Independence Memorial Hall, Colombo

Visit Independence Memorial Hall, where Prince Henry put an end to five centuries of colonial rule and gave independence to Sri Lanka. At the entrance, you can see the statue of D.S. Senanayake, the nation's first prime minister, before stepping into the assembly hall, which served as the royal court of the last kingdom on the island, the King of Kandy. The building and statues give a sense of the site's impressive history and cultural importance. Don’t miss the chance to visit the basement museum, which hosts exhibits on the country’s colonial history, highlighting Sri Lanka's struggle to achieve independence. In addition, the museum features exhibits on the country’s ancient literature and art. When you step outside to see locals jogging around the grounds, sit on a bench, enjoy the nature, and appreciate the place where history was made. Make Independence Memorial Hall a centerpiece of your Colombo vacation itinerary, and find what else is worth visiting using our Colombo journey planning site .