The Object in Focus for August 2025 is a piece of Sri Lankan brassware: a tray from early 20th century, decorated with Sinhala text and motifs that date back to the Kandyan Period (circa 1400-1815 AD). The tray is crafted using brass that has been beaten into its shape, embossed with the motifs and engraved with the Sinhala writing. Ceremonial trays like this could have been used for holding offerings of flowers and food at the temple or presenting gifts for kings and chieftains. Trays like this were amongst objects crafted by artisans of the Kandy Art Association, which was founded in the 19th century.
Traditional Flags
The Kandyan kingdom was the last Sinhalese kingdom to be conquered by the British in 1815. During the Kandyan reign, there was extensive patronage for the traditional arts in Sri Lanka. The Kandyan kingdom was divided into different provinces which were further sub-divided into smaller administrative areas called dissawanis, each of which had its own flag. The flags acted as a sign of office, as the dissawas (governors) of a province were given the flag of the district they governed. The various royal departments had their own flags as well. The flags had clear borders, decorative motifs and a symbol in the centre. This would be important when on tour or during ceremonial processions to signify which province people were from.
The symbols and Sinhala writing on this tray each represent some of these traditional flags.
Uva Palatha Kodiya (left):
This is the flag of Uva Province, which is symbolised by the hansa (swan). Today, Uva Province is one of Sri Lanka’s existing nine provinces.
Hath Korale Kodiya (middle):
This is the Hath Korale flag, which is symbolised by a sinha (lion). It has featured on many ancient Sri Lankan flags, making it a revered symbol in Sri Lankan culture and appears as the main symbol of the national flag today.
Walapane Kodiya (right):
This is the flag of the Walapane, which is symbolised by a mayura (peacock). Walapane is a rural town located in present day Central Province of Sri Lanka.
Uda Palatha Kodiya (left):
The flag of Uda Province is symbolised by a nelun mala (lotus flower), a motif which features prominently in medieval flags and can be dated back to the rise of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, as the lotus flower is a prominent symbol of purity in Buddha’s teachings.
Thun Korale Kodiya (middle):
This is the flag of Thun Korale, symbolised by the bherunda pakshiya (double headed eagle), which is a symbol of power and vigilance.
Hathara Korale Kodiya (right):
This is the flag of Hathara Korale, symbolised by the ira-handa (sun and moon). This symbol was used by the Kandyan monarchs to indicate their belief that they were descendants of the Solar and Lunar dynasties. This flag has a border with Bodhi tree leaves in each corner. The Bodhi – or Bo – tree is a sacred tree in Buddhism. It is believed that the Buddha sat under the Bo tree at Bodh Gaya in Bihar, India, when he attained enlightenment. The central positioning of the Hathara Korale flag on the tray indicates its importance.
Matale Kodiya (left):
This is the flag of the Matale Province, which is symbolised by a blank sudu (white) field. Matale is now a city within Central Province in Sri Lanka.
Nuwara Kalawiya Kodiya (middle):
This is the flag of the province Nuwara Kalawiya, which is symbolised by the gajasinghe (elephant headed lion). Today, the Anuradhapura district covers the area where Nuwara Kalawiya was.
Wellasse Kodiya (right):
The flag of Wellasse is symbolised by a kotiya (leopard). The area where Wellasse was, is now a part of Uva Province.
Sabaragamuwa Kodiya (left):
This is the flag of the Sabaragamuwa, which is symbolised by a gaja (elephant). Sabaragamuwa still goes by the same name.
Binthanne Kodiya (middle):
This is the flag of the Binthanne, which is symbolised by a girawa (parrot). Today, the area where Binthanne was, is now a part of Uva Province.
Thamankaduwa Kodiya (right):
This is the flag of the Thamankaduwa, which is symbolised by a walaha (bear). Thamankaduwa is in Eastern Province of present-day Sri Lanka.
Crafting the flags
Traditional flags were generally made on fabric, using diverse types of craft techniques. However, representations were found in other craft forms, as seen in the example of this tray. The designs and detailing could vary depending on the medium of representation and the aesthetic sensibilities of the artisan. The principal symbol, however, always remained the same.
Flags held high importance in the Kandyan kingdom and to this day, they are carried by flag bearers during cultural festivals throughout Sri Lanka. This includes the Kandy Perahera, a Buddhist festival held annually in the lunar month of Esala (which generally falls in July/August). This festival honours the Sacred Tooth Relic – kept at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy – which represents and is worshipped as the living Buddha.
