Sri Lanka; the Natures Treasure Chest is the home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world. Sri Lanka’s written history exceeds 2550 years. Its pre-history consist of planned cities, magnificent palaces, and expansive man made reservoirs, stunning temples and monasteries, green gardens, hard to believe monuments and works of art are characteristic of the rich and jubilant lives the celebrated monarchy of Sri Lanka lived. Sri Lanka is situated to reach in a few hours from any part of the world. It is one of the most delightful destinations in the world to visit.

• Sri Lankan’s are always hospitable, smiling, friendly and helpful people.
• Sri Lanka has ideal tropical weather all year-round.
• Sri Lanka possesses the most beautiful scenery.
• Sri Lanka has authentic history with eight world heritage sites.
• Sri Lanka is most likely the most bio-diverse Island of its size in the world.
• Sri Lanka’s wildlife; Leopards, Bears, Elephants, Wild Buffaloes and Birds.
• Sri Lanka’s nature sites of rolling hills carpeted with tea bushes and lush forests.
• Sri Lanka has the finest golden sand beaches over 1400 kms in the world.
• Sri Lanka has Asia’s most wonderful pageant, the Kandy Esala Perahera.
• Sri Lanka has many more colourful festivals throughout the year.
• Sri Lanka has eight UNESCO world heritage sites.

Sri Lanka has been able to preserve certain aspects of the performing arts, architecture and religious practices of by-gone civilizations, providing an opportunity for present and future generations to gain some insight into Sri Lanka’s great engineering achievements and ideas and understand why they are still with us today.

This is a very brief account of Sri Lanka; The Natures Treasure Chest.

NATIONAL SYMBOLS OF SRI LANKA

National Flag

The National Flag of Sri Lanka has been designed with great care and purpose. It not only represents the country and her heritage, but is a rallying device that integrates the minority races with the majority race.

National Emblem

Sri Lanka used the British emblem when it was a British Crown Colony. We continued to use it even after gaining independence in 1948. According to the recommendations of a select committee appointed to devise a state emblem more suitable for Sri Lanka (Ceylon) we opted for a new State Emblem. It had a Lion with Sword in its right fore-paw encircled with a Palapethi open petal design top. Below there was a strip carrying the country’s name in Sinhala, Tamil and English. A new republican emblem was chosen after the country was declared a Republic on May 22, 1972. In addition to the lion with a sword and the Palapethi open petal design it portrays the Punkalasa, Dhammachakka, sun, moon and two sheaves of paddy.

National Tree

Iron Wood

NA in Sinhala-Iron Wood in   English Botanically Mesua Ferrea

 

National Flower

Blue Water Lily

Nil Manel or Blue Water Lily or Nymphaea stellata
In February 1986 blue water lily was chosen as the National flower. Found all the part of Sri Lanka and grows in the shallow water. Petals arranged like a star and the flat round waterproof leaves are bright green. It`s a symbol of purity and truth.

 

National Bird

Ceylon Jungle fowl

Wali kukula or Ceylon Jungle fowl or Gallus Lafayetti Jungle fowl the National Bird of Sri Lanka is commonest in the National Parks and forests.