The Lion represents the Sinhalese ethnicity. The sword represents the sovereignty of the nation. The four Bo leaves represent the four Buddhist virtues: kindness, compassion, equanimity, and joy. The orange stripe represents Tamils and the green stripe represents Muslims.
History
Adopted on May 22, 1972. The design is based on the flag of the last King of Kandy. The stripes and leaves were added to represent the country's religious and ethnic diversity.
Construction
A 1:2 ratio. A yellow field with a crimson rectangle containing a lion and sword, with green and orange vertical stripes at the hoist.
