Independence Memorial Hall

Independence Memorial Hall stands in Independence Square, formerly Torrington Square, in Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo, Sri Lanka, and commemorates the country's independence from Britain in 1948. Its design echoes the audience hall of the Kandyan kings, and a museum in the basement tells the story of the independence movement. It suits history-minded visitors and early-morning walkers.

Where Ceylon's first parliament opened in 1948

On 4 February 1948 Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, opened the first parliament of independent Ceylon at a special podium on this site. Work on the hall started on 4 February 1949 and finished in 1953.

Modelled on the Magul Maduwa in Kandy

A team of eight architects led by Tom Neville Wynne-Jones modelled the hall on the Magul Maduwa in Kandy, where the Kandyan Convention was signed in 1815. A statue of D. S. Senanayake, the first prime minister, often called the father of the nation, stands at its head.

From parliament sittings to state funerals

It served as the ceremonial assembly hall for the Senate and House of Representatives until parliament moved to its new complex. Today it hosts national day celebrations, religious events and state funerals, and President Maithripala Sirisena took his oath here.