US Embassy hosts ‘Freedom 250’ celebration through cinema

Saturday, 4 July 2026 00:49 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa (left) with US Chargé d’Affaires Jayne Howell

The US Embassy in Colombo on Thursday marked the 250th anniversary of American independence with a “Freedom 250” celebration, using American cinema as the theme to highlight the values of liberty, democracy and freedom of expression.

Health and Mass Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa attended the event as Chief Guest alongside government officials, business leaders, diplomats and other invited guests.

Addressing the gathering, US Chargé d’Affaires Jayne Howell said American cinema reflected the freedoms that have shaped the United States over the past 250 years, noting that films had long served as a medium to inspire creativity, innovation and open expression across cultures.

The Embassy grounds were transformed into an open-air cinematic venue featuring a visual display commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence on 4 July 1776, alongside screenings tracing the evolution of American filmmaking from the silent film era to modern Hollywood productions.

The celebrations concluded with a fireworks display and a performance by the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band from Okinawa, Japan. Guests were also served a menu featuring American food and beverages.

The Embassy said the event formed part of the United States’ semiquincentennial celebrations and reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and the United States through cooperation in trade, investment, education and security.