Sri Lanka is celebrating its 70th Independence Day today. It was on this day in 1948 that Sri Lanka, then Ceylon, gained independence from 133 years of British colonial rule. <br/><br/>The main function will be held at Galle face in Colombo. Members of the British Royal Family Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex and his wife Sophie, the Countess of Wessex will attend the celebrations as Chief Guests representing Queen Elizabeth II of England.<br/><br/>President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have extended greetings to the people of Sri Lanka on the occasion. The two leaders underlined the deep civilisational bonds between India and Sri Lanka.<br/><br/>In his message, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena said, true freedom does not only comprise of political freedom. He said, independence is not complete until economic and cultural freedom is achieved. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremsinghe said, true independence is only possible when they can unite as one nation, rising above political, religious and ethnic differences.