Sri Lankan Banner

This banner is part of the Migration Museum's Community Banners project, 'Memories and Dreams'. It is symbolic of Sri Lankan immigrants' experiences in South Australia.

The banner consists of machine applique, cord work, sequin work and crochet. The top of the banner depicts a map of Sri Lanka in green, surrounded by silver sequins and glass beads. It is set against a backdrop representing the colours of the Sri Lankan flag. Hands appliqued in the centre of map symbolises peace and friendship - the ideals of all Sri Lankans. The nine rays emanating from hands represent nine provinces from where Sri Lankans now in South Australia originated. 'Sri Lanka' is written in Sinhala on left of the map, Tamil on the right, with English in centre. Sri Lanka is also known as ‘Resplendent Island' and the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’.

The oil lamp below in padded gold is a traditional symbol of Sri Lanka, signifying learning, knowledge and enlightenment; states of mind greatly valued by Sri Lankans. The green and gold stripes along the bottom represent the sporting spirit of Australians. A map of South Australia is picked out in red, gold and black representing the colours of the Aboriginal flag. The lowest part of the banner is made of water silk, with crocheted stars in white, decorated in sequins and shaped like the Southern Cross; it symbolises the patriotism of the people of Sri Lanka who have settled in South Australia. It is backed with white and turquoise with a white gusset along the top.