National symbols of Sri Lanka

The national symbols of Sri Lanka are the national anthem, flag, emblem, flower, tree, bird, butterfly, gemstone and sport. They represent the country and its people within Sri Lanka and abroad as well as traditions, culture, history and geography. Several other symbols do not have official acknowledgment as national symbols but are considered national symbols at the local level.

The Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka sets out the national flag, the national anthem, the national day and the national language. The constitution was promulgated by the National State Assembly on 7 September 1978. On 14 November 1987 the Sri Lankan Parliament passed the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution of Sri Lanka, which made both Sinhala and Tamil the national languages

Symbol	Note
"Sri Lanka Matha"	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.
	The 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 Sublime States. 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.
	The 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.
Sinhala & Tamil	The 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.
	The blue 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.
	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 endemic in Sri Lanka, utility, historic & cultural importance, exterior posture, wide distribution, color 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.
	The Sri Lankan junglefowl is the official national bird. The colorful bird is endemic to Sri Lanka and commonly found in national parks, jungle and dense scrub. It is an endemic bird of Sri Lanka.
	Sri 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 colors and an attractive pattern.
	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 size.
	Volleyball 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.