Member-only story
What Does This Flag Represent?
The story of the Sri Lankan national flag
The 4th of February is a very special day for all Sri Lankans for two important reasons.
1. It’s a national holiday! YAY!!!
2. It’s Sri Lanka’s 73rd Independence Day
Sri Lanka became an independent nation in the year 1948 when the constitution of 1947 went into effect. It was a moment shared by all Sri Lankans marking a new beginning and a new identity for this small island nation. One of the most prominent displays of this identity was the national flag of Sri Lanka.
All across the country, flags are raised to show national pride and tradition. The cities and towns are awash with thousands of flags fluttering in the breeze — a mosaic of yellow, orange, maroon, and green. It is truly a sight to behold.
But, after seeing this flag for over two decades, I finally asked myself, what does it actually mean?
Where did this design come from? Why are there so many colors? How is the lion holding a sword without opposable thumbs?
So down the rabbit hole I went in search of what this flag represents. What I found down there was a story of kings, conspiracy, and triumph.
