Independence Square

Independence Memorial Hall, also known as Independence Commemoration Hall, is a national monument in Sri Lanka, built to commemorate the country’s independence from British rule on 4 February 1948. Located in Independence Square, Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo, the monument also houses the Independence Memorial Museum.

The monument was erected at the site where Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, opened the first parliament, marking the beginning of self-rule in Sri Lanka. A statue of the first prime minister, Rt. Hon. Don Stephen Senanayake, stands at the head of the monument. The hall has hosted many National Independence Day celebrations and served as the ceremonial assembly hall for the Senate and the House of Representatives until the parliament moved to its new complex. It is now used for religious events and annual national day celebrations.

Design: The building was designed by a group of architects led by Tom Neville Wynne-Jones and inspired by the Magul Maduwa (Celebration Hall) of the Kingdom of Kandy. This design reflects the historical significance of the site where the Kandyan Convention was signed, ending the Kingdom of Kandy in 1815.

In Popular Culture: The Memorial Hall has been featured as a pit stop on the 4th season of The Amazing Race Asia, the 1st season of The Amazing Race Australia, and the 2nd season of the Israeli edition of The Amazing Race.