Heraldry of the Archdiocese of Colombo

1. The Moon, Clouds, Angel Wings, and the "Ave Maria" Monogram

At the top of the heraldry, we find the monogram "AM," symbolizing the Ave Maria, a reference to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of the Assumption, the Patroness of the Archdiocese of Colombo. The moon, clouds, and angel wings represent the heavenly nature of Mary’s Queenship, signifying her role as the Mother of the Church and Mediatrix of All Graces.

2. The Gold Crown

The golden crown is a symbol of the Queenship of Mary. As the Queen of Heaven and Earth, this element reaffirms her role in guiding and interceding for the faithful of the Archdiocese.

3. The Staff with the Two-Barred Cross (Archiepiscopal Cross)

This cross is a mark of archiepiscopal authority, signifying that the Archdiocese of Colombo is a Metropolitan See, with the Archbishop holding authority over suffragan dioceses. The double-barred cross is historically associated with archbishops and patriarchs, emphasizing the leadership role of the Archdiocese in Sri Lanka.

4. The Lion Carrying a Sword

In the upper-left quadrant of the shield, a lion carrying a sword is depicted. This symbol originates from the Lion of Sitawaka and the flag of the Kingdom of Kotte, connecting the Archdiocese to the historical Catholic roots of the region. It is also reminiscent of the lion in the National Flag of Sri Lanka, representing strength, courage, and the enduring faith of the Church amidst historical trials.

5. The Two Eyeballs on a Plate (Symbol of St. Lucy)

The two eyeballs on a plate represent St. Lucy, the Patroness of the Blind and Martyr of the Early Church. Her presence in the heraldry highlights her special patronage over the faithful of Colombo, particularly invoking her intercession for spiritual vision and clarity.

6. The Iron Grill with Fire (Symbol of St. Lawrence)

The iron grill and fire signify St. Lawrence, the Deacon and Martyr. St. Lawrence was martyred by being burned alive on a gridiron. His presence in the heraldry reminds the faithful of Colombo’s deep-rooted Christian heritage and the sacrifices made by early martyrs for the faith.

Together, St. Lucy and St. Lawrence are venerated as the two principal patron martyrs of the City of Colombo.

7. The Sailing Ship

The sailing ship symbolizes the Colombo Port, which has historically been a center of commerce and missionary activity. This ship also represents the arrival of Christian missionaries, who brought the Good News of Christ to Sri Lanka, planting the seeds of the faith in the region.

8. The Blue Belt Around the Shield

Encircling the shield is a blue belt, representing the coastline that stretches along the Archdiocese. This acknowledges the maritime nature of Colombo and the importance of the sea in the history and economy of the faithful.

9. The White Cross with Four Black Edges (The Pallium)

At the center of the shield is a white cross with four black edges, symbolizing the Pallium. The Pallium is an ancient liturgical vestment worn by Metropolitan Archbishops, representing their unity with the Pope and their pastoral authority over the Archdiocese and its suffragan dioceses.

10. The “Naa” Flower (Ceylon Ironwood Flower)

The Naa flower, from the national tree of Sri Lanka, is also the symbolic flower of Our Lady of Lanka. This element expresses the devotion of Sri Lankan Catholics to the Blessed Virgin Mary, particularly under the title Our Lady of Lanka, who is the Protectress of the Nation.

11. The Red Stole

A red stole is prominently featured, representing the Diocesan Presbyters (priests) and their dedication to the Church. The red stole is also worn during the feasts of martyrs, signifying the blood of those who laid down their lives for Christ.

12. The Girdle with Three Knots

The girdle with three knots symbolizes the religious orders that serve in the Archdiocese, including the Franciscans, Jesuits, Dominicans, and Augustinians. The three knots traditionally represent the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience, which are the vows taken by religious priests and brothers.

13. The Four Parts of the Shield

The shield is divided into four sections, each representing a fundamental role of the Archdiocese:

Color Symbolism

• Sanctifying Role (Liturgical and Sacramental Life)
• Teaching Role (Formation and Catechesis)
• Shepherding Role (Pastoral Care and Leadership)
• Evangelizing Role (Missionary Work and Spreading the Gospel)

14. The Colors and Their Symbolism

The colors used in the heraldry reflect the ethnic and cultural diversity of the Archdiocese:

• Maroon - Sinhala Catholics
• Orange – Tamil Catholics
• Green – Arab Catholics
• Yellow – Other Catholics