Independence Memorial Hall
Octagonal open-air memorial in Colombo 7, built in 1953 to mark Ceylon's independence from British rule on 4 February 1948.
Duration
45 minutes – 1 hour
Entry Fee
Free
Difficulty
easy
Budget
free
About Independence Memorial Hall
Independence Memorial Hall was inaugurated on 4 February 1953, the fifth anniversary of Ceylon gaining independence from Britain. The main structure is a replica of the Audience Hall of the Kandyan kings, built in an open-air octagonal form with a 50-metre-wide roof supported by lion-headed pillars. It stands at the centre of Independence Square, a large open park with wide paved walkways, manicured lawns, and a long rectangular pool that reflects the building at sunrise. The surrounding Independence Arcade — a restored colonial building — houses cafes and boutiques. The park is a popular morning exercise spot for Colombo residents. Visit between 6am and 9am to see locals jogging and to photograph the building in the best light before midday heat sets in.
Highlights
- Built in 1953 to mark Ceylon's 1948 independence from Britain
- Octagonal roof modelled on the Kandyan royal Audience Hall
- Lion-headed pillars throughout the main structure
- Reflection pool creates a mirror image of the hall at sunrise
- Independence Arcade (restored colonial building) adjacent with cafes
Practical Tips
Arrive between 6am and 9am for the best photography light and cooler temperatures.
The park is a free public space; the adjacent Independence Arcade has good breakfast cafes.
Combine with the Colombo National Museum, a 10-minute walk east through Viharamahadevi Park.
Explore by Interest
Best Time to Visit
Best time of day: Year-round; mornings are cooler and the park is most lively
Location
Planning Info
- Crowd level
- Usually quiet
- Physical difficulty
- easy
- Setting
- mixed
- Child friendly
- Yes
- Senior friendly
- Yes
- Budget level
- free
- Photography
- ★★★☆☆
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ALSO IN THE AREA
Nearby Destinations
Colombo National Museum
Sri Lanka's oldest and largest museum, opened in 1877, holding the throne and crown of the last Kandyan king.
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A 65-acre lake in central Colombo used by the Dutch as a defensive moat in the 17th century, now a public park and rowing venue.
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Gangaramaya Temple
Colombo's most visited Buddhist temple, built in the 1880s, housing a museum of rare artefacts gifted by donors from across Asia.
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