Sri Lanka commemorates its 53rd Republic Day today (May 22), marking a significant milestone in the nation’s journey toward full sovereignty.

Though the country gained independence from British rule on February 4, 1948, it retained Dominion status under the British Crown. During this period, key powers remained with British-appointed officials, including the Governor-General, who served as the head of state and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. Legislative authority and final judicial power were still influenced by British institutions, with laws requiring approval from the Governor-General and final legal appeals directed to the Privy Council in England.

This changed on May 22, 1972, when Sri Lanka adopted a republican constitution under the leadership of Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike. This historic move ended Dominion status, severed constitutional ties with the British monarchy, and established Sri Lanka as a fully sovereign republic with a new national constitution.

Today marks 53 years since that pivotal transformation, a moment that firmly established Sri Lanka’s full independence and self-governance.