The national anthem of Sri Lanka is called: « Sri Lanka Matha ».
Continent: Asia
History of « Sri Lanka Matha »
« Sri Lanka Matha » (Mother Sri Lanka) is the national anthem of Sri Lanka. The anthem reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage, its natural beauty, and the unity of its people.
Key Dates and People
- 1940: The lyrics of « Sri Lanka Matha » were written by Ananda Samarakoon, a prominent Sri Lankan musician and composer. The music was also composed by Samarakoon.
- 1951: The anthem was officially adopted as the national anthem of Sri Lanka on November 22, 1951, following the country’s independence from British colonial rule in 1948.
Anecdotes
- Composer’s Inspiration: Ananda Samarakoon was inspired by the natural beauty and cultural richness of Sri Lanka when composing the anthem. He aimed to create a piece that would evoke a sense of national pride and unity among Sri Lankans.
- Language Controversy: The anthem is sung in Sinhala, the majority language of Sri Lanka. There have been discussions and debates over the years about including a Tamil version to reflect the country’s linguistic diversity. In 2015, the Tamil version was sung at the Independence Day celebrations, symbolizing national unity.
- Cultural Significance: « Sri Lanka Matha » is performed at national celebrations, official ceremonies, and sporting events, reinforcing its role in uniting the Sri Lankan people and celebrating their heritage. The anthem’s stirring lyrics and melody inspire a sense of unity and pride among Sri Lankans.
Lyrics Excerpt
In Sinhala
ශ්රී ලංකා මාතා,
අප ශ්රී ලංකා නමෝ නමෝ නමෝ නමෝ මාතා
සුජාතේ, සුභාන්ය භූමියක් මව්බිමක්
අප හට සෙත් දෙනේ, නමෝ නමෝ නමෝ නමෝ මාතාIn English (translation)
Mother Sri Lanka,
We salute you, our Sri Lanka.
You are our noble motherland,
Giving us blessings, we salute you.Sources: