The current name of Sri Lanka was settled in 1972, when the island became a fully fledged republic. Lanka was taken from the ancient name of the island, and joined with Sri, meaning “resplendent”. So, Sri Lanka means Resplendent Island.

What is the full name of Sri Lanka?

Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Name. In 1972, the official name of the country was changed to Free, Sovereign and Independent Republic of Sri Lanka (ශ්‍රී ලංකා śrī lankā in Sinhala (whereas the island itself is referred to as ලංකාව lankāva), இலங்கை ilaṅkai in Tamil). In 1978 it was changed to Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

What is the nickname for Sri Lanka?

This is reflected in the many nicknames Sri Lanka has acquired over the centuries: Serendib, Ceylon, Teardrop of India, Resplendent Isle, Island of Dharma, Pearl of the Indian Ocean; just to name a few.

What is the meaning of Sri Lanka flag?

Each element of the flag has a specific meaning. The leaves represent Buddhist loving kindness, compassion, equanimity and happiness, the lion represents bravery and the Sinhalese people, the sword is bravery, curly represents hair wisdom, the tail is Noble Eightfold Path and the beard the purity of words.

Does Sri Lanka have a lion in its flag?

The distinguishing mark of the Sri Lankan flag is the golden lion with its right fore-paw holding a sword, giving it the name of Lion Flag. The lion is set on a crimson background with one golden bo (sacred fig) leaf at every corner.

Why is there a lion in Sri Lanka flag?

What stands out most about the flags design is the large lion holding a sword. This lion was added to the flag to symbolize the bravery of the Sinhalese. The flag also features four bo leaves in each corner. These leaves represent the four concepts of Buddhism, which include Karuna, Mudita, Upeksha and Metta.