Independence Memorial Museum.

Independence Square is a beautiful place to hang out and relax. What a lot of people don’t know is that under the Memorial Hall are wooden doors that open into a museum.

The museum entrance is facing the square pools of Independence Square, and entering it is like walking into a cave of sorts, the lighting is dim and the sounds blocked out. Entrance is Rs. 10 but you have to pay Rs. 250 if you’re going to take pictures.

There have been countless men and women who have been a part of the rebellions and cultural revivalism that led up to our country’s Independence from the British Empire in 1948. The Independence Museum pays tribute to some of them: the main room on your right has along its walls glass encased weapons, telephones, diaries et al, used by them a century or two ago. They also have and big explanatory charts and, in the center, amazing busts of those who led the Independence movement.

Henry Olcott
‘Look at all the cool shizzle in this room, son’
Muhammadu Lebbe
Our most well-known Independence activist D. S. Senanayake
Walter White
Kandyan Chiefs hanging out with John Doily
Happy S. W. R. D. Bandaranayake
Notes made by Brahmachari Walisinghe Harischandra – a revivalist of Buddhist culture, considered the ‘saviour of Anuradhapura’
Monaravila Keppatipola Nilame at center stage – a prominent leader of the Uva rebellion of 1818
There’s a small section on the wall for novelist Martin Wickremasinghe

 

The entrance has a bunch of people holding up a band together that has different symbols on it, to represent diversity and a coming-together of ideals. It’s also the only thing in the museum that has a woman in it.

There’s a relatively new room to the left whose glass encasements contain beautiful palm-leaf parchments of the names of the soldiers who fought in the Sri Lankan civil war from 1983 to 2009.

Conclusion

The Independence Memorial Museum is barely visited by people anymore, maybe on the occasional school trip – and yeah, you might argue that it’s not much fun walking into a room with the busts of dead old men staring back at you. But I think that’s understating it by a long shot — the museum is a reminder of some of the coolest people in local history, people who fought to preserve the Sri Lankan identity we take for granted today, so if this is the only place in Colombo that celebrates that, then it’s totes worth the visit.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

Iftar delights at The Banyan, Heritance Negombo

Iftar delights at The Banyan, Heritance Negombo Written by Fathima Rukaiya, Mad Dogs Bodega, Banyan

Highlights Kamu

Budget-friendly Iftar spots 2024

Written by Fathima Rukaiya, In our previous article, we highlighted some exquisite and upscale Iftar

Highlights Kamu

Iftar Buffet Round Up 2024

Written by Fathima Rukaiya As Ramadan arrives, a warm feeling of reflection and community fills

Highlights Kamu

Discovering Pasta Paradise: The Pasta Factory, Galle Fort

In the historic Galle Fort, The Pasta Factory brings a taste of Italy to Sri

Highlights Kamu

A Home for Desi Dreams – Bombay Nights by Radisson Colombo

As we stepped into the ‘Dine’ in Radisson Colombo, our senses were immediately tantalized by

Highlights Kamu

Steak Bar: A Grand Sunday Brunch at Kingsbury, Colombo

Written by Shamrina C Welcome to the ultimate brunch experience! Nestled in the heart of

Highlights Kamu Yamu Guide

Trending.

Experience the Elegance and Excitement of RTC Tourism Race Day in Nuwara Eliya

RTC Nuwara Eliya will hold its RTC Tourism Race Day on 30th March 2024 at

Trending

“85th Annual Mount Lavinia 2-Mile Sea Swim” by SLASU held at the Mount Lavinia Hotel Beach

The "85th Annual Mount Lavinia 2-Mile Sea Swim" organized by Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union

Trending

Sheraton Colombo Hotel celebrates International Women’s Day with empowering insights

Sheraton Colombo Hotel, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary brands, marked International

Trending

Anantara Kalutara Presents an Elevated Gastronomic Journey to Italy

Kalutara, Sri Lanka - March 14, 2024 - Anantara Kalutara Resort is delighted to announce

Trending

List of Party Venues 2024

By Fathima Rukaiya Finding the perfect place to host a party can be a hassle.

Highlights Trending

LCY Unveils Debut ‘LCY for Her’ Collection, Redefining Women’s Polo Wear with Strength, and Sophistication

Thursday, 14, March, 2024, Colombo: LCY, a brand synonymous with manufacturing high-quality men’s polos of

Trending

Yamu Guide.

Steak Bar: A Grand Sunday Brunch at Kingsbury, Colombo

Written by Shamrina C Welcome to the ultimate brunch experience! Nestled in the heart of

Highlights Kamu Yamu Guide

9 Special Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Him

By Fathima Rukaiya Are you trying to find the perfect way to show your special

Highlights Yamu Guide

9 Special Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Her

Written by Fathima Rukaiya The season of love is upon us once more, and opinions

Highlights Yamu Guide

Romantic Dinner and High Tea date spots for Valentine’s Day  2024

Written by Shamrina C 1. Via Torino Indulge in a fine dining exclusive 3-Course meal

Highlights Yamu Guide

BYOB Bliss: 16 Places to you can Bring Your Own Bottle!

Written by Shamrina C 1. Giovannis Indulge in Italian flavors, grooving music, pet friendly, and

Highlights Yamu Guide

Unveiling Ramada’s Festive Christmas High Tea Extravaganza!

Written by Shamrina C Mark your calendars for the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th of December,

Highlights Yamu Guide