THE NATIONAL FLOWER

The flower “ manel “ ( Nil Manel ) was accepted as the National Flower of Sri Lanka on 4^th march 1998.there was a strong voice to make “Lotus” flower as the National Flower. This flower blooms throughout the year. The flower comes out of the water in a single stem and it is considered the symbol of purity and truth.

  

NATIONAL EMBLEM OF SRI LANKA

On 22^nd May 1972, Sri Lanka become a Republic under anew constitution. for the Republic day Celebration, a necessity of a National Emblem. The symbols of the National Emblem depicts the following.

Son & Moon – It depicts the prosperous and self – sufficient country, where the Damma will be protected until the Sun & Moon lasts.

Swan Carrying a lotus or Nelum Stem – The swan has the ability to separate milk from water. This depicts the power to differentiate what is good & bad.

                                              The Filled Pot – It depicts Prosperity.

             Saman Creeper and Four Bo – Leaves – Saman Creeper depicts purity and the        four Bo leaves Buddhism.

Lion –    Depicting Lion on the center of the Emblem represent the National Emble m.The   Nelum or Lotus Leaves round the Lion depict purity.
                                      The National Emblem could only be used on all officia l           purposes. This is also by the state officials in their official duties. It is                     completely forbidden to use the National Emblem in private correspondences.
It    i     also forbidden to modify change, alteration of the Emblem used therein.

THE NATIONAL TREE

The “National Tree” of Sri Lanka is NA ( Iron Wood ) and beautiful tree, growing up to 30 meters in height and having somewhat conical appearance all thought it is considered indigenous, it grows in India and other tropical countries. This tree grows naturally in the wetter parts of Sri Lanka.

THE NATIONAL BIRD

The Jungle Fowl has been named, as the National Bird of Sri Lanka. This bird I rather small than the Fowl domesticated. Normally, Jungle fowl is spread throughout the Island. But seen frequently in the day zone forests of yala and wilpattu. The main meals are grains, small fruits and insects. She can run very fast for                                   a short distance.

THE NATIONAL FLAG

The              National flag has a noble spirit of uniting a country & a Nation. This fact is amply demonstrated if you examine the history of the national flag of Sri Lanka.  The Flag depicting the lion was used as the Royal Flag of the Sinhalese from time immemorial. This Lion Flag symbolized the sovereignty and the independence of this country which radiated. The wisdom, fearlessness, power and discipline of the sinhala race

THE BUDDHIST FLAG

The Buddhist revival movement, which occurred during the second half of the nineteenth century in Sri Lanka was not due to the failure of the Buddhist revival movement which took place in the Kandyan Kingdom under the leadership of Ven: Welivita Sarana Saranankara maha nayake Thera , during the second half of eighteenth century. It was due to the fact that, the King of Kandy could not devote much time to the development of Buddhism, as they were fighting against the Portuguese and the Dutch who occupied the maritime province of Sri Lanka.

                                         The design of the Flag when published in the “ Sarasavi Sanderesa” Newspaper consisted of six colours. Accordingly, the Buddhist Flag , which still remains as one of the prettiest Flags in the world, is a product of Sri Lanka, and a great contribution made towards the unity of the Buddhists all over the World.

THE NATIONAL ANTHEM

ON 5^th April 1962, the  composer of the national Anthem, Ananda Samarakoon breathed his last . However, the song he composed still lasts as the National Anthem of Sri Lanka.Below the English translation maintaining the original meaning of the National Enthem.

Let us worship the Beautiful Mother Lanka pregnant with grain, flowers and fruits, All thank thou for all the blessings you are our knowledge, you are truth, you are our energy, you are our light, you are our way of life, you are our Emancipation, Giving us new lease of life every day, Mother, You awaken us, lead us victory by developing and  giving us knowledge and strength, March unhesitatingly forward Like children of one mother, forget all difference and develop love and kindness.