Known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka lies like a teardrop, falling from the tip of India's South Coast. Once a little-known treasure, thousands of travellers stumbled upon the island by some 'fortunate accident' and so began to call Sri Lanka the Isle of Serendipity.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, formerly Ceylon, island republic in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of India, a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. Sri Lanka is separated from India by the Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannâr. Lying between the two nations is a chain of tiny islands known as Adam’s Bridge. Sri Lanka is somewhat pear-shaped, with its apex in the north. The greatest length from north to south is about 440 km (about 273 mi); the greatest width is about 220 km (about 137 mi). The total area of Sri Lanka is 65,610 sq km (25,332 sq mi). The administrative capital of Sri Lanka is Sri Jayawardenepura (Kotte); and Colombo is the commercial capital and largest city.
Sri Lanka’s coast, particularly the west, south, and southeast, is palm-fringed and indented by lagoons and inlets. The more rugged northeastern coast contains Trincomalee Harbor, considered one of the best natural harbors in the world. On the southwestern coast other harbors include the largely artificial one at Colombo and one at Galle.
Anuradhapuraya
Several centuries before the Jesus Christ, while the Greek empire was at its zenith, many other regions were emerging from the stone age; Anurdhapura was already and advanced civilization. The city was well laid out and well linked. Irrigated by sophisticated systems of man-made lake s and canals, this city was a world trade center. This is evidenced by the Greek merchant guide book titled "purples of the Erythraen Sea", Ptolemy's first ever map, and further by monk travelers Fa Hien and Buddagosha of, the 5th century A. D.
Dambulla
Dambulla is sited on a gigantic rock which towers more than 160m above the surrounding land. The Rock is more the 1.5km around its base and summit is at 550km. The caves were the refuge of King Walagamba (Vattagamini Abhaya) When he was exile for 14 years. When he return to the throne at Anuradapura in the 1st century BC, he had magnificent rock temple built at Dabulla. The site has being repaired and repainted several times in the 11th, 12th and 18th centuries.
Sigiriya
The Vast flat-topped 200m high Lion Rock stands starkly above the surrounding countryside of the central forest with magnificent views over the Dry Zone and south to the the Central Highlands It was an exceptional natural site for a fortress, which were gets its name from the lions which were believed to occupy the caves. For many visitors, this impressive site is their favorite in the whole of Sri Lanka.
Pollonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka?s medieval capital was established as the city of the land in 11th century A.D. Polonnaruwa replaced Anuradhapura as the capital city of Sri Lanka, Because of the invasion of south India. It was the capital of Sri Lanka from 11 AD to 13 AD.
Kandy
Kandy City is an International religious centre. Among the places of worship, the Sri Dalada Maligawa (The Temple of the Tooth Relic) takes pride of place. It is the paladium of the Theravada Buddhist faith and contains a genuine tooth of the Lord Gauthama Buddha. The Maligawa is surrounded by the Four "Maha" Devales, Natha, Pattini, Katharagama and Vishnu which are patronized by both Buddhists and Hindus.
Population
Population: 21,128,773
Age structure: 0-14 years: 24.1% (male 2,596,463/female 2,495,136)15-64 years: 68% (male 7,019,446/female 7,340,809)
65 years and over: 7.9% (male 783,823/female 893,096) (2008 est.)
Sri Lanka's population is a colourful mosaic of different ethnic and religious groups. The Sinhalese people form the largest ethnic group in the nation, composing approximately 74% of the total population. Sri Lankan Tamils form 18% of the population, and are concentrated mainly in the northeastern part of the country. "Indian Origin" Tamils, brought from India as indentured labourers by British colonists to work on estate plantations, are distinguished from the native Tamil population that has resided in Sri Lanka since ancient times. These "Indian Origin" Tamils still reside mainly in Sri Lanka's hill country where Tea is grown. There is a significant population of Muslims, who trace their lineage to Arab traders and immigrants and they are concentrated in the eastern provinces. There are also small ethnic groups such as the Burghers, of mixed European descent, and Malay people. Sri Lanka also has a unique community of indigenous people called the Veddahs. They are believed to be the first inhabitants of Sri Lanka and are thought to be related to the aborigines of Australia, the Nicobar Islands and Malaysia.
Education
With a literacy rate of 92%, and 83% of the total population having had Secondary Education, Sri Lanka has one of the most literate populations amongst developing nations. An education system which dictates 9 years of Compulsory Schooling for every child is in place, with 99% of the children entering the first grade. A free education system initiated in 1945 by Dr. C. W. W. Kannangara, a former minister of education, has greatly contributed to this. Mr. Kannangara led the establishment of the Madhya Maha Vidyalayas (Central Schools) in different parts of the country in order to provide education to Sri Lanka's rural population. In 1942 a special education committee proposed extensive reforms to establish an efficient and quality education system for the people.
Climate
Sri Lanka's climate can be described as tropical, in other words, hot and humid. Its position between 5 and 10 north latitude endows the country with a warm climate, moderated by ocean winds and considerable moisture. The mean temperature ranges from a chilly low of 16oC in Nuwara Eliya in the Central Highlands, where even frost may occur for several days in the winter, to a high of 32o C in Trincomalee on the northeast coast. The average yearly temperature for the country as a whole ranges from 28 to 30oC.
Seasons - monsoon
Although Sri Lanka maintains its lovely warm and tropical climate year-round, the island does experience mild changes in rainfall. The rainy monsoon season takes place from October to January; during the rest of the year there is very little precipitation, and all living creatures must conserve precious moisture. The arid northwest and southeast coasts receive the least amount of rain - 600 to 1200 mm per year - concentrated within the short period of the winter monsoon. May, June and July are probably the hottest months of the year and a great time to hit the beach and soak in the sun.
Foreign Trade
The country has experienced both the trade deficit as well as the balance of payment deficit over the years. The major exportable commodities of the state are tea and spices, textiles, diamonds, emeralds, coconut products, rubber manufactures and fish.
The exports partners of the country are US, UK, India, Belgium and Germany.
The major importable items of the country are mineral products, textiles fabrics, petroleum, machinery and the transportation. The imports partners of the country are India, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Japan and Malaysia. The balance of payment of the country as of the year 2004 is calculated at US $ -1,824 Millions.