Ceylon Observer, front cover 1949 February 4
The first anniversary of Ceylon’s Independence was ushered in at dawn today by the pealing of church and temple bells, the joyous roll of “magul bera”, the firing of crackers, the hoot of sirens and innumerable other forms of spontaneous celebration in hundreds of homes.
After religious observances throughout the city all Colombo wended its way to the Galle Face green to witness the impressive Independence parade, heightened by the martial music of massed bands and the zooming of aero planes overhead. A united Service of Thanksgiving organised by the National Christian Council of Ceylon held at the Wolvendhal church was attended by the Governor-General and the Prime Minister.
Sir John Kotelawala, Minister of Transport and Works cut the first sod at the chosen site of the Independence Memorial at Torrington Square in accordance with ancient rites at the auspicious hour………..
(Extracted from Ceylon Observer, 1949 February 4, Front page – Lead)
