This Day: May 23, 1972 — Republic of Sri Lanka is born

Colombo: In the midst of a state of emergency and objections from sections of the Tamil community, Ceylon today proclaimed itself the free, sovereign and independent Republic of Sri Lanka.

A simple one-hour ceremony, replete with Buddhist customs, held at the plush Navarangahala Theatre in Colombo shortly after noon, marked the transition from monarchy to republic. Armed police maintained a security cordon around the theatre while the ceremony was in progress…..| read more on Hindustan Times