatore and a politician who famously put the country’s independence above communal interests.
Siddi Lebbe’s work in establishing schools helped create a generation of thinkers who could challenge colonial rule.
The independence of Sri Lanka was not the result of a single battle or a solitary hero; it was a symphony of collective effort and determination. These honorable personas will forever remain in our hearts.
Nivethikaa Yogendran (15 years)
St. Bridget’s Convent, Colombo
