Country Information

Geography

Sri Lanka is an island country lying in the Indian Ocean and separated from peninsular India by the Palk Strait.

A roughly triangular mountainous area known as the Central Highlands occupies the south-central region of Sri Lanka and is the heart of the country. This highland mass is surrounded by a diverse plain, the general elevation of which ranges from sea level to about 1,000 feet (300 metres). This plain accounts for about five-sixths of the country’s total area.

Sri Lanka’s tropical location ensures perennially high temperatures, with monthly averages between 22 °C and 33 °C in the lowlands. In the Central Highlands, higher altitudes account for lower temperatures, with monthly averages between 7 °C and 21.6 °C.

History

Sri Lanka has had a continuous record of human settlement for more than two millennia, and its civilization has been shaped largely by that of the Indian subcontinent. The island’s two major ethnic groups, the Sinhalese and the Tamils, and its two dominant religions, Buddhism and Hinduism, made their way to the island from India, and Indian influence pervaded such diverse fields as art, architecture, literature, music, medicine, and astronomy.

Despite its obvious affinities with India, Sri Lanka nevertheless developed a unique identity over the ages that ultimately set it apart from its neighbour. 

Sri Lanka gained independence from Britain in 1948. Since then, the country has grappled with balancing ethnic tensions, mainly between the Sinhalese majority and Tamil minority. This led to the long and brutal Sri Lankan Civil War (1983-2009).

The government also experimented with socialist policies and a shift towards a more centralized state. While the war has ended, Sri Lanka is still navigating ethnic reconciliation and economic development.

Culture

Sri Lankan culture is a vibrant mix of tradition and modern influences. Sri Lanka’s cultural roots are in Theravada Buddhism, while South Indian Hindu traditions are strong in the north. The Colonial periods (Portuguese, Dutch, British) left their mark as well.

Religion is a core aspect of life, with Buddhist temples, Hindu kovils, mosques, and churches. Sri Lanka also boasts a rich artistic heritage in dance, music, and visual arts. In terms of sport, cricket is a national passion.

The country is famous for its cuisine, tea, cinnamon, and gemstones.