Independence Square & Memorial Hall, Colombo - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 6 km from Colombo Fort Railway Station, Independence Square is a historical landmark located right in the heart of Cinnamon Gardens in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It is one of the popular places of heritage in Colombo and among the prime places to visit during your Sri Lanka Trip.

Earlier known as Torrington Square, Independence Square is a site of historic consequence, natural beauty, and architectural significance. It takes its name from the Independence Memorial Hall built there to commemorate the independence of Sri Lanka from British rule in 1948. The exact location is where Prince Henry, the Duke of Gloucester, opened Sri Lanka's first parliament on a special podium, bringing an end to almost five centuries of colonial rule and marking the beginning of Sri Lanka's self-rule.

This Hall is based on the architecture of the Audience Hall (Magul Maduwa) located in Kandy. The column and pillars are decorated with traditional Sri Lankan designs and statues of lions are placed around the building. In front of the memorial hall is a statue of the founding Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Don Stephen Senanayake. In its basement is the Independence Memorial Museum. This was recently renovated and displays many statues of the national heroes, who contributed to the fight for freedom from the British.

In addition to the memorial hall itself, there is also a huge sprawling green lawn outside with lovely walking paths, cycling tracks, and benches. Close to the Square is the Arcade, a modern shopping mall housed in former colonial government buildings brightened with a fountain, covered ponds, and more statues of lions. Nowadays, the Independence Memorial Hall is mostly popular as a recreational venue for joggers, strolling couples, students from the nearby university and families looking for a refreshing reprieve from the urban mess of Colombo. There are no specific entry timings and entry free. But, one needs to pay for museum entry.

Museum Timing: 9 AM - 5 PM, Closed on Sundays, Mondays and on public holidays

Museum: LKR. 10 for Adults & LKR. 5 for Children for Locals, LKR. 300 for Adults & Rs. 150 for Children for Foreigners