A moment of joy

• 59 years ago on Feb.4

By Sanjeevika Samaratunga

The national flag flies high in every nook and corner of Sri Lanka against the blue skies proudly displaying the symbolic gesture of independence.

Our forefathers gained freedom from the white supremacy 59 years ago on 4th February 1948 and throughout the year generations hold the day in high esteem.

The First Cabinet of Ministers with Sir Henry Moore, Governor-General

Represenatives from 27 countries were present on 4th February 1948 and special mention must be made on the presence of the Duke of Gloucester and the Duchess, Admiral General Sir Arthur Paliyer from the Indian Navy which created headline stories. Torrington Square was transformed into a place of festivity and large crowds thronged to Colombo to participate in the celebrations.

Colombo City lit up on Independence Day, February 4, 1948

The sound of conch blowing, drums, trumpets heralded the joyous occasion and every temple chanted the vibes of Buddhist stanzas evoking peace and harmony. The first parliament was inaugurated in a floral decorated hall which had a canopy in the entrance sculptured in the architecture of the Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura era, depicting the dragon, cascades of lotus and swans, all belonging to ancient art forms to add culture to identity of a land that spanned centuries.

The Duke of Gloucester and the Duchess embarked on the tour to feel the resplendence of the royalty that was history in Sri Lanka. They were welcomed with a Guard of Honour and a Gun Salute. At the proceedings the Duke read out the message from King George V of Britain. Finally our Prime Minister hoisted the National Flag which flew at high mast in the backdrop of the blue skies, bringing tears of joy to the nation who watched the Lion Flag in a deep sense of patriotism. The Prime Minister spoke in Sinhala and said that nobody could deprive one of this moment of joy when the people had their attention focused to this historical event in sharing the fragrance of freedom which is the result of a struggle after 131 years of foreign rule and appreciated those who contributed to the achievement of independence by many who even sacrificed their lives.

D.S.Senanayake, the first Prime Minister, greeting the first Governor-General, Sir Henry Moore, at Queen's House

A special function to mark the occasion was held at Senkadagala and the Duke of Gloucester was present on the occasion. The crowdo lined up both sides of the road to welcome the Duke creating an atmosphere of warmth and friendliness. A grand perahera was organized the same day in Kandy. Prime Minister D.S.Senanayake hoisted the national flag on the 'paththirippu' of the Dalada Maligawa to the sound of 'magul beras' (Drums) and the Buddhist priests chanted 'Seth Pirith' to invoke blessings to the country and its people.

The historical first Independence celebration hsd been a joyous occasion where the nation salutes the Lion Flag which stands as a monument of true freedom.