| 7th
in the series of articles on Environmental Science
The Watchword of the Nation
We
are proud of the grandeur of our past and now forge ahead within
our ‘Watchword’ – righteousness, prosperity and
eternity. With these ideals our forefathers paved the way for us
and now you must tread the same path with pride and dignity.
You should
endeavour to give of the best at all times and work for the welfare
of our nation. Today you will learn how these ideals are achieved.
National
Flag
It is your duty at all times to treat the National Flag as a symbol
of unity, which will ensure peace and harmony among all communities.
The National Flag is hoisted on the Independence Commemoration Day
and all other national ceremonies in the country. The National Flag
is depicted below.
It depicts a
lion with a sword on a rectangular, red background. At the four
corners of the red background are four Bo leaves. On the left hand
side there are two coloured stripes – an orange stripe and
a green stripe. It is interesting to note what is signified by each
symbol.
| Symbol |
Signifies |
| 1. Lion
with sword |
Brave,
courageous |
| 2. Bo leaves |
Righteousness |
| 3. Orange
stripe |
Tamil community |
| 4.
Green stripe |
Muslim
community |
National Seal
This
is the next symbol of unity. Which we must maintain throughout.
The National Seal, which is used now is effective since 1972, when
Sri Lanka was declared a Republic. This seal is more meaningful
and it is interesting to note what each symbol signifies.
| Symbol |
Signifies |
| 1. Wheel
of Dhamma |
Righteousness |
| 2. Lion
with a sword |
Brave and
courageous |
| 3. Pun
Kalasa |
Prosperity |
| 4. Sun
and |
Moon Eternity |
| 5. Sheaves
of cereals |
Prosperity |
| 6. Lotuses |
Purity |
National
Anthem
This is an inspiration
to all of us. You would come across many occasions in which the
National Anthem is sung in your school. It is interesting to note
some of the meaningful phrases in the National Anthem, which inspire
us. Here are some of them.
“You are our truth”
“You are our strength”
“You are our light”
“You are our life”
“As we are the children of one mother”
In the school you could sing the National Anthem in small groups
and enjoy it.
Finally, it is certain that this lesson will kindle sparks of patriotism
in all of you and the wish to work for the Nation in a unified Sri
Lanka. |
