Independence Day (Sri Lanka)
| National Day | |
|---|---|
| Official name | National Day of Sri Lanka ශ්රී ලංකා ජාතික දිනය இலங்கையின் தேசிய தினம் |
| Observed by | Sri Lanka |
| Type | National |
| Significance | Commemorates Sri Lanka's independence from Britain in 1948 |
| Celebrations | National Day Parade and an address by the President of Sri Lanka |
| Date | 4 February |
| Next time | 4 February 2026 |
| Frequency | Annually |
National Day, also known as Independence Day, is a Sri Lankan national holiday celebrated annually on 4 February to commemorate the country’s political independence from British rule in 1948. It is celebrated all over the country through a flag-hoisting ceremony, dances, parades, and performances. Usually, the main celebration takes place in Colombo, where the President of Sri Lanka raises the national flag and delivers a nationally televised speech.
Traditionally the Sri Lanka Navy accords a 21 gun salute to the nation from the ceremonial naval gun battery at the Colombo Lighthouse. A Google Doodle reaching only Sri Lanka celebrated the occasion in 2013 and from 2017 continuously onwards.