National symbols of Sri Lanka

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National symbols of Sri Lanka

TitleSymbolMediaNotes
National anthem   "Sri Lanka Matha"

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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     Flag of Sri LankaFlag of Sri LankaThe national flag of Sri Lanka consists of a lion 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 represent 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. The current flag was adopted in 1950. 
National emblemNational emblem of Sri LankaEmblem of Sri LankaThe national emblem of Sri Lanka used by Sri Lankan government is in connection with the administrative purpose and government of the country. The current republican emblem was adopted in 1972 after the country was declared 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), dhammachakka, sun and moon.
National languageSinhalese & TamilSinhalese languageTamil languageThe national languages of Sri Lanka are Sinhalese and Tamil.As per Chapter IV (Language), Article 19 of Constitution of Sri Lanka Sinhalese and Tamil have been recognized as national languages.
National flowerBlue water lily
(Nymphaea nouchali)		Water lilyThe water lily 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 shallow water. The flower is considered a symbol of truth, purity and discipline. It has connections with Buddha and was used as ceremonial flower in Sri Lanka throughout history.
National treeCeylon ironwood
(Mesua ferrea)		Ceylon ironwoodCeylon 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 & cultural importance, exterior posture, wide distribution, colour and nature and ability to draw and sketch easily. Theravada Buddhism considers this tree for achieved enlightenment.The tree has been utilized for various purposes since ancient times.
National birdSri Lankan junglefowl
(Gallus lafayetii)		Sri Lankan junglefowlThe Sri Lankan junglefowl is the official national bird. The colourful bird is endemic to Sri Lanka and commonly found in national parks, jungle and dense scrub. It is an endemic bird of Sri Lanka.
National butterflySri Lankan birdwing
(Troides darsius)		Sri Lankan birdwingSri Lankan birdwing is endemic to Sri Lanka and was declared as the national butterfly with a connection to the 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 colours and an attractive pattern.
National gemstoneBlue sapphireBlue sapphireThe 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 size.
National sportVolleyballVolleyballVolleyball was officially recognized 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.

Unofficial 

TitleSymbolMediaNotes
National animal
Sri Lankan elephant
(Elephas maximus maximus)		Sri Lankan elephantThere is no official national animal in Sri Lanka even though the elephant, lion, and grizzled giant squirrel are locally considered as such. Lions are the most celebrated animal for Sinhalese people, symbolising heraldry. The Sri Lankan lion is a prehistoric subspecies of lion.
Lion
(Panthera leo)		Lion
National monumentIndependence Memorial HallIndependence Memorial HallIndependence Memorial Hall is an iconic structure commemorating the independence of Sri Lanka from the British rule. Named "Magul Maduwa" (Celebration Hall), its structure is based on the Royal Audience Hall of the Kingdom of Kandy, the last kingdom that fell to colonial occupation in the island. It also known as Independence Commemoration Hall and Independence Commemoration Hall.
National dressSarong/dhoti & shirt (men)
Sari (women)		Girl wearing a sareeSri Lanka does not acknowledge any national dress since there are three major communities and a few minor communities. Commonly, men's traditional dress is the sarong/dhoti and shirt and women's traditional dress is a sari. The three major communities (Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims) have significant differences in their regional dress although the majority of them wear Western dress today.
National dishRice and curryRice and curryRice and curry is a popular dish in Sri Lanka. The dish has cooked rice with various curry dishes of vegetable and/or meat.

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