The national flag is the epitome of the motherland, its independence, the aspirations of its nation and their unity. By respecting the national flag one may sense a great patri-otic reeling. The sight of a national nag invi(2orates one's body and soul.
Our national flag is part and parcel of the constitution of Sri Lanka Democratic, Socialist Republic. In the middle of the flag is a yellow lion, donning a sword in its right hand, in a blood red backdrop . The rectan-gular flag has four yellow Bo leaves at its edges. The two vertical strips at the left end of the flag, one dark yellow and the other green, represent the minordity communities in the state.
It is a custom to hoist the national flag on the indepen-dence day and in the events of national significance. It should he hoisted in a slow-motion in order to grant it due respect the national flag is seen hoisted half-mast in the events of national mourning •
The Portuguese invaded our country in the year 1505. And the Dutch began to meddle with our internal affars late!- . We lost entire freedom as a result of Britishers conquerin the island in the year 1815. Lankans who were dissatisfied of the British rule in the country rebelled for independence. But the rulers \\ ere heedless.
As a result a great campaign was launched to res-cued our country from the ruthless Britisher. F. R. Senanayake. D. S. Senanayake. D. B. Jayatilleke, Arthur V. Dias, Ponnambalam Ramanathan. John de Silva, Henry Pedris,
Ven Battaramulla Subhuthi and Piyadasa Sirisena are some of the patriots who led this campaign. We obtained freedom from the British rule on 4 Febru-ary, 1948. Today we celebrate its golden jubilee. Sri Lanka is a socialist, democratic republic now.
