The Sri Lanka flag, popularly known as the Lion Flag or Sinha Flag, features a golden lion holding a kastane sword in its right forepaw on a maroon background, with four bo leaves in the corners and two vertical stripes of orange and green on the hoist side. This design is rich in religious and ethnic symbolism: the lion represents the Sinhalese people and the strength of the nation, while the green and orange stripes represent the Muslim and Hindu minorities, respectively. The four bo leaves symbolize the four Buddhist virtues of Metta (loving-kindness), Karuna (compassion), Mudita (sympathetic joy), and Upekkha (equanimity). Adopted in its current form on May 22, 1972, the flag serves as a powerful emblem of national unity and sovereignty, reflecting the diverse cultural fabric of the island nation formerly known as Ceylon.
History of the Lion Flag
The use of the lion as a royal symbol in Sri Lanka dates back over 2,500 years, beginning with the arrival of Prince Vijaya, the legendary first king of the Sinhalese.
Ancient Kingdom of Kandy
The original Lion Flag was the royal standard of the last King of Kandy, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe. When the British conquered the Kingdom of Kandy in 1815, the flag was taken to England and kept at the Royal Hospital Chelsea until it was recovered in the 20th century.
Independence and Modern Adoption
Following independence in 1948, a committee was appointed to design a new national flag that represented all communities. The two vertical stripes of green and orange were added in 1951, and the pointed “pinnacles” in the corners were replaced with bo leaves in 1972 when Sri Lanka became a Republic.
Detailed Symbolism of the Design
Every element of the Sri Lanka flag is intentional, representing the values and demographics of the country.
The Golden Lion and Sword
The lion is a symbol of bravery and the Sinhalese ethnicity, while the kastane sword it holds signifies the sovereignty and authority of the nation. The handle of the sword represents the four elements: earth, water, fire, and air, showing the interconnectedness of nature and governance.
Orange and Green Stripes
The orange stripe represents the Sri Lankan Tamils (Hinduism), and the green stripe represents the Sri Lankan Moors (Islam). These were added to the original maroon flag to symbolize the inclusivity and equality of minority groups within the newly independent state.
The Four Bo Leaves
The four leaves in the corners of the maroon rectangle are perhaps the most spiritually significant elements for the island’s Buddhist majority.
The Four Virtues (Brahmavihara)
Each leaf represents a specific “Sublime State” or virtue in Buddhism. These are Metta (benevolence), Karuna (pity/compassion), Mudita (joy in the success of others), and Upekkha (detachment/equanimity). Originally, these were depicted as simple pinnacles, but they were redesigned as bo leaves to resemble the foliage of the sacred Bodhi tree.
Placement and Geometry
The leaves point toward the center of the flag, suggesting that these virtues should be the focus and guiding light of the nation. The yellow border surrounding the entire flag signifies the protection and unity that Buddhism provides to the country.
Design and Official Proportions
The Sri Lanka flag follows strict mathematical and color specifications to ensure uniformity across all government and private uses.
Technical Specifications
The standard ratio of the flag is 1:2. The maroon section occupies a larger portion of the fly, while the orange and green stripes are equal in width. The yellow border must be consistent in width around all four sides of the flag.
Official Color Palette
Maroon: Representing the blood of those who fought for independence.
Yellow/Gold: Representing the radiation of intelligence and wisdom.
Green: Representing the Islamic faith and fertility.
Orange: Representing the Tamil heritage and the Hindu faith.
Practical Information and Protocol
Whether you are a resident or a visitor in 2026, there are specific rules and customs regarding the use of the national flag.
Display and Respect
The flag should always be flown from sunrise to sunset on government buildings. It should never touch the ground, be used as a floor covering, or be printed on disposable items in a disrespectful manner. During national mourning, the flag is flown at half-mast.
Purchasing and Souvenirs
Availability: Flags are widely available at stationery shops and tourist markets in Colombo and Kandy.
Prices: Small hand-held flags cost approx. 100–300 LKR; large high-quality cloth flags cost 2,000–5,000 LKR.
Where to see it: The most iconic display is at Independence Square in Colombo, where the flag is hoisted during the annual National Day celebrations on February 4th.
FAQs
What is the meaning of the lion on the Sri Lanka flag?
The lion represents the Sinhalese people, bravery, and the historical lineage of the nation’s founders.
Why are there bo leaves on the flag?
The four bo leaves represent the four Buddhist virtues: Metta (benevolence), Karuna (compassion), Mudita (joy), and Upekkha (equanimity).
What do the colors green and orange represent?
The green stripe represents the Muslim minority, and the orange stripe represents the Hindu Tamil minority.
When was the current Sri Lanka flag adopted?
The current version, including the bo leaves and the designation of the Republic, was adopted on May 22, 1972.
What does the yellow border signify?
The yellow border surrounding the flag represents the protection of the nation and the wisdom of the people.
Can tourists buy a Sri Lanka flag?
Yes, flags are widely available as souvenirs in markets and shops, but they should be handled with respect at all times.
What is the name of the sword the lion is holding?
The sword is known as a Kastane, a traditional Sri Lankan short sword that symbolizes the nation’s sovereignty.
Is the Sri Lanka flag used during cricket matches?
Yes, it is a major symbol of pride at international sporting events, and fans frequently wave the Lion Flag to support the national team.
What is the official name of the flag?
It is officially called the National Flag of Sri Lanka, though it is often referred to as the Sinha Flag (Lion Flag).
Why is the background color maroon?
The maroon background represents the majority Sinhalese ethnicity and the blood of ancestors shed for the country.
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