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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_symbols_of_Sri_Lanka

National symbols of Sri Lanka

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The National symbols of Sri Lanka are the symbols that represent the country and its people within Sri Lanka and abroad as well as the traditions, culture, history and geography. The national symbols of Sri Lanka are national anthem, national flag, national emblem, national flower, national tree, national bird, national butterfly, national gemstone and national sport. They were picked up and officially announced at various times. There are also several other symbols that do not have official acknowledgment or announced as national symbols, but consider as national symbol at local level.^[1]^[2]

Development of symbols

The Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka sets out the National Flag, the National Anthem, the National Day and the National language.^[3] The constitution was promulgated by the National State Assembly on 7 September 1978. On 14 November 1987 the Sri Lankan Parliament passed the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution of Sri Lanka, which made both Sinhala and Tamil the National language.^[4]

National symbols

Title	Symbol	Notes
National anthem	National anthem of Sri Lanka	National anthem of Sri Lanka or Sri Lanka Matha was written and tuned by Rabindranath Tagore.^[5] and it was later composed by Ananda Samarakoon in 1940 before the independence from British. In 1951, it became the national anthem of Sri Lanka.^[6]^[7] Firstly, it was written in Sinhalese and translated to Tamil. First performance of the anthem was held in the fourth anniversary of independence day on February 4, 1952.^[1]
National flag	Flag of Sri Lanka	The National flag of Sri Lanka consists of a lion that holding a sword in its right fore paw by representing the Sinhalese people and first king. Dark red/maroon background represents Buddhist symbol. Four golden/yellow bo leaves, one in each corner represents Four Noble Truths. Around the background is a yellow border that represents Buddhist monk’s community. On the left side, two vertical stripes in green and saffron represent Moors and Tamil communities.^[8] The current flag was adopted in 1950.^[2]
National emblem	National Emblem of Sri Lanka	The national emblem of Sri Lanka uses by Sri Lankan government in connection with the administration purpose and government of the country. The current republican emblem has been adopt in 1972 after the country was declared as a republic state.^[1] The emblem has a lion, holding a sword in its right fore paw on a maroon background encircled with petals of a blue Lotus. Also it features bunch of paddy, grain vase (punkalasa), dhammachakka, sun and moon.^[9]
National language	Sinhala & Tamil	The National languages of Sri Lanka are Sinhala and Tamil.^[10] As per Chapter IV (Language), Article 19 of Constitution of Sri Lanka Sinhala and Tamil have been recognized as national languages.^[11]
National flower	Blue water lily (Nymphaea stellata)	The red and blue water lily was declared the national flower of Sri Lanka on 26 February 1986.^[2] It found all the part of Sri Lanka and grows in the shallow water. The flower is considered a symbol of truth, purity and discipline. It has connection with Buddha and uses as ceremonial flower in Sri Lanka throughout history.^[12] Stamp with a purple lily flower was issued to commemorate the national flower.^[13]
National tree	Ceylon ironwood (Mesua ferrea)	Ceylon ironwood was declared the national tree on 26 February 1986. It was chosen as the national tree due to its native in Sri Lanka, utility, historic & cultural importance, exterior posture, wide distribution, color & nature and ability to draw & sketch it easily.^[2] Theravada Buddhism considers this tree for achieved enlightenment.^[14] The tree was utilized for various purpose since the old time.^[15]
National bird	Sri Lankan junglefowl (Gallus lafayetii)	Sri Lankan junglefowl was declared as a national bird. The colorful bird is endemic to Sri Lanka and commonly found in national parks, jungle and dense scrub. It is an endemic bird of Sri Lanka.^[16]^[17]
National butterfly	Sri Lankan Birdwing (Troides darsius)	Sri Lankan Birdwing is endemic to Sri Lanka and was declared as the national butterfly with the connection of butterfly conservation action plan. The largest Sri Lankan butterfly was categorized as flagship species due to its wide distribution. It has glossy black and bright yellow colors and attractive pattern.^[18]^[19]
National gemstone	Blue Sapphire	The blue sapphire has been declared the national gemstone of Sri Lanka in October 2003. Postage stamp worth of LKR 4.50 issued on 2 October 2003 to mark the announcement. Sri Lanka is famous for blue sapphires, especially for largest sapphires.^[20]
National sport	Volleyball	The volleyball officially has been recognized as the national sport of Sri Lanka in 1991.^[21] The sport was introduced in 1916 to Sri Lanka. However, there is an opinion that Sri Lanka was playing a similar sport before introduction of volleyball.^[22] Elle had recognition as a national sport before volleyball.^[23]