During the past five decades considerable progress has been achieved in Sri Lanka in the population field. The rate of growth of population has been reduced by more than 60 percent due to the successful implementation of appropriate policies and programmes. The paper describes the trends in population growth, mortality, fertility, migration and urbanization in the post independence period. It also outlines briefly the policies that influenced the demographic patterns. In the Foreword to the publication, the General Manager of the People's Bank states **"We invited a panel of eminent Sri Lankans to contribute their views on development in sectors they are concerned with. 'Milestones to Independence' is the result of their efforts."** The selected panel of eminent persons comprised Dr. Saman Kelegama, Executive Director, Institute of Policy Studies; Mr. Sam Wijesinghe, Former Secretary General of Parliament; Dr. Neelan Tiruchelvam, Member of Parliament; Mr. Lakshman Kadirgamar, Minster of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Victor Ivan, Editor,' Ravaya'; Prof. H.P.M. Gunasena, Director, Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya.Dr. Vernon L.B. Mendis, Director General, Diplomatic Training Institute; Dr. J.B. Kelegama, Chancellor, Rajarata University; Dr. Gamini Fernando, Chairman, People's Bank; Prof. Lakshman Jayatilleke, Chairman, National Education Commission; Prof. J.B. Disanayaka, Senior Professor, Department of Sinhala, University of Colombo; Prof. K.N.O. Dharmadasa, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya; Prof. Senaka Bandaranayake, Vice-Chancellor, University of Kelaniya, Mr. Vincent Panditha, Senior Advisor Board of Investment; **Dr. A.T.P.L. Abeykoon, Director, Population Division, Ministry of Health;** Prof. Swarna Jayaweera, Coordinator, Centre for Women's Research; Mr. Tissa jayatilaka, Executive Director, US-Sri Lanka Fullbright Commission.