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Sri Lanka Flag: Meaning and History

Embroidered flag patch — Sri Lanka

History of the flag

Vijaya, the legendary founder of Sri Lanka, is said to have disembarked from India in the Vth century with a standard bearing a lion with a sword.

The country declared its independence in 1948, and the current version of its flag dates from 1972.

What do the elements of the flag mean?

  • The lion evokes authority, and the pipal leaves kindness, joy, calm and helpfulness.

  • Green represents the country's Muslim population.

  • The yellow represents Sri Lanka's most minority ethnic groups.

  • Orange is the color of the Tamil people.

  • Sinhalese color.

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