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The Origin and Significance of the Buddhist Flag The Buddhist Flag, a global symbol of faith and peace, was first hoisted in Sri Lanka in 1885. Its creation is credited to the collaborative efforts of the ‘Colombo Committee,’ which included Henry Steele Olcott, a retired American Army Colonel who arrived in Sri Lanka in May 1880. Despite some controversy over its design attribution, it is clear that the flag was a joint effort by Olcott and several eminent members of the Sri Lankan laity and sangha. In 1884, the Colombo Committee was instrumental in convincing the British rulers to declare Vesak Poya Day a public holiday, effective from May 1885. This milestone led to the development of the Buddhist Flag, intended to be hoisted on the first official Vesak Full Moon Day holiday on 28th May 1885. The committee finalized the flag design, which was publicly presented on 17th April ...