Today, Sri Lanka commemorates the 53rd Republic Day, marking a historic turning point in the nation’s journey towards full sovereignty. On May 22, 1972, Sri Lanka officially became a Republic with the adoption of a new Constitution, signifying a complete break from colonial rule.
With a recorded history spanning over 2,500 years, Sri Lanka had been under British rule since 1815. Although the country—then known as Ceylon—gained independence on February 4, 1948, it remained a Dominion under the British Crown.
The watershed moment came on May 22, 1972, when the Republican Constitution—drafted entirely by Sri Lankans—was passed in Parliament, replacing the British-imposed Soulbury Constitution. This marked the establishment of the Republic of Sri Lanka and is widely regarded as the day the nation achieved full independence from British colonial rule.
Republic Day is considered one of the most significant milestones in Sri Lanka’s modern history. While the day has been commemorated annually, it is noteworthy that since 2009, no special government or state-organized events have been held to mark the occasion.
