Lions in Sri Lanka (Panthera leo sinhaleyus)

Lions in Sri Lanka are deeply connected to the country’s culture, history, and identity. From the iconic lion flag to the lion symbolism in art, architecture, and even folklore, lions have always been a powerful symbol in Sri Lankan culture. The lion has stood as a symbol of strength, bravery, and royalty, representing the Sinhalese people. But, did lions actually live in Sri Lanka?

The Discovery of the Ancient Lion in Sri Lanka

In 1938, a paleontologist named Paulus Edward Pieris Deraniyagala made an exciting discovery. He found a single tooth—a lower carnassial (M1)—in the deposits of Kuruwita, located in the Ratnapura District of Sri Lanka. This tooth was identified as belonging to an ancient lion species. Deraniyagala named this new subspecies Panthera leo sinhaleyus, after the Sinhalese ethnic people.

While Deraniyagala suggested that this subspecies of lion was unique due to its narrow and elongated features, there was not enough evidence to confirm how it might differ from other lion subspecies. The only distinction made was that its size was larger or equal compared to that of tigers.

Panthera leo sinhaleyus: The Extinct Lion

The lion subspecies Panthera leo sinhaleyus is now considered extinct. It is believed to have disappeared long before humans arrived in Sri Lanka, around 37,000 years ago. This discovery paints an intriguing picture of how lions once roamed the island, long before the Sinhalese people emerged as a dominant civilization.

The Lion’s Role in Sri Lankan Culture

Even though Panthera leo sinhaleyus no longer roams Sri Lanka’s wilds, the lion’s presence in Sri Lankan culture remains strong. From ancient times, lions have been depicted in various forms. The lion’s paw at the ancient city of Sigiriya, for example, features a giant lion’s paw structure and symbolizes power and protection. Similarly, the lion flag, still used today, is a prominent symbol of national pride.