As part of our values of diversity and tolerance, we like to celebrate national days of countries around the world, particularly if some of our clients come from those countries.
Today, 4 February, is Sri Lanka’s Independence Day. On this day in 1948, Sri Lanka achieved independence from British rule. It is a day that is celebrated all over the country, as well as by Sri Lankans living in different countries around the world.
Sri Lanka struggled for its independence for many years, but even after achieving it in 1948, its head of state remained Queen Elizabeth II until 1972, when it elected its first president – William Gopallawa, a Sri Lankan citizen.
Perhaps Australia can learn a few things from Sri Lanka.
Australia is one of only two countries in the world that celebrates invasion by a foreign power as its national day, on 26 January. The other country is Israel. Every other country celebrates its national day on a day when it became independent from colonial rule.
Perhaps Australia might also consider having its own head of state and becoming a republic, a sign of true independence, rather than having the British monarch as our head of state.