Ceylon Independence (1948)

Unissued / unissued material.



Colombo, Ceylon (Sri Lanka).



The Duke of Gloucester (Prince Henry) and Duchess of Gloucester attend the official flag-raising ceremony in Colombo, marking independence of Ceylon. L/S pandal archway decorated with coconuts and bearing placards of welcome to the Duke and Duchess. C/U coconuts and pineapples. L/S Duke's aeroplane arriving. Troops lined up on the airfield. L/S plane taxiing in, a truck alongside. C/U plane showing name "Endeavour". M/S the Duke and Duchess walking away from the plane and receiving salute. They are greeted by the Governor General of Ceylon, Sir Henry Monkmore and Lady Monkmore. Various shots meeting Ceylonese ministers with plane in background. L/S Duke and Duchess inspecting the RAF Guard of Honour. L/S the RAF march past.



General views of coastline with palms and fishing boats. L/S inside the Assembly Hall, Duke of Gloucester on the platform. L/S crowd outside. Exterior shot of the Assembly Hall. M/S the Duke rises to speak. M/S audience fanning themselves with programmes. L/S procession through the streets on way to Kandy. C/U crowd. C/U Sri Lankans using newspapers as sun shields. L/S Sri Lankans lining the route under palm trees. C/U Sri Lankan women and children. C/U Sri Lankans in tropical bushes. L/S personalities arriving for the opening of the Assembly (not named). Various shots Prime Minister Mr. Senanayake making a speech at the flag base, pan to crowd. C/U Duchess of Gloucester, Lady Monkmore and Mrs. Senanayake (wife of the Prime Minister). L/S Assembly Hall. C/U flags and figureheads. M/S Prime Minister of Ceylon speaking at the flag base.



L/S modern diesel train. Various shots Dutch church amid palm trees. C/U the church tower and bell. L/S Colombo harbour. L/S warship HMS Norfolk decked with flags. Top shot of Colombo harbour. M/S the decorated senate building in Colombo. L/S the decorated House of Representatives. L/S small Sri Lankan boys sliding in mud. L/S the Town Hall, Colombo. M/S Duke and Duchess of Gloucester arriving at the Town Hall for a tea party, they are greeted by the Mayor, Mr. Mel. L/S the tea party in progress. M/S flight of Dakota aeroplanes pass overhead. This item is cuts from newsreel story - "Ceylon Gains Independence" - in Gazette issue 48/15.



Note: sections of spacing between shots.












FILM ID:2216.08

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