The Fraught Symbolism of Sri Lanka's National Waterlily
Ilaria Maria Sala examines the political and religious symbolism of Sri Lanka's national flower, the nil manel (blue waterlily), chosen in 1986 during the height of the country's civil war. The flower, associated with Buddhism and purity, is often confused with the more striking dam manel. Sala connects this floral emblem to ethnic exclusion of Tamils, the violence of the war (1983-2009), and the ongoing impunity for atrocities. She draws parallels to Israel's red crown anemone and the current conflict in Gaza, highlighting similar patterns of state violence and lack of accountability.
Key facts
- The nil manel was selected as Sri Lanka's national flower in 1986.
- The civil war lasted from 1983 to 2009.
- Black July riots in 1983 killed an estimated 400-5,000 Tamils.
- The war ended on 18 May 2009 with the defeat of the LTTE.
- Up to 70,000 civilians were killed in the 'No Fire Zone' of The Cage.
- National War Heroes' Day (Remembrance Day) is observed on 18 May.
- The Monument to Victory in Puthukkudiyiruppu features a golden soldier with a dove and rifle.
- Israel's national flower is the red crown anemone, endemic to the Gaza/Israel border.
Entities
Artists
- Ilaria Maria Sala
Institutions
- The Jerusalem Post
- Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)
- Sri Lankan Army
Locations
- Sri Lanka
- Colombo
- Kandi
- Temple of the Tooth
- Jaffna Peninsula
- Nainativu
- Mullaitivu
- Puthukkudiyiruppu
- The Cage
- Nandikadal lagoon
- Bay of Bengal
- Israel
- Gaza