Sri Lankan Flag
Meaning of the Flag
Sri Lanka has one of the most unique and colorful flags in the world. This flag’s design is also meaningful, with symbolism in every aspect of the design. What stands out most about the flag’s design is the large lion holding a sword. This lion was added to the flag to symbolize the bravery of the Sinhalese. The flag also features four bo leaves in each corner. These leaves represent the four concepts of Buddhism, which include Karuna, Mudita, Upeksha and Metta.
The flag also features two stripes, which symbolize the main minority groups living in Sri Lankan – the Sri Lankan Tamils and the Muslims. The border of the flag represents the unity of the nation.
Colors of the Flag
There are multiple colors used in the flag of Sri Lanka. The lion, border, and leaves are gold in color. The field behind the lion is maroon, while the vertical stripes on the hoist side of the flag are green and saffron.
History of the Flag
The lion has always held a significant role in the history of Sri Lanka, and a flag bearing this symbol was used in this country since 486 BC when the first King of Sri Lanka brought a flag featuring a lion over from India. A banner featuring a lion carrying a sword along with sun and moon symbols was first used in the nation in 162 BC and was used until 1815.
In 1875, the flag of Ceylon’s Colonial Government was used. This flag was a defaced ensign with the Arms of the Ceylon Government. This flag was in use through 1948. That same year, the first flag of the Dominion of Ceylon was adopted. This flag had the lion with a sword symbol but did not have the vertical bands of color. This flag was only used until 1951. In 1951, the flag was modified to include the vertical bands. This flag was used until 1972. After this time, the current flag was adopted on May 22, 1972.
Flag Facts
The Sri Lankan flag is also known as the Lion flag or the Sinha flag.
Even part of the lion featured on the flag has symbolism. For example, the curly hair represents wisdom, meditation and religious observance, while the beard represents purity of words. |
| Emblem of Sri Lanka
The national emblem of Sri Lanka is used by the State of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankan government in connection with the administration and government of the country. The current emblem has been in use since 1972 and created under the ideas and guidance of Nissanka Wijeyeratne. At the time, he was Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Chairman of the National Emblem and Flag Design Committee. The designer of the emblem was Venerable Mapalagama Wipulasara Maha Thera, and the artwork was by S. M. Seneviratne.
The emblem features a gold lion passant, holding a sword in its right fore paw (the same lion from the flag of Sri Lanka) in the centre on a maroon background surrounded by golden petals of a Blue Lotus the national flower of the country. This is placed on top of a traditional grain vase that sprouts sheaves of rice grains that circle the border reflecting prosperity.
The crest is the Dharmachakra, symbolizing the country's foremost place for Buddhism and just rule. Traditional Sinhalese heraldic symbols for the sun and the moon form the supporters. Sun and Moon, and Lion depicting Lord Buddha is given less prominence than cart wheel of English Buddhism, so it is in great discordance with National Scriptures.
National Anthem of Sri Lanka
To listen Nation Anthem of Sri Lanka(in the Sinhala Language )
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Thou Mother Lanka,
Oh Mother Lanka we salute, salute, salute, salute Thee!
Plenteous in prosperity, Thou,
Beauteous in grace and love,
Laden with grain and luscious fruit,
And fragrant flowers of radiant hue,
Giver of life and all good things,
Our land of joy and victory,
Receive our grateful praise sublime, we worship, worship Thee.
Oh Mother Lanka! We salute, salute, salute, salute Thee!
Thou gavest us Knowledge and Truth,
Thou art our strength and inward faith,
Our light divine and sentient being,
Breath of life and liberation.
Grant us, bondage free, inspiration.
Inspire us for ever.
In wisdom and strength renewed,
Ill-will, hatred, strife all ended,
In love enfolded, a mighty nation
Marching onward, all as one,
Lead us, Mother, to fullest freedom, we worship, worship Thee
Oh Mother Lanka! We salute, salute, salute, salute Thee!
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