By Srinivas Iyer
India’s 80th Independence Day was celebrated with great fervour across Sri Lanka on August 15, 2026, with patriotic and cultural programmes highlighting the strong people-to-people ties between India and Sri Lanka.
The main celebration was held at India House, the official residence of the High Commissioner of India in Colombo. High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka H.E. Santosh Jha hoisted the Indian National Flag and inspected the Guard of Honour. He also read excerpts from the address to the nation by the President of India on the eve of Independence Day.
This year, the High Commission participated in the Suryapath Tiranga initiative, a global relay in which Indian Missions sequentially hoisted the National Flag following the path of the sun across different time zones. The Indian Tricolour was hoisted in Sri Lanka following the relay from the Embassy of India in Kathmandu and was subsequently carried forward by the High Commission of India in Male.
Cultural performances added vibrancy to the celebrations. The Sri Lanka Navy Band presented patriotic compositions, while students of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre performed popular Indian patriotic songs.
High Commissioner Jha and officers of the High Commission also paid homage at the Indian Peace Keeping Force Memorial, remembering Indian soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice while serving in Sri Lanka.
As part of the celebrations, the High Commission and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre organised Madhubani and Warli art workshops, the India-Sri Lanka Maitri Painting Competition for children and a photography competition titled India Through My Lens. The competition featured photographs by Sri Lankan participants showcasing India’s geography, culture, cuisine and people.
A special edition of the Bharat Ko Jaaniye quiz was conducted globally to mark the 80th Independence Day, with record participation from Sri Lanka. The top winners from Sri Lanka were felicitated during the celebrations at India House.
To commemorate the 150th anniversary of India’s National Song, Vande Mataram, the High Commission organised several activities during the anniversary year, including mass singing programmes in Colombo featuring singers and musicians. The Har Ghar Tiranga campaign also witnessed enthusiastic participation in Sri Lanka. An exhibition at India House highlighted the history and significance of India’s National Flag and the role of Vande Mataram in India’s freedom struggle.
Special events were also organised by the Assistant High Commission in Kandy and the Consulates General in Jaffna and Hambantota.
Later, Swar Sangam – A Fusion Symphony featured Veena maestro Rajhesh Vaidhya, with a special performance by Sri Lankan singer Yohani. Havelock City Mall, in collaboration with SVCC and the High Commission, hosted India Fest 2026 from August 15–16, showcasing Indian fashion, handicrafts, cuisine, live performances, films and cultural activities.
