Symbolism of the national flag

As Sri Lankan civilians have been asked to raise the national flag to mark the end of a long and brutal war, it is a good occasion to pause and reflect on the symbolism of the various elements of the flag.

At the centre, we have the sword. The lion on the current flag represents the Sinhalese ethnicity governed by Buddhist good conduct: religious observance, wisdom and meditation (symbolised in the lion's curly mane); purity of words (symbolised in the beard) intelligence (symbolised in the upturned nose), and the noble eightfold path (symbolised in the tail).

The yellow lion is set in a rectangular maroon background representing other races and ethnic groups - symbolising harmony between the Sinhalese and racial/ethnic minorities. Bo leaves on the corners of the maroon rectangle represent the Buddhist Brahma Vihara or noble abodes: Metta (loving kindness towards all living beings), Karuna (active compassion towards those who are suffering), Muditha (empathic joy in the progress of others) and Upekha (equanimity). These symbolise a call and an aspiration for all Sri Lankans to practice living within these abodes. Finally, the coloured stripes represent other religions: orange for Hinduism, green for Islam, and yellow borders for Christianity and other faiths.

Some people may see the flag as a symbol of Sinhalese supremacy, but reflecting on its symbolism should inspire us to primarily be people of good conduct.

Let us not be ruled by the passions of the moment, but aspire to equanimity, compassion for those on both sides who have paid a high price, and loving kindness towards all.