Sri Lanka Flag Meaning: Lion, Sword, Bo Leaves & Color Symbolism
Sri Lanka’s national flag combines a golden lion holding a sword, four Bo leaves, a maroon field and green and orange vertical bands. Government sources assign meaning to each major element.
What does the lion represent?
Sri Lanka’s government states that the lion represents the Sinhala people.
What does the sword mean?
The sword held in the lion’s right paw represents the sovereignty of the country.
What do the four Bo leaves mean?
The four Bo leaves represent Buddhism and the four virtues of kindness, friendliness, happiness and equanimity.
What does the orange stripe represent?
The orange vertical stripe represents the Tamil community.
What does the green stripe represent?
The green vertical stripe represents the Muslim community.
What does the gold border mean?
The yellow-gold border represents other communities and the broader unity of the nation.
What does the maroon field mean?
The maroon area preserves the historic royal-lion flag tradition and forms the background for the lion and Bo leaves.
Quick summary
| Lion | Sinhala people |
|---|---|
| Sword | Sovereignty |
| Bo leaves | Buddhist virtues |
| Orange | Tamil community |
| Green | Muslim community |
