The National Symbols of Sri Lanka

The national symbols of Sri Lanka are national anthem , falg, emblem , flower ,tree,bird, butterfly  gemstone, and sport.

National Anthem

The national anthem of Sri Lanka " Sri Lanka Matha " is believed to have been written by Rabindranath Tagore and later composed by Ananda Samarakoon in 1940 before the island nation's independence from the British . In 1951 it became the national anthem of Sri Lanka . Firstly ,it was written in Sinhalese and translated to Tamil. The first performance of the anthem was held in the fourth anniversary of independence day on 4 february 1952.

National Flag

The national flag of Sri Lanka consists of a lion holding a sword in its right fore pow by representing the Sinhalese people and first king. Dark red/ maroon background represents Buddhist symbol four golden yellow Boo leaves, one in each corner represent four sublime states. Around the background is yellow border that represents Buddhist monk's community. On the left side, two vertical stripes in green and saffron represent Moors and Tamil Communities. The current flag was adopted in 1950.

National Language - Sinhala/ Tamil 

The national languages of Sri Lanka are Sinhalese and Tamil . As per chapter IV (language) Article 19 of Sri Lanka Sinhalese and Tamil have seen recognised as national languages .

The National Emblem 

The national emblem of Sri Lanka used by Sri Lankan government is in connection with the administrative purpose and government of Sri Lanka. The current reputation emblem was adopted as a republic state. 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 a bunch of paddy, grain vase ( punkalasa) dammachakka,sun and moon.

National Tree - Ceylon Ironwood

Ceylon Ironwood (Naa) was declared the national tree of Sri Lanka on 26 February 1986. It was chosen as the national tree due to its endemism in Sri Lanka , utility , historic and cultural importance, exterior posture , wide distribution, colour and nature and ability to draw and sketch easily. Theravada Buddism considers this tree for achieved enlightenment. The tree has been utilised for various purposes since ancient times.

The National Flower - Blue Water Lily

The water lili was declared the national flower of Sri Lanka on 26 february 1986. It is found in all parts of the island and grows mainly in shollow water. The flower is considered a symbol of truth  , purity and disipline. It gas connections with Buddha and was used as ceremonial flower in Sri Lanka throughout history.

National Butterfly - Sri Lankan Birdwing

Sri Lankan birdwing is endemic to Sri Lanka and was declared as the national butterfly with a connection to the butterfly conversation action plan. The largest Sri Lankan butterfly was categories as flagship species due to its wide distribution. It has glossy colour and bright yellow colour ans an attractive pattern.

National Bird - Sri Lankan Junglefowl

The Sri Lankan Junglefowl is the official national bird. The colouful bird is endemic to Sri Lanka and commonly found in national parks, jungle and dense scrub . It is an endemic bird of Sri Lanka.

The National Gemstone - Blue Sapphire 

The blue sapphire was declared the national gemstone of Sri Lanka in October 2003. A postage stamp worth LKR 4.50 was issued on 2 october 2003 to mark the announcement . Sri Lanka is famous for blue sapphires, especially known for their.

National sport - Volleyball

Volleyball was officially recognised as the national sport of Sri Lanka in 1991. The sport was introduced in 1916 to Sri Lanka . However , there is an opinion that Sri Lankans played a similar sport before its introduction. Elle had recognition as a national sport before Volleyball