Countries

Sri Lanka

A teardrop-shaped island off the southern tip of India, separated from it by the shallow Palk Strait and the chain of shoals known as Adam's Bridge. Over two thousand years of continuous civilization, including Sigiriya, a 5th-century royal citadel atop a 200-metre granite outcrop.

Sigiriya, the ancient rock fortress rising out of the jungle in central Sri Lanka, seen from neighboring Pidurangala Rock

Sigiriya rock fortress

Photo: Gayomiw, CC BY-SA 4.0

The maroon field and lion holding a sword stand for the Sinhalese people and their history. The saffron and green stripes represent Tamil and Muslim communities, and the four gold leaves stand for Buddhist virtues.

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