Feb 04, 2023
Sri Lanka Independence Day 2023
This Doodle’s Key Themes
Today’s Doodle celebrates Sri Lanka’s Independence Day. On this day in 1948, the Dominion of Ceylon, later renamed the Republic of Sri Lanka, officially gained independence.
Official celebrations kick off in the country’s capital, Colombo. National bands and military forces march through bustling city streets and Galle Face Green, a seaside park. Many band members play the magul bera, a double-sided ceremonial drum, which echoes throughout the city. After national leaders give speeches and planes soar through the sky, citizens gather to raise the Sri Lankan flag, which is depicted in today’s Doodle. The flag features orange and green vertical stripes and a golden lion atop a dark red background.
The rest of Independence Day is filled with traditional Sri Lankan cuisine like kiribath (milk rice) and varai (fritters). Tea is one of Sri Lanka’s biggest exports and citizens celebrate the day by sampling national favorites. People also attend lectures held at universities in major cities that focus on national history.
Happy Independence Day, Sri Lanka!
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