Celebrating the 61st Independence Day:

A smile on every face

Samangie WETTIMUNY

A caged bird if it could put its sorrow into words, would tell you what it would be like to spend one’s life as a ‘prisoner’. Set it free to see what a lot, freedom means to that little bird! Doesn’t matter who the victim is, may be a bird, a human being, or even a country, the ability to lead an independent life is the greatest desire of everyone.

That is why February 4 stands out in our minds. We may forget a poya day; we may check with the calendar for the exact date of Sinhala and Hindu New year. But I am sure, no one would ask ‘when is the Independence day?’

Its importance has not dwindled. It is with same importance we celebrate it today even though 61 years have passed since we gained independence from the British on February 4, 1948.

“ Birth of New Dominion of Ceylon- Independence dawns with amnesty to prisoners” was the headline of the Ceylon Daily News on February 4,1948. “Dawn of freedom broke over Lanka”, reported Ceylon Observer “Colombo was robed in a mantle of splendour..” It went on.

National anthem composed by Ananda Samarakoon was sung for the first time by students of Musaeus College, Colombo at the first Independence Day celebrations.

“No one went to sleep that night. At the stroke of midnight a burst of crackers rent the air. Gorgeous fireworks lit the night sky. Temple bells and church bells rang.

Ships’ sirens echoed across the water”, wrote eminent journalist Lalitha K. Witanachchi to the Daily News in 1998 on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of Independence, recalling the great day.

Today, only a few who were lucky to have had the first hand experience of the celebration remain. Those who do, have reached the latter stages of their lives and would not remain too long to narrate the moving story to the present generation.

But the sacrifices made by our forefathers will never be overlooked, let alone forgotten.

Unlike some other countries who were under the colonial power, Ceylon received its independence without bloodshed ‘winning’ a peaceful and diplomatic fight for freedom. After attaining the independence, the Duke of Gloucester opened the first Session of Parliament at the Assembly Hall, Torrington Place Colombo.

On the opening of the second session of the first Parliament, the Leader of the House, S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike in his speech elaborated on the grave responsibilities and duties that devolved upon people and the necessity to shoulder them efficiently and effectively.“Now after a long slumber of servitude, we are again awakening to a new life of freedom.

Without bitterness, without strife and turmoil, we have achieved independence. It is but fitting that we should remember with gratitude the unremitting labour, the patience, and the statemenship of our patriots and leaders, both past and present which have made the achievements possible.” He went on.

The speech made by D.S.Senanayake, the first Prime Minister of Independent Ceylon is repeatedly quoted even today showing its lasting relevance.

“All nations should bend their energies towards establishing a peaceful and prosperous world in which every human being can enjoy the fruits of peace. Lanka with its great traditions of peace and goodwill preached by Lord Buddha will always advance towards the cause of Freedom and Peace.”

Diplomatic fight

As mentioned earlier it was through a diplomatic fight that Sri Lanka gained independence. There were patriots from all three nationalities. Sinhala , Tamil and Muslim leaders who lived during that period had always dreamt of gaining independence and tried to achieve it diplomatically. The British Monarchy responded to these struggles through three commissions-Colebrooke-Cameron, Donoughmore and the Soulbury Commission.

As a result though with limited ties to the British Crown Sri Lanka could grant independence on the recommendations of the Soulbury Commission. Personalities like D.S.Senanayake, Sir D.B.Jayatileke, E.W. Perera, Arumugarnavalar, M.C.Siddhi Lebbe, T.B. Jayah, Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan and Sir Ponnambalam Arunachalam were the giants behind the struggle.

Sri Lanka which has always been known for her glorious history was completely surrendered to the British in 1815, following a treaty called “Udarata Givisuma”. But the story did not begin there.

The Portuguese and the Dutch had been controlling the maritime provinces of the country from 1505. Could there be any other victory on earth other than achieving independence after more than 400 years of Colonial rule?

Even today as we celebrate the 61st Independence Day on Wednesday we better recall the words of S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike still echoes in the air. “ We must not, we cannot , allow our newly regained freedom to run the risk of remaining merely a theoretical concept, a thing dead and without real meaning for the vast mass of people.

We must see that it quickens into a life of greater happiness and prosperity for us all.” The national flag already flutters on every household-several days, or even months before the celebration of the 61 st Independence day!. Though the attempt is to ensure the rights of all communities, the wish is to see a smile on every face!