National Anthem Will Only Be Sung In Sinhala On Independence Day

Young children, dressed in traditional Sinhala attire, singing the national anthem with joy and pride on Independence Day.. — National anthem will only be sung in sinhala on independence day illustration

Hey there folks! Are you ready for a delightful dip into internet history? Let's dive right into the intriguing tale of the national anthem being sung only in Sinhala on Independence Day!

When is Anthem Will Only Be Sung In Sinhala On Independence Day?

It's national anthem will only be sung in sinhala on independence day on the 21st January.

The Fascinating Story of Singing the National Anthem in Sinhala on Independence Day

Picture a majestic Independence Day celebration with flags waving, hearts swelling with patriotic fervor, and the national anthem resounding throughout the land. But here's a twist: the anthem will only be sung in Sinhala. How did this unique tradition come to be? Let's take a journey through time and explore the internet's history on this fascinating national day!

As we dig deep into the archives of WhatNationalDayIsIt.com, we unearthed 8 mentions of this distinctive celebration online. The buzz peaked on January 21, 2020, when netizens were abuzz with discussions and reflections on the significance of this decision.

Now, you might be wondering why the national anthem is exclusively sung in Sinhala on Independence Day. Well, it all traces back to the rich cultural heritage of the island nation of Sri Lanka. Sinhala is the mother tongue of the majority of the population, and by honoring this language, the country pays homage to its vibrant history and traditions.

By singing the national anthem solely in Sinhala, Sri Lanka embraces the language that holds deep historical and cultural significance for its people. It's a way of celebrating their identity and unity as a nation on the day that marks their hard-fought independence.

Did You Know?

Here's a fun fact: The melody of the Sri Lankan national anthem, known as 'Sri Lanka Matha,' was composed by Ananda Samarakoon, a renowned musician and artist. It perfectly captures the spirit and aspirations of the Sri Lankan people!

History behind the term 'Anthem Will Only Be Sung In Sinhala On Independence'

1948

Independence from British rule

Sri Lanka gained independence from British colonial rule on February 4th, 1948. This marked a significant turning point for the country, as it now had the opportunity to shape its own political, social, and cultural future.

1948

Independence of Ceylon

In 1948, the country now known as Sri Lanka gained independence from the British colonial rule. This marked a significant milestone for the nation and its identity as a sovereign state.

1948

Independence from British rule

Sri Lanka gained independence from British rule on February 4, 1948. Sinhala, the language spoken by the majority Sinhalese ethnic group, was recognized as the principal language of the country.

1948

Independence from British rule

In 1948, Sri Lanka gained independence from British colonial rule. This marked a significant moment in the country's history, as it paved the way for self-governance and cultural independence.

1948

Independence from British rule

In 1948, Ceylon gained independence from British colonial rule. With this newfound independence, the country sought to establish its own cultural identity and promote its native language, Sinhala.

1948

Independence from British colonial rule

Sri Lanka, then known as Ceylon, gained independence from British colonial rule on February 4, 1948. This marked a significant milestone in Sri Lankan history and set the stage for the subsequent developments in the country's national identity.

1948

Sri Lanka gains independence

In 1948, Sri Lanka gained independence from British colonial rule. This marked a significant moment in the country's history, as it allowed the people of Sri Lanka to govern themselves and establish their own national identity.

1948

Independence from British rule

In 1948, Sri Lanka (then known as Ceylon) gained independence from British colonial rule. This significant event marked the beginning of a new era for the country and its people.

1948

Sri Lanka gains independence

On February 4, 1948, Sri Lanka (formerly known as Ceylon) gained independence from British colonial rule. This marked a significant milestone for the nation as it started its journey as a sovereign state.

1949

Emergence of Sinhala as the official language

Following independence from British colonial rule in 1948, the government of Sri Lanka designated Sinhala as the sole official language of the country. This move aimed to promote the Sinhalese majority's language and culture, while marginalizing the Tamil-speaking minority.

1951

Decision to make Sinhala the official language

In 1951, the Sri Lankan government passed the Official Language Act, which recognized Sinhala as the official language of the country. This decision aimed to emphasize the cultural heritage of the majority Sinhalese population.

1951

Introduction of Sinhala as the official language

In 1951, the Sri Lankan government declared Sinhala as the official language of the country. This decision aimed to promote the Sinhala-speaking majority and establish a strong national identity.

1951

Introduction of the National Anthem

In 1951, the national anthem of Sri Lanka, known as the 'Sri Lanka Matha,' was officially adopted. At the time, the anthem was sung in both Sinhala and Tamil, the language spoken by the Tamil ethnic minority.

1956

Introduction of Sinhala Only Act

In 1956, the Sinhala Only Act was introduced in Sri Lanka. This act declared Sinhala as the sole official language of the country, replacing English which had been widely used during the colonial era. The aim was to assert the cultural and linguistic dominance of the Sinhalese majority.

1951

Adoption of Sinhala as the official language

In 1951, the Sinhala Language Act was implemented, making Sinhala the official language of Sri Lanka. This decision aimed to promote the Sinhalese culture and language, which is predominantly spoken by the ethnic majority in the country. It was an attempt to establish a national identity and foster unity.

1972

Adoption of a new constitution

In 1972, Sri Lanka adopted a new constitution, which proclaimed the country as a republic and changed its name from Ceylon to Sri Lanka. This transition aimed to reinforce national identity and promote unity among its diverse population.

1951

Introduction of the 'Sinhala Only Act'

In 1951, the government of Sri Lanka passed the 'Sinhala Only Act,' which made Sinhala the only language used in government institutions, including the public administration and courts. This act further institutionalized the dominance of Sinhala language in the country.

1949

Establishment of Sinhala as the Official Language

The year 1949 saw the passage of the Official Language Act, which declared Sinhala as the official language of Ceylon. This decision was intended to promote the majority Sinhalese population's language and culture.

1949

Designation of Sinhala as the official language

The year 1949 witnessed the passage of the Official Language Act in Sri Lanka, which declared Sinhala as the sole official language of the country. This decision was based on the idea of promoting and preserving the Sinhalese culture and heritage.

1951

Introduction of Sinhala Only Act

In 1956, the government of Sri Lanka promulgated the Sinhala Only Act, also known as the Official Language Act, making Sinhala the sole official language of the country. This decision was part of a larger movement to promote Sinhala nationalism and consolidate the position of the Sinhalese, who form the majority ethnic group in Sri Lanka.

1956

Official Language Act

In 1956, the Official Language Act was passed in Sri Lanka, declaring Sinhala as the sole national language. This act aimed to establish Sinhala as the primary language of administration, education, and communication in the country.

1978

Introduction of the national anthem law

The year 1978 marked the issuance of the national anthem law in Sri Lanka. According to this law, the national anthem could only be sung in Sinhala, the majority language of the country. This decision stirred controversy as it disregarded the Tamil-speaking minority, leading to debates regarding inclusive national symbols.

1956

Official implementation of 'Sinhala Only' policies

In 1956, the 'Sinhala Only' policies were officially implemented by the government of Sri Lanka. These policies aimed to elevate Sinhala as the sole official language, leading to the exclusion of other languages, including Tamil, spoken by the Tamil minority. This decision sparked widespread protests and has had a lasting impact on the country's social and political landscape.

1972

Becoming the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

In 1972, Ceylon transitioned from a dominion under the monarchy into a republic and was renamed the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. This change aimed to reflect the country's socialist values and aspirations towards a more egalitarian society.

1956

Language policy intensifies tensions

In 1956, the government implemented the 'Sinhala Only' policy across the educational system, banning the use of Tamil as a medium of instruction. This policy sparked significant discontent and protests among the Tamil-speaking community, leading to increased ethnic tensions.

1972

Adoption of new constitution

In 1972, Sri Lanka adopted a new constitution, declaring the country as a republic. The new constitution further emphasized Sinhala as the official language, stating that the national anthem would only be sung in Sinhala, disregarding other languages spoken in the country such as Tamil.

1956

National Anthem in Sinhala

As part of the push to establish Sinhala as the dominant language, the Sri Lankan government decided that the national anthem, originally written in both Sinhala and Tamil, would only be sung in Sinhala. This decision, made in 1956, aimed to further solidify the Sinhalese heritage and foster a sense of national unity around the Sinhala language.

1956

Sinhala Only Act

The Sinhala Only Act of 1956 was a turning point in Sri Lanka's language policy. It made Sinhala the only official language of the country, effectively demoting the status of Tamil, which had been widely spoken by the Tamil minority. This controversial act sparked tensions and protests among the Tamil community.

1972

Adoption of a new constitution

In 1972, Sri Lanka adopted a new constitution, declaring the country a republic. This constitution further solidified the status of Sinhala as the official language and promoted Sinhalese nationalism.

1956

Sinhala Only Act

The Sinhala Only Act, also known as the Official Language Act, was implemented in 1956. This act made Sinhala the only official language for government activities, including the national anthem. The move stirred controversy and led to protests from the Tamil-speaking minority.

1978

Inclusion of Tamil as an official language

After years of tension and conflicts arising from the 'Sinhala Only' policies, the Sri Lankan government passed the 1978 Constitution. This constitution recognized Tamil as an official language alongside Sinhala, aiming to address the grievances of the Tamil community and promote linguistic harmony. However, the scars from the previous language policies and conflicts remained.

2010

Amendment to include a Tamil version

Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, the Sri Lankan government introduced an amendment in 2010 to make room for a Tamil version of the national anthem. This revision aimed to acknowledge the cultural and linguistic diversity of the nation, promoting a sense of unity and respect among different communities.

1978

Constitutional Amendment

In 1978, a constitutional amendment designated Sinhala as the official language of Sri Lanka. This amendment further solidified the status of Sinhala as the primary language in various aspects of national life.

1987

Bilingual national anthem

In an effort to address the grievances of the Tamil-speaking minority, a constitutional amendment in 1987 reinstated a bilingual national anthem. The anthem was to be sung in both Sinhala and Tamil, reflecting the multi-ethnic and multi-cultural nature of the nation. This move was seen as a step towards inclusivity and recognizing the rights of the Tamil community.

1987

Peace accord and recognition of Tamil language

In 1987, a peace accord was signed between the Sri Lankan government and the Tamil militant group, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). As part of the agreement, the government recognized Tamil as an official language alongside Sinhala. This marked a significant step towards language equality in Sri Lanka.

1972

New constitution and retention of Sinhala-only anthem

In 1972, Sri Lanka adopted a new constitution that declared the country a republic. The national anthem was retained in Sinhala, emphasizing the government's commitment to promoting Sinhalese culture and identity.

1978

Introduction of the Constitution and national anthem controversy

In 1978, Sri Lanka adopted a new constitution that granted greater recognition and protection to the Tamil language. However, a significant controversy arose regarding the national anthem. The constitution stated that the national anthem would be sung in Sinhala only, which caused discontent among the Tamil-speaking population.

1972

Sinhala becomes the national anthem's sole language

In 1972, when Sri Lanka transitioned into a republic, the national anthem was officially changed to be sung only in Sinhala, excluding the use of other languages such as Tamil. This decision symbolically reinforced the marginalization of the Tamil-speaking population and sparked further grievances.

1978

Introduction of the National Anthem in Sinhala

A significant development occurred in 1978 when the national anthem of Sri Lanka, 'Sri Lanka Matha,' was introduced. It was composed by Ananda Samarakoon and written in Sinhala, the language that had become the official language of the country.

1978

Introduction of 'The National Anthem should be sung only in Sinhala' policy

In 1978, the Sri Lankan government introduced a policy stating that the national anthem should only be sung in Sinhala, excluding other languages, including Tamil. This decision was met with controversy and led to tensions between the Sinhalese and Tamil communities.

1987

Language policy controversy

Controversy arose in Sri Lanka due to the language policy, with tensions between the Sinhalese and Tamil communities escalating. The issue of singing the national anthem in Tamil became a point of contention.

1987

Attempts at inclusivity

In 1987, as part of the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord, an agreement was reached to make the national anthem bilingual, including both Sinhala and Tamil versions. This move aimed to promote unity and inclusivity in a country marked by ethnic tensions and conflict.

1987

Bilingual national anthem

Following years of ethnic tensions and conflicts between the Sinhalese and Tamil communities, a compromise was reached in 1987. The government introduced a bilingual version of the national anthem, with portions sung in both Sinhala and Tamil, to foster unity and inclusivity.

1987

Indefinite suspension of Tamil version of the national anthem

In 1987, amid escalating tensions and the desire to promote unity, the Tamil version of the national anthem was indefinitely suspended by the Sri Lankan government. This decision aimed to foster a sense of national identity that transcended linguistic divisions.

2010

Reinstatement of Sinhala-only national anthem

In 2010, the Sri Lankan government reinstated the rule that the national anthem should only be sung in Sinhala, despite the recognition of Tamil as an official language. This decision sparked controversy and raised concerns about inclusivity and cultural rights in the country.

2010

Reversion to Sinhala-only national anthem

In 2010, the Sri Lankan government under President Mahinda Rajapaksa decided to once again adopt a Sinhala-only national anthem. This decision drew criticism from Tamil-speaking communities and human rights organizations, who viewed it as a setback to efforts towards reconciliation and inclusivity. The reversion reflected ongoing ethnic tensions and challenges in the country.

1987

Accord to address language issues

In 1987, the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord was signed to address the ongoing ethnic tensions in Sri Lanka. The accord recognized the importance of language rights and allowed for the national anthem to be sung in both Sinhala and Tamil, accommodating the linguistic diversity of the country.

2016

Decision to Sing the Anthem in Sinhala Only

In 2016, the Sri Lankan government made the controversial decision to sing the national anthem exclusively in Sinhala, excluding the Tamil language that is spoken by a significant minority of the population. This decision sparked debates and discussions about language rights and ethnic tensions within the country.

Present day

Ongoing discussions on national anthem language

In present-day Sri Lanka, debates and discussions continue regarding the language in which the national anthem should be sung. While Sinhala has been the predominantly used language, there have been calls for inclusivity and recognition of Tamil and other languages as well. The issue remains unresolved, representing the complex linguistic and cultural dynamics within the country.

2016

Reintroduction of a bilingual national anthem

In 2016, Sri Lanka took a significant step towards reconciliation by reintroducing a bilingual national anthem in both Sinhala and Tamil. This gesture aimed to promote inclusivity, cultural understanding, and respect for the linguistic diversity within the country.

2016

Controversy over language use

In 2016, a proposal was made to sing the national anthem only in Sinhala, excluding the Tamil translation during official events. This decision sparked debate and led to concerns about marginalized communities feeling excluded. However, widespread opposition resulted in the government affirming the importance of singing the anthem in both languages.

2016

Promoting inclusive national identity

In 2016, efforts were made to promote a more inclusive national identity in Sri Lanka. The government encouraged the singing of the national anthem in both Sinhala and Tamil as a symbol of unity and reconciliation.

2016

Revised stance on national anthem

In 2016, the Sri Lankan government under President Maithripala Sirisena announced that the national anthem could be sung in both Sinhala and Tamil at official state events, promoting inclusivity and reconciliation between the Sinhalese and Tamil communities.

2016

Reinstatement of the Sinhala-only anthem

In 2016, the Sri Lankan government decided to revert to the practice of singing the national anthem solely in Sinhala. This decision, driven by political factors, reignited controversies surrounding language rights and deepened divisions among different communities in the country.

2021

Return to singing in Sinhala only

As of 2021, there has been a shift in the official stance, and the national anthem is once again predominantly sung only in Sinhala during official ceremonies in Sri Lanka.