Ceylon’s Independence - 1948 | Movietone Moment | 4 Feb 2022

On this day in 1948, Ceylon gained independence from British Rule. Here is ia British Movietone report with highlights from the ceremony. The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester attended the ceremonies which marked the newest independent member of the British Commonwealth. KS Beach, shows palm trees in fore with fishermen sailing boats. GV harbour - shows ships decorated. HMS “Norfolk“ British cruiser lies in harbour beflagged. Naked boys sliding in mud on river bank. Various shots of people lining road along which procession will pass. MS archway decorated with coconuts. Royal car arriving with the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester drives through archway, halts at Assembly Hall, Duke in naval uniform alights. Interior shots of Duke on stage with other VIPs. Duke and Mr Senanayake (Prime Minister)- walk towards mainmast in grounds. Cut-in of Duke’s flag and Ceylon’s flag over Assembly building. Prime Minister raises flag. Drummers beat. Lion flag flying. Disclaimer: British Movietone is an historical collection. A