Answer:

Emergence of Sri Lanka as an Independent Country
- Sri Lanka gained independence from British rule on February 4, 1948.
- Before independence, Sri Lanka was known as Ceylon, a British colony since 1815.

Background
- Sri Lanka, like many other countries, had to struggle for its independence.
- In 1915, the Sinhalese-Muslim riots marked the beginning of an anti-colonial movement in the country.
- The Sri Lankan National Congress was formed in 1919, which demanded self-rule for the country.
- The movement gained momentum in the 1930s and 1940s with the formation of the Ceylon National Congress, the Lanka Sama Samaja Party, and the Communist Party of Sri Lanka.

Independence Day
- Sri Lanka celebrates its Independence Day on February 4 every year.
- The day is marked by parades, cultural events, and flag-hoisting ceremonies.

Impact of Independence
- Independence brought about significant changes in Sri Lanka.
- The country adopted a new constitution in 1972, which changed its name from Ceylon to Sri Lanka.
- Sri Lanka became a republic in 1978, and a new constitution was adopted that gave more power to the president.
- The country has faced many challenges since independence, including ethnic tensions, civil war, and economic struggles.

Conclusion
- Sri Lanka's journey to independence was a long and difficult one.
- The country has made significant progress since then, but it still faces many challenges.
- Independence Day is an important occasion for Sri Lankans to reflect on their past and look towards the future.