Sri Lanka celebrates Independence day today. This file pic shows the formal ceremony marking the start of self rule in Sri Lanka, with the opening of the first parliament at Independence Square by HRH Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester in the presence of D.S. Senanayake, the first Prime Minister of the then Ceylon.
Youth are seen here lending a hand to exhibit a giant Sri Lankan national flag which is 100 feet in length and 50 feet wide at Independence square today. Pic by Pradeep Pathirana
Independence day celebrations in Vavuniya pic by Romoesh Madushanka