Sri Lanka, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, diverse ecosystems, and strategic geographical position. Officially known as the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, it lies just southeast of India, separated by the Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar. The country has a unique blend of historical influences, ruled by various kingdoms before colonial occupations by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. Sri Lanka gained independence in 1948 and has since developed into a multi-ethnic, multi-religious society with a rapidly evolving economy.

^{Arugam Bay, EP, Sri Lanka. Photo by}^{Tomáš Malík}

Land

Sri Lanka is an island country covering approximately 65,610 square kilometers. It has a diverse landscape consisting of coastal plains, central highlands, and a variety of ecosystems ranging from tropical rainforests to dry scrublands. The country is divided into nine provinces, each with distinct geographic and climatic features.

Geographical Features:

Central Highlands: The mountainous region includes the country's highest peak, Pidurutalagala (2,524 meters), and world-famous tea plantations.
Coastal Plains: The majority of Sri Lanka's coastline is made up of sandy beaches, with some areas featuring lagoons and estuaries.
Rivers and Lakes: The Mahaweli River, the longest in the country, plays a crucial role in irrigation and hydroelectric power generation.
Climate Zones: Sri Lanka has three main climatic regions: the wet zone (southwest), the dry zone (north and east), and the intermediate zone.
Biodiversity: The country is home to a variety of endemic species, including the Sri Lankan elephant, leopards, and many rare bird species.

^{Haputale, UP, Sri Lanka.}^{Photo by}^{Lyn Hoare}

People

Sri Lanka is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society with a rich cultural history.

Demographics:

Sinhalese (74%) – The largest ethnic group, predominantly Buddhist, with a strong cultural influence in the country.
Tamils (15%) – Divided into Sri Lankan Tamils (descendants of historic Tamil kingdoms) and Indian Tamils (descendants of laborers brought by the British).
Muslims (9%) – Mainly of Moorish descent, engaged in trade and business.
Burghers and Malays (2%) – Smaller ethnic groups with Dutch, Portuguese, and Malay heritage.

Languages:

Sinhala (official & national language) – Spoken by the Sinhalese majority.
Tamil (official & national language) – Predominantly spoken in the Northern and Eastern provinces.
English is widely used in business and government.

Religions:

Buddhism (70%) – The dominant religion, especially among the Sinhalese.
Hinduism (13%) – Mainly followed by the Tamil community.
Islam (10%) – Practiced by the Muslim minority.
Christianity (7%) – Includes both Roman Catholics and Protestants, influenced by colonial history.

^{Kandy, CP, Sri Lanka.}^{Photo by}^{Gihan Bandara}

Economy

Sri Lanka has a mixed economy, with agriculture, manufacturing, and services contributing significantly to its GDP. The country has experienced economic challenges in recent years, including inflation and foreign debt crises.

Key Sectors:

Agriculture: Tea, rubber, coconut, and spices (notably cinnamon) are major exports.
Manufacturing: Textiles, garments, and food processing industries play a significant role.
Tourism: A vital sector, known for scenic beaches, ancient ruins, and wildlife.
Remittances: A major source of foreign income, with many Sri Lankans working abroad.
IT and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO): An emerging sector contributing to economic diversification.

Challenges:

Economic Crisis (2022): Sri Lanka faced severe inflation, fuel shortages, and foreign debt defaults.
Political Instability: Recent years have seen significant protests due to economic mismanagement.
Climate Vulnerability: The country is prone to natural disasters such as floods and droughts.

^{Sri Lankan national anthem.}

Government and Society

Sri Lanka is a Democratic Socialist Republic with a unitary state structure. The governance system is based on a presidential democracy, though the executive powers have been a subject of political debate.

Political Structure:

President – Head of State, Government, and Armed Forces.
Prime Minister – Heads the Cabinet of Ministers.
Parliament – Unicameral, with members elected for five-year terms.
Judiciary – Independent, with the Supreme Court as the highest legal authority.

Administrative Divisions:

9 Provinces & 25 Districts – Each with a governor and local councils.
Major Cities: Colombo, Kandy, Galle, Jaffna, and Anuradhapura.

Social Issues:

Education: Free and compulsory up to age 16; Sri Lanka has a high literacy rate (~92%).
Healthcare: Universal healthcare system, though challenges exist in rural areas.
Human Rights & Reconciliation: Post-civil war reconciliation efforts continue, focusing on rebuilding ethnic relations.

^{Sri Lanka Country Flag.}^{Photo by}^{Alex P}

Cultural Life

Sri Lanka’s cultural life is a blend of its ancient history, colonial influences, and modern developments.

Traditional Arts and Music:

Kandyan and Bharatanatyam dance are prominent traditional dance forms.
Folk music and drumming play a significant role in religious and cultural ceremonies.

Festivals:

Sinhala & Tamil New Year (April 13-14) – Marking the harvest season.
Vesak (May) – Celebrating Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing.
Deepavali (Diwali) – A major Hindu festival.
Ramadan and Eid – Observed by the Muslim community.
Christmas – Celebrated by Christians and as a secular holiday.

Cuisine:

Sri Lankan cuisine is known for its spices, coconut-based dishes, and rice staples.

Rice and curry – A staple meal with various vegetable and meat curries.
Hoppers, Kottu Roti, and Lamprais – Popular street foods.
Tea Culture – Sri Lanka is famous for Ceylon tea, a significant export.

Sports:

Cricket – The most popular sport, with Sri Lanka winning the ICC World Cup in 1996.
Volleyball – The national sport.
Rugby, Football, and Athletics also have a following.

_{Dambulla, Sri Lanka.}_{Photo by}_{Kseniya Buraya}

History

Sri Lanka has a recorded history spanning over 2,500 years, influenced by successive kingdoms, colonial rule, and modern political shifts.

Key Historical Periods:

Ancient Kingdoms (543 BCE – 1505 CE) – Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa were major capitals.
Colonial Rule (1505 – 1948):
Portuguese (1505–1658) – Controlled coastal regions.
Dutch (1658–1796) – Expanded European influence.
British (1796–1948) – Introduced plantations, modern infrastructure, and English governance.
Independence (1948): Sri Lanka became a sovereign nation under D.S. Senanayake.
Civil War (1983–2009): The conflict between the government and LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) ended in 2009.
Post-war Development: Challenges in rebuilding and ethnic reconciliation continue.

Sri Lanka remains a nation of deep cultural richness, economic potential, and geopolitical significance, navigating its place in an evolving global landscape.

Sri Lanka