Independence Day discourse: From “false independence” to “true independence”

February 2, 2026 – February 8, 2026 | Vol.16, #5 | ISSN 3084-9330 Photo credits: Daily Mirror Over the past fortnight, Sinhala media primarily focused on Independence Day. We analysed content across print, television, and social media, using a specialised social media monitoring tool. What was the key event that captured public attention? Feb. 4: 78th National Independence Day was celebrated at the Independence Square under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The ceremony was held under the theme of “Rebuilding Sri Lanka”.…