Page 57 - Final Book

Icons of Identity Icons of Identity

It was King Vijaya who introduced the Lion Flag to Sri Lanka when he migrated “For centuries most flags were designed for use at sea rather than on land.

to the island during the period of Princess Kuweni. There is a rock carving The first marking of ownership and nationality were emblems (and later coats of arms) pointed on ships’ sails;

depicting the arrival of King Vijaya in one of the gateways of the Sanchi Stupa. shields attached along the gunwales served a similar function. When flags were gradually introduced in the 12 and
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On that is carved a man marching forward with King Vijaya’s troops with the 13 centuries a ship, and the rank of its commander.”
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a Lion Flag.
Source: The world encyclopedia of flags Alfred Znamierowski

Apart from that, as per the historical records and temple murals, it is evident that ancient Sri Lanka possessed It was said that “the sun rises and sets on the British flag”.

many provincial flags such as the flag of Jaffna Peninsula (flag with a mark of stud bull), flag of Hathara Korale Many nations around the world have been influenced by British history

(symbol of sun and moon), District flags of Walapane (symbol of peacock holding a cobra by its beak), flag of and culture. In the early 20 century, a quarter of the world’s people
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Sath korale (symbol of tiger), flag of Nuwara Kalaviya (symbol of gajasingha) etc. and a quarter of the world’s land surface were controlled in some way

or other by Britain. Today most of these are independent nations, have

The present Lion Flag of Sri Lanka, which was derived from the Royal Flag of King Vijaya is not the very different flags but many retain some British law, institutions and customs.

sketch of the old lion king which was used as our national flag by Sinhala king after Vijaya. Our national flag was

re-designed with great care and purpose after we gained independence from the British Empire adding two stripes Sri Lanka being a colonial country under the same flag for a period of 150 years

green and yellow to represent minor communities in the island and four ‘BO’ leaves to represent had been influenced by the traditions and customs of a Great Empire of the past. The navy, which

‘the four Diving Abodes’ (Sathara Brahma Viharanha). was formed as a reserve force to the Royal Fleet, adhered to all customs and traditions of the Royal Navy. As a
result, all the naval standards and other flags that we possess today have some bearing on that of the Royal Navy.

Source:Traditional flag of Sri Lanka by Dr Miranda Fernando. Apart from the internationally accepted set of alphabetical flags and pennants, the Sri Lanka Navy continue the usage
of the suit of colours and distinguishing flags.

COLOUR AWARDING CEREMONY OF VOLUNTEER NAVAL FORCE 52 COLOUR AWARDING CEREMONY OF VOLUNTEER NAVAL FORCE 53