SVGFull size
#0171 · national
Sri Lanka
The flag of Sri Lanka features a maroon field with a golden lion holding a sword, four golden bo leaves in the corners, and two vertical hoist stripes in green and orange, all enclosed by a yellow border.
Traits
- Layout
- Complex
- Pattern
- Complex
- Symbols
- Animal, Weapon
- Emblem
- Fly
- Text
- None
Details
- Catalogue
- #0171
- Favorites
- 3
- Added
- Jul 1, 2025
- Image source
- commons.wikimedia.org
History
Sri Lanka’s national flag is commonly known as the Lion Flag or Sinha Flag. The lion emblem has deep historical roots on the island and was associated with royal standards, including that of the Kingdom of Kandy. After British rule, the lion flag was readopted at independence in 1948, the minority stripes were added in 1951, and the current design with four bo leaves was officially enacted on 22 May 1972. The lion symbolizes bravery and sovereignty, the sword signifies power, the yellow border represents national unity, the green and orange stripes represent major minority communities, and the four bo leaves represent Buddhist virtues.
