Sri Lanka

General Information

Official Name: Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

Capital: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (legislative), Colombo (commercial)

Official Languages: Sinhala, Tamil

Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Time Zone: Sri Lanka Standard Time (GMT +5:30)

Population: Approximately 22 million (2023 estimate)

Geography

Location: Southern Asia, an island located in the Indian Ocean, to the southeast of India.

Area: 65,610 square kilometers (25,332 square miles)

Coastline: 1,340 km (830 miles)

Major Rivers: Mahaweli, Kelani, Kalu and Walawe rivers

Climate: Tropical climate with two monsoon seasons (southwest and northeast) and a wide range of altitudes that create diverse microclimates.

Historical Highlights

Ancient Kingdoms: Known for its ancient civilizations, including the country's first Kingdom - Anuradhapura (377 BC - 1017 AD) and the last Kingdom - Kandy (1473–1815 AD).

Colonial History: Colonized by the Portuguese (1505–1658), Dutch (1658–1796), and British (1796–1948). Gained independence from the British in 1948.

Culture

1. Cultural Triangle:
• Sigiriya:Ancient rock fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Polonnaruwa: Ancient city with ruins of the second capital of Sri Lanka.
• Anuradhapura: An ancient city known for its well-preserved ruins, temples, and stupas of the first Kingdom of Sri Lanka.
2. Beaches:
• Unawatuna:Famous beach for snorkeling and scuba diving.
• Mirissa: Known for whale watching.
• Bentota and Hikkaduwa: Popular for water sports and resorts.
3. Nature and Wildlife:
• Yala National Park: Famous for its leopard population.
• Udawalawe National Park: A sanctuary for elephants.
• Knuckles Mountain Range: A UNESCO World Heritage site with hiking and biodiversity.
4. Tea Plantations: Vesak (celebrating the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death), Sinhala and Tamil New Year, and Esala Perahera (a colorful Buddhist procession in Kandy).
• Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, and Ella: Known for tea plantations and scenic views.

Economy

Primary Industries: Agriculture (tea, rubber, coconut), textiles, tourism, construction, and mining.

Major Exports: textiles, apparel, Tea, rubber, and coconut products.

Economic Challenges: Debt management, unemployment, inflation, and recovery from past conflicts.

Interesting Facts

Sri Lanka is known as the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean" due to its stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and rich biodiversity.

Sri Lanka is the birthplace of Ceylon Tea, one of the world’s most renowned teas.

Home to the oldest known living tree planted by a human The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura is believed to be over 2,300 years old.

Cultural Heritage: Sri Lanka has 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including historic cities, temples, and natural reserves.

Biodiversity: Despite its small size, Sri Lanka is one of the world’s 25 biodiversity hotspots, with a variety of endemic species of plants and animals.