Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka: A Land of Beauty and Diversity
Sri Lanka is an island in South Asia, located in the Indian Ocean southwest of the Bay of Bengal and southeast of the Arabian Sea.
It has a rich and diverse history, culture, and natural beauty that attract visitors from all over the world.
Whether you are looking for ancient temples, exotic wildlife, pristine beaches, or scenic mountains, Sri Lanka has something for everyone.
some of the highlights of this fascinating country.
Population of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has a population of about 22 million people, belonging to different ethnic, religious, and linguistic groups.
The majority of the population are Sinhalese, who follow Buddhism and speak Sinhala.
The largest minority are Tamils, who follow Hinduism and speak Tamil.
There are also Muslims, Christians, and other groups who contribute to the diversity of the country.
History of Sri Lanka
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Sri Lanka has a long and complex history, dating back to the prehistoric times.
According to legend, the island was visited by Prince Vijaya from India, who founded the first Sinhalese kingdom in the 6th century BCE.
Since then, Sri Lanka has been ruled by various dynasties, as well as colonized by the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British.
Sri Lanka gained its independence in 1948, and became a republic in 1972.
However, the country also faced civil war, ethnic conflict, and political instability for several decades, until the end of the armed conflict in 2009.
Today, Sri Lanka is a democratic and multi-ethnic nation, striving for peace and development.
Capital of Sri Lanka
The official capital of Sri Lanka is Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, which is a suburb of Colombo, the largest and most populous city in the country.
Colombo is also the commercial and cultural center of Sri Lanka, where you can find many attractions, such as museums, galleries, parks, markets, and monuments.
Flag of Sri Lanka
The national flag of Sri Lanka consists of a yellow field with two panels:
the smaller hoist-side panel has two equal vertical bands of green and orange,
representing the Muslim and Tamil minorities, respectively;
the larger fly-side panel has a maroon field with a golden lion holding a sword, representing the Sinhalese majority and the sovereignty of the nation.
The lion is surrounded by four bo leaves, representing the four virtues of Buddhism:
kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity.
The yellow field also serves as a border around the entire flag and extends between the two panels, representing the unity and harmony of the country.
Continent of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka belongs to the continent of Asia, and is considered part of South Asia, along with India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives.
Economy of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is also a member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC),
a regional organization that promotes economic and social cooperation among its members.
Sri Lanka has a developing economy, based on agriculture, industry, and services.
The main agricultural products are tea, rubber, coconut, rice, and spices.
The main industries are textiles, garments, tourism, and telecommunications.
The main services are banking, finance, education, and health.
Currency of Sri Lanka
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Sri Lanka’s currency is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR), which is divided into 100 cents.
The exchange rate of 4 November 2023 was about 326.32 (LKR) to per U.S. dollar.
Country Code of Sri Lanka
The country code for Sri Lanka is +94, and the internet domain is .lk.
Pronunciation of Sri Lanka
The pronunciation of Sri Lanka is /srɪ ˈlæŋkə/ or /ʃrɪ ˈlæŋkə/, depending on the accent.
Abbreviation of Sri Lanka
The abbreviation for Sri Lanka is LK, which is also the ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 code for the country.
The ISO 3166-1 alpha-3 code is LKA, and the numeric code is 144.
The internet country code top-level domain (ccTLD) is .lk.
Culture of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has a rich and diverse culture, influenced by its history, geography, and people.
The country has a vibrant and colorful art, music, dance, literature, and cuisine, reflecting the various traditions and customs of its different communities.
Sri Lanka also celebrates many festivals and holidays, such as Vesak,
the Buddhist festival of light; Pongal, the Tamil harvest festival; Eid al-Fitr, the Muslim festival of breaking the fast;
and Christmas, the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus.
Sri Lanka is also a popular tourist destination, offering a variety of attractions and activities for visitors.
Famous Places of Sri Lanka
Some of the most famous places to visit in Sri Lanka are:
Sigiriya:
an ancient rock fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its palace ruins, frescoes, gardens, and panoramic views.
Kandy:
the last capital of the ancient kings and a sacred city for Buddhists, home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, the Royal Botanical Gardens, and the Kandy Lake.
Galle:
a historic port city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its Dutch colonial architecture, fortifications, and lighthouse.
Yala National Park:
the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka, where you can see wildlife such as elephants, leopards, crocodiles, and birds.
Nuwara Eliya:
a hill station and resort town, known for its tea plantations, waterfalls, and scenic landscapes.
Anuradhapura:
the first capital of Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can explore the ancient ruins of temples, stupas, and monasteries.
Trincomalee:
a coastal city and a natural harbor, where you can enjoy the beaches, coral reefs, and hot springs.
Dambulla:
a town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka is a land of beauty and diversity, where you can experience the culture, history, and nature of this island nation.
Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or enlightenment, Sri Lanka has something for you.
Come and discover the wonders of Sri Lanka, the pearl of the Indian Ocean.
Landmarks of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a country with a rich cultural and natural heritage, and there are many places to visit and admire.
Here are some more landmarks that you might be interested in:
Galle Fort:
This is a historic fortification that was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, and later expanded by the Dutch and the British.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the best-preserved examples of colonial architecture in Asia.
You can walk along the ramparts, explore the museums, churches, and lighthouses, and enjoy the views of the ocean and the city.
Ruwanweli Maha Seya:
This is a magnificent stupa that was built by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BCE, and is one of the most revered Buddhist monuments in Sri Lanka.
It is said to contain relics of the Buddha, and is surrounded by a wall with hundreds of elephant statues.
The stupa is also known for its golden spire, which is visible from afar.
Yala National Park:
This is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka, where you can see wildlife such as elephants, leopards, crocodiles, and birds.
The park covers a variety of habitats, such as forests, grasslands, wetlands, and beaches.
You can take a safari tour, camp in the wilderness, or stay in a luxury lodge.
Gangaramaya Temple:
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This is a Buddhist temple complex in Colombo, that combines traditional and modern architecture.
The temple features a museum, a library, a pagoda, a bo tree, and a collection of statues, relics, and artifacts.
The temple is also known for its annual Navam Perahera, a grand procession of elephants, dancers, and musicians.
Avukana Buddha Statue:
This is a colossal statue of the Buddha, carved out of a single rock in the 5th century CE.
The statue stands at 12 meters high, and depicts the Buddha in a standing posture, with a serene expression and a gesture of blessing.
The statue is considered a masterpiece of ancient sculpture, and is located near the Kala Wewa reservoir.
Cities of Sri Lanka:
Colombo:
This is the largest and most populous city in Sri Lanka, and the commercial and cultural capital of the country.
Colombo is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, where you can find a mix of modern and colonial buildings, museums, galleries, parks, markets, and monuments.
Colombo is also a hub for entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and dining, where you can enjoy the diverse cuisines and cultures of Sri Lanka.
Kandy:
This is the second largest city in Sri Lanka, and the last capital of the ancient kings’ era of Sri Lanka.
Kandy is a sacred city for Buddhists, as it is the home of the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the most revered places of worship in the Buddhist world.
Kandy is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a cultural and historical center of Sri Lanka.
Kandy is surrounded by hills and forests, and has a pleasant climate and scenic beauty.
Galle:
This is a historic port city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its Dutch colonial architecture, fortifications, and lighthouse.
Galle was a major trading center in the past, and still retains its charm and character.
Galle is also a popular tourist destination, where you can enjoy the beaches, coral reefs, and marine life.
Galle is also known for its arts and crafts, such as lace-making, pottery, and wood-carving.
Nuwara Eliya:
This is a hill station and resort town, known for its tea plantations, waterfalls, and scenic landscapes.
Nuwara Eliya has a cool and misty climate, and is often called the “Little England” of Sri Lanka, because of its colonial-style buildings and gardens.
Nuwara Eliya is a place to relax and enjoy nature, as well as to explore the nearby attractions,
such as Horton Plains National Park, Hakgala Botanical Garden, and Lake Gregory.
Beaches of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has many beautiful beaches that you can enjoy, whether you are looking for swimming, surfing, snorkeling, or relaxing.
Some more details about some of the beaches in Sri Lanka:
Negombo Beach:
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This is a long and sandy beach near the Bandaranaike International Airport,
making it a convenient choice for travelers who want to enjoy the sea as soon as they arrive or before they depart.
Negombo Beach is popular with locals and tourists alike, and has many hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops along its coast.
You can also visit the nearby Negombo Lagoon, where you can see fishing boats, mangroves, and birds.
Hikkaduwa Beach:
This is one of the most famous beaches in Sri Lanka, known for its coral reef, marine life, and surf spots.
Hikkaduwa Beach is a paradise for snorkelers and divers, who can explore the colorful underwater world and see turtles, fish, and corals.
Hikkaduwa Beach is also a hotspot for surfers, who can ride the waves at different points along the bay.
Hikkaduwa Beach has a lively and fun atmosphere, with many cafes, clubs, and festivals.
Marble Beach:
This is a stunning beach in Trincomalee, on the east coast of Sri Lanka.
Marble Beach is named after its smooth and white sand, which contrasts with the turquoise water and the green hills.
Marble Beach is a secluded and serene beach, where you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
Marble Beach is also a good place for swimming and snorkeling, as the water is clear and calm.
Casuarina Beach:
This is a beautiful beach in Jaffna, on the northern tip of Sri Lanka.
Casuarina Beach is named after the casuarina trees that line the shore, providing shade and privacy.
Casuarina Beach is a sandy and shallow beach, where you can swim or wade in the warm water.
Casuarina Beach is also a peaceful and quiet beach, where you can escape the crowds and enjoy the nature.
Climate of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a country that has a tropical climate, which means that it is hot and humid throughout the year.
However, the climate also varies depending on the monsoon seasons, the elevation, and the location of the island.
Some more details about the climate in Sri Lanka:
Monsoon seasons:
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Sri Lanka has two main monsoon seasons that affect different parts of the country.
The northeast monsoon, which lasts from December to March, brings rain to the eastern and northern regions of the island, while the southwest monsoon,
which lasts from June to October, brings rain to the western and southern regions.
The monsoon rains can be heavy and cause flooding and landslides in some areas.
The periods between the monsoons are usually dry and sunny, but there can still be occasional showers or thunderstorms.
Elevation:
Sri Lanka has a varied topography, with mountains, hills, and plains.
The highest point is Pidurutalagala, which is 2,524 meters (8,281 feet) above sea level.
The elevation affects the temperature and the rainfall of the different regions.
Generally, the higher the elevation, the cooler and wetter the climate.
The central highlands, where Kandy and Nuwara Eliya are located, have a tropical monsoon climate,
which means that they have high rainfall and moderate temperatures throughout the year.
The average temperature in Nuwara Eliya is around 16 degrees Celsius (61 degrees Fahrenheit), and it can drop to 5 degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit) at night.
The lowlands, where Colombo and Galle are located, have a tropical wet and dry climate, which means that they have high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons.
The average temperature in Colombo is around 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit), and it can rise to 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day.
Location:
Sri Lanka is an island that is surrounded by the Indian Ocean.
The location affects the wind and the sea currents that influence the climate of the island.
The ocean breezes help to moderate the heat and humidity of the coastal areas, making them more pleasant than the inland areas.
The sea temperature is also warm and constant throughout the year, ranging from 26 to 29 degrees Celsius (79 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit).
The location also determines the amount and the distribution of the rainfall in the different regions.
The southwestern part of the island, where the windward side of the mountains is located,
receives the most rainfall, averaging around 2,500 millimeters (98 inches) per year.
The southeastern part of the island, where the leeward side of the mountains is located,
receives the least rainfall, averaging around 900 millimeters (35 inches) per year.
Borders of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is an island that does not share any land borders with other countries.
However, it does share maritime borders with two countries: India and Maldives.
A maritime border is a boundary that separates the territorial waters of different countries.
Sri Lanka’s maritime borders are as follows:
India:
Sri Lanka and India are separated by the Palk Strait, a narrow stretch of water that connects the Bay of Bengal and the Gulf of Mannar.
The Palk Strait is about 53 km (33 mi) wide at its narrowest point, and contains several small islands and shoals.
One of these is Ram Setu, also known as Adam’s Bridge, a chain of limestone rocks that is believed to be a natural or man-made bridge between the two countries.
Sri Lanka and India have a maritime border of about 406 km (252 mi) along the Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar.
Maldives:
Sri Lanka and Maldives are both island nations in the Indian Ocean, located southwest of the Indian subcontinent.
The two countries have a maritime border of about 462 km (287 mi) in the Indian Ocean.
The closest distance between the two countries is about 715 km (444 mi), from the southernmost point of Sri Lanka to the northernmost point of Maldives.
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