Sri Lanka's National Bird and Village Life

The Sri Lanka Junglefowl (Gallus lafayetii) has been named Sri Lanka's national bird. It is a species found nowhere else in the world - endemic to Sri Lanka alone. Because of this, it holds importance both as a symbol of our country's biodiversity and as a mark of national pride.

According to old records, from the time humans shifted from a hunting life to a farming life, they began domesticating various animals. Among the animals that came to live close to humans were the dog, cattle, sheep, horse, and fowl. Of these, the domestic fowl has stood closest to humans. But Sri Lanka's junglefowl is different from the domestic fowl - it still lives freely in the forest.

In Sri Lanka, as in countries like India, there is a special bond between people and the fowl. This closeness has been affirmed in many different forms.

This can be shown through several instances, such as:

1. Being a cultural heritage.

2. Being a symbol for telling time.

3. Being Sri Lanka's national bird.

4. Being a symbol of victory.

5. Being a combative creature.

6. Being an active creature.

7. Contributing to maintaining ecological balance.

8. Being a striking, ornamental creature.

9. Being a communicator.

10. Being an inspiration that has enriched language and literature.

Being a Cultural Heritage

From ancient times, the customs, behaviours, religious practices, and rituals maintained by a community are covered by the word 'culture.' Within such a cultural heritage, the fowl holds a special place.

The bond between village life and the fowl has extended to this day. The village waking to the crow of the rooster in the morning, setting out for farm work, and the food and income gained from raising fowl were essential parts of village life. Also, in times when there were no clocks to tell the hour, the fowl's crow was used as a measure of time. In this way, the junglefowl remains an indelible mark on both our country's natural heritage and its village culture.

Being Sri Lanka's National Bird

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Saudi Culture and Traditions

Among the symbols representing the nation, choosing the fowl as the national bird is another significant event. Before the proposal for the national bird was adopted, several factors were examined.

Special attention was given to factors such as being endemic to our country, being found island-wide, being evolutionarily among the oldest living creatures, being a symbol of fortune, and foretelling omens. Considering the regard and place this bird has held among village people from that time to this day, the junglefowl was named the national bird.

Name: Sri Lanka Junglefowl (Sinhala: වළි කුකුළා) · Sri Lanka Junglefowl · Gallus lafayetii

Being an Active Creature

Among active creatures, the fowl leads the way. It does not seek anyone's protection to survive; it is not a creature that lies about idly like a dog or a cow. However harsh the conditions it faces, behaving with vigour is a distinctive trait seen in this bird.

Being combative and being victorious are qualities an active creature is endowed with from birth. The fowl has the capacity to fight on, forgetting defeat, even to the point of death. One can imagine that the people of this country, who stood against foreign invasions, may have drawn some inspiration from this bird's spirit in their own struggles for liberation.

Being a Symbol of Victory

The junglefowl is regarded as a symbol of victory precisely because of its nature of fighting on with courage, never accepting defeat. It shows its valour and fearlessness in battle. It is therefore fitting to choose the junglefowl as a creature reflecting national pride and victory.

It is said that this bird was also regarded, in ancient times of war, as an example that gave warriors courage and a victorious mindset. Because of its unshaken combative quality, the junglefowl became a symbol of both national pride and victory.