the smaller hoist-side panel has two equal vertical bands of green (hoist side) and orange
the other larger panel depicts a yellow lion holding a sword on a maroon rectangular field that also displays a yellow bo leaf in each corner
the yellow field appears as a border around the entire flag and extends between the two panels
the lion represents Sinhalese ethnicity, the strength of the nation, and bravery
the sword demonstrates the sovereignty of the nation
the four bo leaves - symbolizing Buddhism and its influence on the country - stand for the four virtues of kindness, friendliness, happiness, and equanimity
orange signifies Sri Lankan Tamils, green Sri Lankan Moors, and maroon the Sinhalese majority