History of the Buddhist flag

Buddhist Flag

Sri Lanka is a Buddhist country. Majority of peoples in Sri Lanka are Buddhists. Current flag of the Buddhism created in 1885 CE. Buddhism was collapsed in 18^th century due to various impacts of the British missionaries.    Therefore Sinhala leaders built a society for protect Buddhism and provides leadership for battle to gain independence. This society appointed a committee for creates a flag for Buddhism; in that time as a religion Buddhism had not flag. Committee members was,

1. Ven. Migettuwaththe Gunananda thero
2. Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala thero
3. Don Karolis hewavitharana
4. P.D. Damma Gunawardene
5. Charls de Silva
6. Peetar Abru
7. N.S. Fanando
8. Karolis pujitha Gunawardene

Structure of the flag was designed by Karolis Pojitha Jayawardena and it was accepted by the committee. This was flag was design according to colors circle of rays of Buddha.   Flag had five colors. Those are Blue, yellow, red, white and orange. Flag was published in newspaper named “Sarasavi Sandha Rasa” in order to exhibit to public. First Buddhist flag was used in 17^th April, 1885 Vesak Poya day. And it was hoisted by Ven. Migettuwaththe Gunananda.  In the 1950 this flag also use as flag for the Buddhism after approved by the World Buddhist Associations Meeting conduced in Colombo.