THE NIL MANEL: A SYMBOL OF SRI LANKA'S SPIRIT 🇱🇰🩵 The Nil Manel (Nymphaea stellata), also known as the Blue Water Lily, holds a cherished place in Sri Lanka's heart as its national flower, officially chosen in February 1986. Known as Manel in Sinhala and Kamalam or Alli Tamarei in Tamil, this exquisite bloom is more than just a beautiful flower, it carries profound symbolic meaning. The selection of the Nil Manel as the national flower was made by a three-member committee, which included the distinguished former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Colombo, Professor Nandadasa Kodagoda, alongside two renowned botanists. Representing truth, purity, and discipline, the Nil Manel embodies values deeply rooted in Sri Lankan culture. Its remarkable ability to thrive and bloom in muddy waters serves as a powerful metaphor for resilience and strength in the face of adversity. This mirrors the enduring spirit of the Sri Lankan people, who rise above challenges with grace and determination.