Sri Lanka’s Independence Day is celebrated annually on February 4 and commemorates its internal political independence from British rule in 1948.
Celebrations take place nationwide in Sri Lanka with an array of events, including a flag-hoisting ceremony, dances, parades and performances.
The main event is held in Colombo, where President Maithripala Sirisena raises the national flag and delivers a nationally televised speech.
Sri Lanka is an island nation in the Indian Ocean that features diverse landscapes that range from the rainforest and arid plains to highlands and beautiful sandy beaches.
Famed for its ancient Buddhist ruins, including the fifth century citadel Sigiriya with its palace and frescoes, Sri Lanka enjoys a rich cultural heritage and a documented history dating back 3,000 years.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress is a gigantic column of rock rising 200m from the forested plains below.
Built over 1,000 years ago, the Unesco World Heritage Site is Sri Lanka’s most popular attraction.
The city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s ancient capital, has many ruins dating back more than 2,000 years.
Although Sri Lanka is relatively small in size, it has the highest biodiversity density in Asia and is one of the 25 biodiversity hotspots in the world. The country has declared 24 wildlife reserves, which are home to a wide range of native species such as Asian elephants, leopards, sloths, the unique loris, deer, endangered wild boar and more, making it one of the best safari destinations.
Yala National Park in south east Sri Lanka protects herds of elephant, deer and peacocks, while Wilpattu National Park in the north west, the largest national park, preserves the habitats of many water birds.
Sri Lanka’s main economic sectors are tourism, tea export, clothing, rice production and other agricultural products.
It is the world’s fourth largest tea producer and the third largest exporter, with the three main varieties Ceylon black, green and white tea.