Sri Lanka Flag
National Flag of Sri Lanka
By Mohamadou Moctar · Last updated
What does the Sri Lanka flag mean?
The golden lion represents the Sinhalese people and their bravery; its sword signifies sovereignty; its curly mane denotes religious observance and wisdom; ornamental traits convey intelligence, purity, and the Noble Eightfold Path.
Sri Lanka Flag Display
Quick facts
- Adopted:
- 22 May 1972
- Aspect Ratio:
- 1:2
- Capital:
- Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
- Population:
- Approximately 22 million (2023)
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Shop now on AmazonSri Lanka Flag - Description
Sri Lanka’s flag features a golden lion wielding a kastane sword on a dark red field, bordered by yellow and flanked by green and saffron vertical stripes—reflecting national unity, cultural diversity, and ancient heritage.
Sri Lanka Flag – Symbolism and Meaning
Sri Lanka Flag - History and Origins
Sri Lanka’s Lion Flag dates back to 486 BC and was retained through kingdom eras. Introduced as the modern national flag in 1948, later modified in 1951 to add minority stripes. In 1972 and 1978, the bo leaves and border were reaffirmed to reflect national harmony.
Sri Lanka Flag - Design Elements
A 1:2 flag with a maroon panel bearing a gold lion holding a sword; four bo leaves at its corners; gold border; green and saffron vertical stripes at hoist. Official color palettes and geometry are specified by legislation.
Sri Lanka Flag - Usage Guidelines and Protocol
Sri Lankan law mandates respectful use: flown from sunrise to sunset on national occasions; half‑masted during mourning; civil ensigns for official use differ. Desecration is a criminal offense.
Further reading: Flag of Sri Lanka on Wikipedia
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the colors of the Sri Lanka Flag represent?
The golden lion represents the Sinhalese people and their bravery; its sword signifies sovereignty; its curly mane denotes religious observance and wisdom; ornamental traits convey intelligence, purity, and the Noble Eightfold Path. The four bo leaves in the corners symbolize Buddhist virtues (loving-kindness, compassion, joy, equanimity). The green stripe represents Muslims, the saffron (orange) stripe denotes Tamils, and the yellow border encompasses all other communities.
When was the Sri Lanka Flag adopted?
22 May 1972
What is the aspect ratio of the Sri Lanka Flag?
The Sri Lanka flag has an aspect ratio of 1:2.