Independence Day in Sri Lanka
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On February 4th, 1948 Sri Lanka achieved its independence from the British colony to become the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
This year, 2010, Sri Lanka celebrates its 62nd anniversary of Independence. It holds much significance for the people, since it is the first celebration of national unity since the end of the 26-year civil war, which ended in May, 2009.
This is Sri Lanka’s National Flag:
Each symbol of it represents something of Sri Lanka’s culture and heritage:
- The lion: represents the Sinhala race
- The sword of the lion: represents the country’s Sovereignty.
- The lion’s tail: signifies the noble eight fold path of Buddhism
- Curly hair on the lion’s head: indicates religious observance, meditation and wisdom
- The beard: denotes purity of words
- The sword handle: highlights the four elements of earth, fire, air and water.
- The nose: indicates intelligence
- The two front paws: profess to purity in handling wealth
- The green vertical stripe: represents the minority Muslim race
- The orange vertical stripe: represents the minority Tamil race
- The yellow border: represents other minor races
- The Bo leaves: represents Buddhism and its influence and also stand for the four virtues of Kindness, Friendliness, Happiness and Equanimity
- The color maroon: represents the other minor religions.
