Independence Memorial Hall
Independence Memorial Hall (also known as Independence Commemoration Hall) is a national monument in Sri Lanka built for commemoration of the independence of Sri Lanka from the British rule with the restoration of full governing responsibility to a Ceylonese-elected legislature on 4 February 1948. It is located in Independence Square (formerly Torrington Square) in the Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo. It also houses the Independence Memorial Museum.
| Independence Memorial Hall | |
|---|---|
Location in greater Colombo | |
| Alternative names | Independence Commemoration Hall |
| General information | |
| Location | Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo, Sri Lanka |
| Coordinates | 6°54′16.5″N 79°52′02.2″E |
| Construction started | 4 February 1949 |
| Completed | 1953 |
| Owner | Ministry of Cultural Affairs |
| Technical details | |
| Floor area | 930 m2 (10,000 sq ft) |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) | Tom Neville Wynne-Jones |
| Other designers | Shirley D’Alwis |
The monument was built at the location where the formal ceremony marking the start of self-rule, with the opening of the first parliament by Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester occurred at a special podium on 4 February 1948.
Located at the head of the monument is the statue of the first prime minister of the country Rt. Hon. Don Stephen Senanayake "The Father of the Nation". Most of the annual National Independence Day celebrations have been held here. Apart from a monument it served as the ceremonial assembly hall for the Senate of Ceylon and the House of Representatives of Ceylon until the parliament was moved to the new parliament complex. Currently it is the venue for religious events and annual national day celebrations.