Sri Lanka gained independence from the British on 4th February 1948. The Independence Memorial Hall in Colombo was built to commemorate this milestone in the history of Sri Lanka. The hall is located in a very green part of the city and has beautiful lawns, large leafy trees, and a free environment. Independence Memorial Hall is located in the Independence Square at Colombo 7. It was formerly known as Torrington Square.
The monument was erected to mark the beginning of autonomy, and the first Parliament was inaugurated by Prince Henry on February 4, 1948, on a special platform by the Duke of Gloucester. At the head of the monument is the country’s first Prime Minister, R.T. the Hon. Don Steven Senanayake “Father of the Nation”. Apart from a monument, it served as a function hall for the Ceylon Senate and the Ceylon House of Representatives until Parliament was moved to the new Parliament complex. Today it is the venue for religious festivals and annual National Day celebrations.
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The building was designed by a team of eight outstanding architects. The design of this building is based on the Magul Maduwa (Celebration Hall), the Royal Auditorium of the Kingdom of Kandy, the last kingdom on the island. Every inch of this monumental architecture is filled with symbols of the island’s rich history and political freedom. Sri Lanka’s first Prime Minister Mr. D.S. Senanyake’s statue is at the entrance to the building. It surrounded by four glowing stone lions. These guardians were recreated from lion statues in the 13th century the Yapahuwa Kingdom.
Independence Square is such a nice place and as long as we can remember it is well maintained. It is now not only space historic space, but also an amusement park with lush lawns, some food options, and plenty of space for exercise and relaxation.
