Flag of Sri Lanka Symbolism Facts & Meaning: History & Trivia
I
Sri Lanka Flag History
The first Sri Lankan flag dates back to the 5th century BC, and it showed Prince Vijaya—the founder of the Sinhalese majority—carrying a lion. The Lion Flag lasted as a representation of Sinhalese identity and resistance in the face of colonial authority by the British, Portuguese, and Dutch.
Sri Lanka chose the Lion Flag as its national flag in 1948 after its independence from British domination. The flag features a yellow lion brandishing a sword on a maroon rectangle. The flag was significantly redesigned in 1951 to represent the nation’s multiethnic populace. The maroon background and the Lion Flag insignia were kept, but two new stripes were added: one for the Tamil minority and one for the Muslim minority. Following the creation of the Republic of Sri Lanka in 1972, the flag underwent yet another revision. Four bo leaves were added to symbolize Buddhist beliefs, and the backdrop was changed to yellow to denote wealth.
Adopted in 1978, Sri Lanka’s current flag keeps the same design from 1972. It is composed of a yellow backdrop with vertical stripes of green and orange at the hoist and a red rectangle at the fly with four bo leaves and a sword-wielding lion.
II
Sri Lanka First vs Present-Day Flag
The 1948 Dominion of Ceylon produced the first flag ever connected to Sri Lanka. The flag at the time had a yellow lion brandishing a sword in the middle of a maroon backdrop.
On the other hand, the 1978 adoption of the current Sri Lankan flag kept several aspects of the 1972 version. It has a yellow backdrop with orange and green vertical stripes at the hoist and a red rectangle at the fly. The red rectangle has four bo leaves and a lion brandishing a sword. The sword denotes strength, the lion stands for bravery and the Sinhalese people, and the bo leaves stand for Buddhist beliefs.
III
Designer of Sri Lanka Flag
There is no clear record of who designed Sri Lanka’s original flag, which was used when the nation became independent in 1948 and became the Dominion of Ceylon. Rather than being the product of lone designers, flags are frequently the outcome of coordinated efforts and choices made by governing bodies.
The design of Sri Lanka’s current flag, adopted in 1978 when the nation became the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, is ascribed to a group of persons. The nation’s shift to a republic included the 1972 redesign, which had an impact on the 1978 flag. Not every individual participating in the design process receives public recognition or substantial credit.
IV
Symbolic Meaning of Sri Lanka Flag Design
With its numerous symbols that honor the country’s values, history, and culture, the Sri Lankan flag is full of meaning.
Design
- The flag of Sri Lanka has a vertical tricolor design. The left side includes two vertical stripes: green at the hoist and orange adjacent to it. The right side features a larger crimson rectangle at the fly, housing the primary symbols.
Colors
- Green: depicts Islam as a religion.
- Orange: symbolizes the ethnic group of Tamils.
- Red: symbolizing the Sinhalese people, is the primary backdrop color.
- Yellow: symbolic of all groups and civilizations, is the backdrop color.
Figures
- Lion: represents bravery as well as the Sinhala people. Holding a sword is the lion.
- Sword: symbolizes authority.
- The curly tail of the lion: symbolizes the five Buddhist precepts: abstinence from violence, honesty, theft, celibacy, and drunkenness.
- The beard of the Lion: symbolizes the integrity of speech.
- Four Bo leaves: The 1972 makeover included these leaves, which stand for the Buddhist values of Mettā (loving-kindness), Karuṇā (compassion), Muditā (sympathetic joy), and Upekkhā (equanimity).
V
Sri Lanka Flag Symbolic Importance
Sri Lanka’s flag represents variety, togetherness, and national identity. Its structure, which has vertical tricolors and particular colors that stand for various racial and religious groupings, honors the nation’s varied past. The lion, sword, and bo leaves are among the important symbols that represent courage, strength, knowledge, and Buddhist ideals. The flag inspires pride, patriotism, and the ambitions of the people as a whole while embodying historical continuity and expressing the country’s history and present. All things considered, it is a pictorial depiction of Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and the friendly cohabitation of its many communities.
VI
Sri Lanka Flag Raising Ceremony
Flag-raising ceremonies in Sri Lanka, held at prominent locations, honor the nation’s flag on important occasions. Participants, including officials, military personnel, and the public, gather for a ceremonial event. The master of ceremonies announces the proceedings, followed by the playing of the national anthem, “Sri Lanka Matha.” Uniformed personnel then raise the flag with precision, observing a moment of silence. Salutes are rendered, symbolizing respect and unity. This ceremony underscores the nation’s commitment to sovereignty and the values embodied in the national flag.
Half-mast is the standard flying at times of grief, respect, or remembering, usually in connection with tragedies, major national or international events, or the passing of a well-known national figure. The government or other appropriate authorities decide when to lower the flag, and it is firmly placed halfway down the flagpole. The nature of the event or the length of the mourning phase determines how long half-mast is used. Authorities may make public announcements to explain the decision, and the flag is raised to full mast after the stipulated period has ended.
VII
Sri Lanka Flag Rules and Etiquette
- General Display and Handling: The flag must be flown with dignity and in a prominent position at all times. It needs to be handled with decency and care, making sure it doesn’t come into contact with the ground or cover anything. There should be a ceremonious and deliberate approach to raising and lowering the flag.
- Position and Placement: When multiple flags are displayed, the Sri Lankan flag should be at the center, elevated above the others. In a line of flags, it should be on the right. When displayed with other nations’ flags, it should be raised first and lowered last.
- Ceremonial Occasions: Participants should stand at attention and face the flag while the national anthem is performed at ceremonies, and the flag should be displayed respectfully.
- Private Display and Damaged Flags: For holidays and other noteworthy occasions, private citizens should fly the national flag. It is appropriate to burn worn-out or damaged flags in a courteous manner.
- Prohibitions: The flag of Sri Lanka should not be altered or used as part of a costume or athletic uniform. Any form of disrespect towards the flag is discouraged.
VIII
Traditional Sri Lanka Flag Display Customs
- Independence Day Celebrations: February 4th is Independence Day in Sri Lanka. Across the country, the national flag is flown at a number of ceremonies and events.
- Victory Day Celebrations: On Victory Day, which marks the end of the civil war, the flag is flown in a conspicuous manner as a symbol of the country’s victory and unification.
- Esala Perahera: Although the religious and cultural traditions are the main emphasis of Esala Perahera, there may be formal ceremonies or festival-related activities when the national flag is flown, particularly in a city like Kandy.
IX
Sri Lanka Flag Trivia
Sri Lanka became a republic in 1972 after adopting a new constitution. To symbolize the country’s departure from its colonial history and embrace of a better future, the national flag was changed from maroon to yellow. In Buddhism, yellow is a prominent color that represents enlightenment and spiritual development. The transition stood for Sri Lanka’s dedication to democratic values, self-governance, and the creation of a wealthy and peaceful society.
X
Sri Lanka Flag in Legends and Mythology
Prince Vijaya is said to have been the creator of the Sinhalese people, according to one of the most well-known stories surrounding the Sri Lankan flag. The tradition states that, because of his mischievous behavior, Prince Vijaya, who was originally from India, was exiled from his realm. Together with his supporters, he set sail across the ocean and ultimately arrived off the coast of Sri Lanka. He took a flag with a lion, a symbol of his bravery and leadership, with him when he arrived on the island. The contemporary Sri Lankan flag is thought to have originated from this banner.
