National monument celebrating the country’s independence
- Independence Memorial Hall, Colombo 07
- 24/7 museum: 9am-5pm [Sun/Mon closed]
- +94 112 878 996
Hangout spot
This is perhaps the world’s most accessible independence monument. The stone steps and surrounding promenade double as a popular picnic spot and cycling track. If you ask us, this is one of Colombo’s best spots. Go there early in the morning or when the sun sets and you can join a yoga class, a running club or just chill out in the grass and watch some kids playing a game of cricket. “Almost every day I go to Independence Square for a walk with my son Eshu. It’s the nicest place in Cinnamon Gardens. says Amithi, a longtime resident of Cinnamon Gardens.
Independence Day
The monument was built at the exact spot where Sri Lanka got its independence from the British. Located at the head of the monument is the statue of the ‘The Father of the Nation’’ the first prime minister of the country Rt. Hon. Don Stephen Senanayake. Inside the hall is a recently renovated museum, where you can meet all national heroes who contributed to the fight for freedom. “The museum is a reminder of some of the coolest people in local history, people who fought to preserve the Sri Lankan identity we take for granted today.” says Shifani, a Colombo resident.
Almost every day I go to Independence Square for a walk with my son Eshu. It’s the nicest place in Cinnamon Gardens
Royal design
The design of the Memorial Hall is based on the Magul Maduwa the Royal audience hall of the Kingdom of Kandy. There on 5 March 1815 the Kandy Convention was signed between the British and the local Chieftains (Radalas) ending the last native kingdom of the island.