аÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û

Independence Square-by Rehan Julian-

Top 10 Intriguing Facts about Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall

On February 4, 1948, Sri Lanka declared its independence from British colonial control at this location, which served as the location of the country’s independence celebration ever since. 

The Independence Memorial Hall in the middle of the square was constructed to resemble the Kandy Dynasty meeting place for pilgrims.

In the memorial hall, it is simple to take photographs that have a sense of depth.

The statue of Sri Lanka’s first prime minister is mounted on the back of one of the 60 stone lions that surround it, each of which is thought to represent a monarch and represent the Sinhalese people.

Here are 10 intriguing facts about Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall.

1. Independence Memorial Hall is located in Independence Square

Arcade Independence Square, Colombo, Sri Lanka-by Anuradha Dullewe Wijeyeratne-

The Independence Memorial Hall, also known as the Independence Commemoration Hall, is a national monument in Sri Lanka.

It was erected to commemorate the country’s independence from British rule on February 4, 1948, when a Ceylonese-elected legislature regained complete control of the country.

It is situated at Independence Square, also known as Torrington Square, in Colombo’s Cinnamon Gardens. The Independence Memorial Museum is also housed there.

2. Independence Memorial Hall is a very significant national monument

Waiting for Independence at Independence Square-by Rattwrite-

A highly important national landmark in Colombo’s Independence Square is the Independence Memorial Hall (Colombo 7).

It was constructed to honor Sri Lanka’s freedom from British domination. Both religious gatherings and national holidays take place there. The Independence Memorial Museum is also housed there.

The architecture is quite intriguing; there are lion sculptures all over the place and columns and pillars painted with Sri Lankan patterns. To get a sense of the island’s past and history, it is definitely worth going.

3. The Independence Memorial Museum is also housed there

The Independence Memorial Hall’s basement houses the Independence Memorial Museum, which is situated in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s Independence Square (formerly Torrington Square), in the Cinnamon Gardens.

The Department of National Museum looks after it. The museum was founded with the intention of honoring national heroes who contributed to the nation’s victory over British Rule.

The Museum has a number of busts and display boards with the names, likenesses, and biographical details of the political figures, religious leaders, and lay patriots who were at the forefront of the fight for independence. 

4. The monument was erected in the same spot where Prince Henry officially opened the first parliament

SL Independence-by Government of Ceylon and UK-

Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, inaugurated Sri Lanka’s first parliament there on a unique podium, ending nearly five centuries of colonial authority and ushering in the country’s transition to self-government.

The Independence Memorial Hall used to host significant diplomatic visitors as well as formal meetings of the two houses of the Parliament.

5. This monument’s extravagant emblems honor the island’s long history

This monument’s extravagant symbols of the island’s long history and political freedom cover every architectural square inch.

D.S. Senanayake, Sri Lanka’s first prime minister, is shown in a commanding statue at the building’s entryway, which is flanked by four terrifying stone lions with piercing eyes.

These wild guards were built using lion statues from the Yapahuwa kingdom’s 13th century period.

The assembly hall, the centerpiece of the monument, was modeled after the “Magul Maduwa,” the royal court of the King of Kandy, the last monarchy to exist on the island.

The assembly hall’s facade is embellished with “Punkalasas,” or pots of abundance, which stand for wealth and success.

60 pillars that were part of the Gampola kingdom’s famous Embekke wood sculptures from the 14th century support the hall’s interior.

6. The Independence Memorial Hall is one of the most precisely designed structures in Colombo

A team of eight renowned architects, including F. H. Billimoria, Shirley de Alwis, Oliver Weerasinghe, Homi Billimoria, Justin Samarasekera, and M. B. Morina, created the structure under the direction of Tom Neville Wynne-Jones CBE.

The building’s design was inspired by the Magul Maduwa (Celebration Hall), the Royal Audience Hall of the Kingdom of Kandy the last native kingdom on the island.

Where the Kandyan Convention, which ended the Kingdom of Kandy, was signed on March 5, 1815, by the British and the Kandyan Chieftains (Radalas).

7. Independence Square remains one of the nicest places to relax in Colombo

Independence Square Torrington-by Ranuri00-

Independence Square is still among the best spots in Colombo to unwind, particularly in the evenings.

Along with the memorial hall itself, there is also a large, expansive green lawn outside, a memorial museum, and a variety of accessible cafes and shopping centers nearby.

In the mornings and the night, joggers like to frequent this area. So much so that anyone taking a walk here at some point is likely to see them, including schoolchildren, aunts, and even the President.

Around Independence Square, there are many beautifully maintained gardens, as well as magnificent, spotless paved walks.

Independence Square is perhaps the best location in the city for morning and evening exercise, eclipsing Marine Drive and the beach.

Here, you may use the free gym, and there’s even a place where you can rent bicycles.

8. It functioned as the ceremonial assembly hall for the Senate of Ceylon

Up until the parliament was moved to the current parliament complex, it functioned as the ceremonial assembly hall for the Senate of Ceylon and the House of Representatives of Ceylon. It also had a monument.

9. Rt. Hon. Don Stephen Senanayake is commemorated by a statue at the top of the monument

Official Photographic Portrait of Don Stephen Senanayaka (1884-1952)-by Government of Ceylon-

Stateman Don Stephen Senanayake was from Ceylon. He became the movement’s leader, bringing about the formation of self-rule in Ceylon, and became the country’s first prime minister. He is revered as the nation’s “Father.” 

His statue is shown in a commanding statue at the building’s entryway, which is flanked by four terrifying stone lions with piercing eyes.

10. How to reach Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall

There are four ways to get from Colombo Airport to Independence Memorial Hall (CMB). via a town vehicle, cab, car, or airline.

The flight time from Colombo to the square is 22 minutes, while the drive is 28 minutes.

The Memorial Hall was used as a pit stop in The Amazing Race Asia’s fourth season, The Amazing Race Australia’s first season, and The Amazing Race Israel’s second season.