PRINCE VIJAYA

About 544 B.C. Prince Vijaya, the eldest son of Sinha Bahu, King of Sinhapura landed at Tammanna with 700 companions from his father's kingdom in the Lala country, the modern Guzerat-Bengal in North India. So delighted was he that, he took a handful of sand and called it the land of the copper coloured sand and planted the flag they were carrying (a Flag with a Lion symbol), upon the land kissed the sand and called it 'Thambapani'. And so began the History of Sri Lanka, the birth of the Sinhala Race.

The inscription of this great and grand event on record is among the archaeological remains at the Sanchi Stupa - an ancient Buddhist monument built during the reign of Emperor Asoka in the second century B.C in the native state of Bhopal in India.

In one of the stone carvings the character of Prince Vijaya with his band of companions are depicted landing in Sri Lanka. Carrying the Lion Flag.

KING DUTUGEMUNU

The heraldic lion carrying a sword on his right forepaw with two other symbols, the SUN and the MOON adorns the banner of King Dutugemunu. He freed the People and the country from foreign invaders in the second century B.C. (161-137 B.C.). This is illustrated in the pre-christian rock temple frescoes at Dambulla which traces the beginning of the Lion Flag of Sri Lanka.

Coming down to the 15th century, we learn that King Parakramabahu of Kotte continued to use this ancient lion flag.

THE OLDEST FLAG IN THE WORLD

As recorded in our national chronicles, the Mahavamsa and the Chulavamsa, the flag with the lion symbol was invariably used by the monarchy from the time of King Vijaya to the fall of the Sinhala Kingdom during the reign of King Sri Vikrama Rajasinha in 1815.

No other country in the world possesses a national flag laud with history and tradition as the Lion Flag of Sri Lanka. It was an internationally accepted fact that our National Flag is the oldest in the world.

SRI VIKRAMA RAJASINHA

Sri Vikrama Rajasinha, a Nayakkar from South India despite being a foreigner, adopted himself to be a true son of the soil, learning the people's language, respecting and honouring the people's religion and cultural traditions, ruled the country from 1798 - 1815 in peace and harmony. There were Tamils, Moors Malays and Sinhalas living in the Kandyan Province all united as one people.

THE ROYAL STANDARD OF SRI VIKRAMA RAJASINHA

This standard carries at the centre a heraldic Lion standing smartly holding a sword upright by its right paw which stands for Justice and Righteousness.

Bordering this is a rectangular line with four bo-pat (bo-leaves-drawn like four pinnacles) at the four corners symbolizing: METTA, KARUNA, MUDITHA, UPPEKKA, called the four sublime states of living (Brahma Viharas). The yellow border represents the Sangha. In ancient times, the Sangha played an important role in guiding the Kings. They directed and participated in the emancipation of the country as recorded in the national chronicles.

All these emblems, on a brilliant background of crimson indicate immortality, remained the Royal Standard of King Sri Vikrama Rajasinha, the last King of Sri Lanka.

The King's Standards (Rajakiya Dhajaya) which has been adopted as Sri Lanka's National Flag was the Civil Standard of Sri Vikrama Rajasinha which was captured by Captain William Pollock of the 51st regiment of the British army in September, 1803.

THE KANDYAN CONVENTION (UDARATA GIVISUMA)

Lanka's Lion Flag fluttered victoriously having survived the many stormy centuries until the 2nd of March, 1815. It was hauled down by the British Raj and Sri Lanka was ceded to the British under a treaty called the Kandyan Convention (Udarata Givisuma). This ended Sinhala Independence after over 2358 years which had been protected by our fore-fathers, with their toil, sweat, blood and tears.

The Kandyan Convention was proclaimed at 3.30 p.m. on 2nd March, 1815 in the Audience Hall, then called the Magul Maduva of the Palace of Kandy. This was signed by Governor Robert Brownrigg on behalf of His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, on the one hand and the Adigars, Disavas and other principal chiefs of the Kandyan Province, on the other.

Outside, drums were beating all around the Hall. British troops guarded all the entrances to it and also patrolled the streets.

Next the treaty was read aloud to the chiefs in Sinhala and both parties agreed to its contents. Then the Lion Flag was hauled down and the Union Jack placed in (the British Flag) its place, amidst salvoes of artillery and His Majesty King George III was acclaimed King of Ceylon.

This was done before the last Kandyan Chieftains had signed the treaty, thus violating the law. From amidst the spectators who watched this drama stepped out a Buddhist monk, the Ven Wariyapola Sumangala, of the Asgiri fraternity. Fortified with confidence, fortitude, self-respect and patriotism, he approached the English General to question, "Who gave you the permission to hoist your flag here - you have no right to do so YET?" Next he pulled down the Union Jack, trampled it and hoisted the Lion Flag in its place and stated that the treaty had not yet been signed.

Only after Chief Adigar Ehelepola had signed the convention with much reluctance on the 10th March that the Union Jack was hoisted. (The Union Jack - the British National Flag unites the crosses of St. Georg, St. Andrews and St. Patrick, representing England, Scotland and Ireland. The present Union Jack was proclaimed in England in 1801).

Molligoda - 1st Adigar and Disava of the 7 Korales

Pilimatalava - 2nd Adigar and Disava of Saffragam

Monaravila - Disava of Uwa

Ratwatta - Disava of Matale

Molligoda - Disava of the 3 Korales

Dulleve - Disava of Walpana

Millava - Disava of Vellassay and Bintenna

Galagama - Disava of Tamankaduwa

Galagoda - Disava of Nuwara Kalaviya

Ven. Wariyapola Sumangala worked very hard to Establish the Sinhala Kingship and uphold the freedom of the Sinhala race. He was tried for treason, convicted and was imprisoned in Jaffna. Later he was set free. He died kissing the land of his birth.

He was a native of Wariyapola in Devamedi Korale of Devamedi Hatpattuva in the Kurunegala District. His father was Herath Mudiyanselage Bamunukotuve Rala who named him Kirihamy. Young Kirihamy was ordained by Ven. Indavalugoda Dhammapala Mahanayake Thera of Asgiriya Maha Vihara.

STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM

In early 20th century, a struggle for freedom and self rule from British Colonialism was gaining momentum in South Asia with the leaders of India and Sri Lanka leaving no stone unturned to seek liberation from the tyranical rule of the 'nation of shopkeepers'.

Mr. Edward Walter Perera (E.W.) 1875 - 1952 was a fervent Christian. A. Barrister-at-law (Middle Temple), Advocate of the Supreme Court of Ceylon, Member of the Legislative and State Councils was known as the "Lion of Kotte". He played an outstanding role during the 1915 riots, offering his services to go to England and to personally lay bare facts and figures related to contemporary colonial mis-rule and mis-management. He went to England to lobby for support in the house of Commons against the British Government excesses against the Sinhala people. He was encouraged and financially supported by Mr. D.R. Wijewardena a patriot.

While in England he also took a bold step to search for the National Flag, the Royal Standard of the last King of Lanka Sri Vikrama Rajasinha, which was removed to England by the British Raj.

ROYAL FLAGS DISCOVERED

After many days and months of trouble and humiliation Mr. E.W. Perera discovered three Sinhala Banners at the Royal Military Hospital Chelsea, London. These were the flags of the last King of Kandy captured by William Pollock and transferred by the East India Company with the consent of King William IV, to the Royal Military Hospital Chelsea, London in 1835. One of the flags was King Sri Vikrama Rajasinha's Civil Standard. This was copied in colour by Southwood & Co., at the request of Mr. D.R. Wijewardena and sent to Lanka.

NATIONAL AWAKENING

The greatest impetus to this national awakening was given by the Sinhala daily newspaper, the "DINAMINA", on 2nd March, 1915 by issuing a special edition of the paper to mark the centenary of the end of Sinhala Independence. This special edition published by the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited reminded the people that they had been slaves to a foreign power for hundred years, thus arousing national feelings to win back their lost freedom. One of the articles to befit the occasion was writen by Mr. D.B. Jayatilake who was at that time in the forefront of the patriotic movement. The article was titled "The Rise and Fall of the Sinhalese Kingdom". The edition was also illustrated with photographs of outstanding men who had played their part in the progress of the Island during these hundred years. On the front page were portraits of the last King and Queen of Kandy surmounted by the Royal insignia - The Crown and the Lion Flag in colour. This was the first time, since the fall of the Kandyan Kingdom, the people became aware of the actual pattern of their National Flag.

This "DINAMINA" edition created quite a stir in the Island.

As a supplement to this special edition, the original copy of the Kandyan Convention in Sinhala was also issued.

'DINAMINA' newspaper 2nd March 1915 Special Edition

'DINAMINA' newspaper 2nd March 1915 Special Edition

SINHALA INDEPENDENCE REGAINED

The Ceylon Independence Act, 1947, of the Parliament of Britain, states that the flag of the British Empire, the Union Jack, will continue to flutter over Ceylon, while the metamorphosed Lion Flag will fly in the shadow of the Union Jack.

Our national leaders were not prepared for this although some had to placate the interests of the brown sahibs, who were thoroughly unhappy over the regained freedom and wanted some link with Britain even nominally. They agitated against the use of the Union Jack as an Independent Lanka.

With only nineteen days before the dawn of the Independence Day, Prime Minister, Mr. D.S. Senanayake's cabinet had set not taken a decision with regard to the hoisting of the National Flag on the 4th of February 1948.

The Member of Parliament for Batticaloa, Mudaliya A.L. Sinne Lebbe moved a motion in parliament:

"That this house is of the opinion that the Royal Standard of King Sri Vikrama Rajasinha depicting a yellow lion holding a sword in it's right paw on a red background which was removed to England after the convention of 1815, should once again be adopted as the official flag of free Lanka"

This motion was seconded by the Labour Leader and member of parliament for Colombo Central Mr. A.E. Gunasinghe.

At this debate many proposals were made. Winding up the debate Prime Minister, Mr. D.S. Senanayake said that England is transferring sovereignty to the people of this island. "I want England also to re-place the Lion Flag along with the sovereignty that they were giving back. It is for this main reason that we intend hoisting this flag on Independence Day."

However, after 133 years of struggle for freedom from British rule Sri Lankans were greatly relieved when a replica of the Lion Flag that was spirited away to England after the 1815 convention, was unfurled and hoisted to flutter again in Sri Lanka. The flag was hoisted by our Prime Minister, Mr. D.S. Senanayake, better known as the "Father of the Nation" on the 4th of February, 1948 signifying the end of centuries of foreign domination and regained Sinhala Independence to the joyous chimming of temple and church bells, sounding of sirens, booming of guns, bustin of crackers and beating of tom toms.
When the first session of Independent Lanka's first Parliament was opened by Duke of Gloucester representing King George VI (Grand father of Prince Charles - Prince of Wales) up went the Lion Flag aloft the flag staff at the Independence Square, Colombo after the lowering of the Union Jack which was brought down by the Duke - forever.

NATIONAL FLAG COMITTEE

On 6th of March 1948, Rt. Hon. D.S. Senanayake Prime Minister, appointed a seven member National Flag Committee headed y the leader of the House Mr. S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, who was also Minister of Health and Local Government as chairman.

The six other members were Mr. J.R. Jayawardene (Minister of Finance), Mr. T.B. Jayah (Minister of Labour and Social Services). Dr. L.A. Rajapakse (Minister of Justice). Sir John Kotelawela (Minister of Transport), Mr. G.G. Ponnambalam (M.P. for Jaffna) and Senator S. Nadesan.

They were to advice him on the question of the National Flag of Ceylon.

The Committee at its first meeting held on 15th March 1948, appointed Dr. Senarat Paranavithana (Commissioner of Archaeology) as the Secretary and also decided to call for views from individuals and associations based on a questionnaire despatched to them.

After many sittings spread over two years, the Committee made its recommendations known on 13th February 1950.

All members of the Committee signed the report. But Senator Nadesan refrained from signing and submitted a Dissent Note. It should be mentioned that the two members who were Cabinet Ministers representing the two minority Communities - Tamil and Muslim - both signed the report.
