Multilingual
The Sri Lankan national anthem is one of a number that are sung in more than one language: Canada (English, French & Inuktitut), Belgium (French, Dutch & German), Switzerland (German, French, Italian & Romansh), South Africa (Xhosa, Zulu, Sesotho, Afrikaans & English), Suriname (Dutch and Sranan Tongo), and New Zealand (English & Māori). Majority of Sri Lankans (more than 80%) speak Sinhala language and Sinhala version is mainly used in Sri Lanka for public and private events. This version is the only version used during international sports and other events representing Sri Lanka. Due to popularity of the song and it's rich meaning, it's being translated into several other languages. Although the Sinhala version of the anthem is used at official/state events, the Tamil translation is also sung at some events. The Tamil translation is used at official events held in the Tamil speaking regions in the North and East of Sri Lanka. The Tamil translation is sung at Tamil medium schools throughout the country. The Tamil translation was used even during the period when Sinhala was the only official language of the country (1956–87).
Read more about this topic: Sri Lanka Matha