National Flag of Sri Lanka

(SKU: LS200060B4) The golden lion on the purple background of the flag holds a sword (the Ceylon Kastane sword) in the right front leg which can be seen floating, his body towards the side of the flag pole. In heraldry it is called a "passing lion". This symbol is the ancient emblem of the kings of Kandy (city in the centre of the island which was the ancient Kingdom of Kandy from the 16th to the 19th century). This type of pattern is a symbol associated with Buddhism (which is the main religion in Sri Lanka). It actually represents the majority Sinhalese population of the country. The lion's sword evokes the sovereign nation.

On the incarnate red background (which would represent the country's colonial heritage), four pipal leaves can be seen in the corners. Legend has it that these are the leaves of the "fig tree of pagodas" (sacred tree in Buddhism) under which the Buddha used to meditate.

The two orange and green stripes are later additions to the Sri Lankan flag, the two colours represent the country's two religious minorities: Muslims of Moorish ethnic origin (green) and Hindus of Tamil origin (orange) from the island.

In order to avoid "jealousy", all yellow borders are considered to be the colour of all inhabitants of other cultures in the country.

This country flag is intended to be a powerful symbol of the unity of the country, the rallying and uniting sign of all Sri Lanka's communities and peoples. In short, this flag embodies Sri Lanka's desire to live in deep harmony!