Flag of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Flag

Country Information

Sovereign StateYes
Country CodesLK, LKA, 144
Official NameDemocratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
ContinentAsia
CapitalSri Jayawardenepura Kotte (Administrative), Colombo (Commercial)
Government TypePresidential Republic
CurrencySri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Calling Code+94
Member OfUnited Nations, Commonwealth of Nations, SAARC, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Asian Development Bank, Colombo Plan
PopulationApproximately 22 million
Total Area65,610 km²
Highest PointPidurutalagala (2,524 meters, 8,281 feet)
Lowest PointIndian Ocean (0 meters, 0 feet)
GDP Per CapitaUSD 3,852
Life Expectancy77 years
Internet TLD.lk

Sri Lanka National Anthem

Sri Lanka Matha (Mother Sri Lanka)

Mother Sri Lanka, we salute Thee!
Plenteous in prosperity, Thou,
Beauteous in grace and love,
Laden with corn and luscious fruit,

Flags of Neighboring Countries

History of the Sri Lanka Flag

The national flag of Sri Lanka, also known as the Lion Flag or Sinha Flag, was officially adopted on March 2, 1950. It is one of the most iconic and distinctive flags in the world due to its unique design and symbolism.

The flag consists of a golden lion holding a kastane sword in its right fore-paw in a maroon background with four gold bo leaves in each corner. The lion represents the Sinhalese ethnicity, the sword signifies the sovereignty of the nation, and the four bo leaves symbolize Buddhism and its influence on the nation. The maroon background portrays the other major ethnic groups in the country.

On the left side, there are two vertical stripes of green and saffron orange, representing the Muslim and Tamil communities, respectively. The green stripe stands for the Muslim faith and Moorish ethnicity, while the orange stripe represents the Hindu Tamils.

The Sri Lankan flag is a reflection of the country’s complex history and the ethnic diversity of its population. The flag has undergone several changes since its first adoption, particularly in the elements surrounding the lion. However, the core symbolism has remained the same.

This flag is a source of pride for Sri Lankans, symbolizing unity in diversity and the rich cultural tapestry of the nation. It is prominently displayed in public buildings, used in national ceremonies, and represents Sri Lanka in international events. The flag embodies the national identity, the heritage, and the aspirations of the Sri Lankan people.