Ceylon’s Independence was overshadowed across the world by the GREAT MAN’s funeral. We as kids were never told this, & I only found out about it, accidently, well into my 50s. I was shocked.
To be honest, I wouldn’t have been able to tell you as to when he was tragically gunned down — though I have watched the outstanding ‘Gandhi’ movie (below) at least thrice.
It was on January 30, 1948.
The funeral was 4 days later on February 3. Ceylon Independence was the next day.
Since I found out, I can no longer think of Ceylon Independence WITHOUT connecting it with the Mahatma’s untimely passing.
Yes, he is ONE of my heroes. I admire him greatly and think of his sayings, often, especially about respecting the labors of others.
I have seen this many times. In the past it was only available on the ‘British Pate‘ Website. Now it is on YouTube. That is much easier for most of you. So, I wanted to share. Enjoy.
The formal Independence ceremony at ‘Independence Square’. This was the setting for the story. Click to ENLARGE.
I remember it well from my childhood. We would go and play on and around it. Click to ENLARGE.
The original national anthem as it was sung in 1948.
What the original 1948 78rpm record looked like. Click to ENLARGE.
The first words that aired on ‘Radio Ceylon’ moments after Ceylon officially became independent were:
“Where is that bloody record?”
The Independence Day 1948 Story
The Ceylon Independence Ceremony was held during the day (unlike the Indian one in 1947 which took place, quite correctly, at midnight, the Indians counting the minutes). Duke of Gloucester (Prince Henry, the 3rd son of King George V) and Duchess of Gloucester attend the official flag-raising ceremony in Colombo. Per my adoptive father the flag raising was to occur sharp at noon. The National Anthem was going to be played on Radio Ceylon as the flag was raised. This would be the first time the National Anthem, Sri Lanka Matha, had been played on the radio — British rule not permitting it previously. There was, as was to be expected, much anticipation. Much of the population, which was probably around 8 million at the time (I am guessing), would have been listening to the radio. There was no TV or Internet. This was 1948.
It is just before noon. The Union Jack is hauled down for the last time.
The new Ceylon flag, resplendent with the lion rampant, is ready to be hoisted aloft for the first time.
Anticipation builds.
It is noon.
Radio Ceylon plays the (BBC) Big Ben chimes for the hour.
Ceylon is independent.
There is no cheering. Just silence. The crowds are waiting for the national anthem to be played so that the flag can be raised to it.
There is a pause. It soon becomes pregnant.
Still nothing. Just silence on Radio Ceylon. People check their radios to make sure that power is still on.
Suddenly, a British voice is heard: “where is that bloody record?”
…….. Those were the first words broadcast to the newly independent Ceylon by Radio Ceylon.
