Sri Lanka Map

Sri Lanka is an island nation in South Asia, officially known as the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. Maldives, India, and Sri Lanka are all neighbors on the sea. The island's maximum length, width, and land areas are 435 km and 240 km, respectively. The finest tea, rubber, coconut, and exotic spices are all produced in Sri Lanka.

Colombo is the country's largest city and financial hub, while Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is its legislative capital. With a population of about 22 million, Sri Lanka is multinational. It is home to many different cultures, languages, and ethnic groups. Smaller ethnic groups exist that include the Burghers and Malays from Southeast Asia.

History:

The history of Sri Lanka begins with the first human habitation evidence that dates back to the paleolithic period around 125,000 years ago. According to Archaeological evidence, prehistoric humans including Balangoda Man roamed the island. These prehistoric people were probably hunter-gatherers who later invented rudimentary agricultural techniques.

The recorded history of Sri Lanka begins with the arrival of the Indo-Aryan settlers, traditionally led by Prince Vijaya from North India around 543 BCE. According to the Mahavamsa, an ancient Sri Lankan chronicle, Vijaya and his followers established the first Sinhalese kingdom in the area of present-day Anuradhapura. This marks the beginning of the Sinhalese civilization. The Anuradhapura Kingdom, named after its capital, was the first major Sinhalese kingdom and played a central role in the cultural and political development of Sri Lanka. This period saw the introduction of Buddhism to the island in the 3rd century BCE by Mahinda, the son of Indian Emperor Ashoka. The adoption of Buddhism profoundly influenced Sri Lankan society, culture, and architecture, with the construction of stupas, monasteries, and irrigation systems. The land became a thriving center of trade and religion, with extensive connections to South India, Southeast Asia, and the Roman Empire.

After the decline of Anuradhapura due to repeated invasions from South Indian Tamil kingdoms, particularly the Cholas, the capital shifted to Polonnaruwa. The Polonnaruwa period is often considered a golden age in Sri Lankan history, characterized by political stability, economic prosperity, and cultural achievements. Kings like Vijayabahu I and Parakramabahu I restored and expanded the island’s irrigation systems, ensuring agricultural surplus and trade growth. The architectural marvels of this era, including the Gal Vihara statues and the Parakrama Samudra reservoir, reflect the kingdom's advanced engineering and artistic skills.

Following the decline of Polonnaruwa, the center of power shifted to various regions, eventually consolidating in the Kingdom of Kandy in the central highlands. The Kingdom of Kandy is significant for its resistance against European colonial powers. From the Anuradhapura to the Kandy periods, it was ruled by 181 kings.

The 16th century marked the emergence of the European colonial period with the arrival of the Portuguese. The Portuguese established control over the coastal areas, introducing Roman Catholicism and altering the island's trade routes. The Dutch replaced the Portuguese in 1658, taking over their forts and trade networks. The Dutch period saw significant changes in land tenure and taxation, and they also introduced Roman-Dutch law, which still influences Sri Lankan law today.

The British took control of the island in 1796, initially administering the coastal areas before conquering the Kingdom of Kandy in 1815, thereby unifying the island under British rule for the first time. The British period brought significant changes, including the introduction of plantation agriculture, particularly tea, coffee, and rubber. The plantation economy led to the importation of Tamil laborers from South India, creating ethnic tensions that would later play a crucial role in the island’s history. The British also introduced Western education, legal, and administrative systems.

The Sri Lankan independence movement sought to free Sri Lanka from British Empire rule and grant it independence. Around the turn of the century, it began, and the educated middle class predominated as its leaders. When Ceylon was granted independence on February 4, 1948, as the Dominion of Ceylon, which later changed to Sri Lanka, it was a success.

Culture:

Sinhalese and Tamil are the two primary traditional cultures in Sri Lanka.Sri Lankan art and architecture are heavily influenced by Buddhism and Hinduism. Ancient stupas, such as the Ruwanwelisaya and Jetavanaramaya in Anuradhapura, and rock temples like Dambulla, showcase the island’s architectural grandeur. The genius of Sri Lanka's ancient architects and hydraulic engineers is well known. Traditional Sinhalese music is closely associated with religious rituals and festivals, often featuring drums like the gata bera, thammattama, and davula. The raban, a type of drum, is central to many social and religious occasions, especially during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. Classical Kandyan dance, originating from the hill country of Kandy, is perhaps the most iconic form of Sri Lankan dance. It is performed during the annual Esala Perahera festival and other ceremonial occasions, characterized by elaborate costumes, rhythmic drumming, and acrobatic movements. Other dance forms include the low-country (Pahatharata) dance, with its exorcism rituals, and the Sabaragamuwa dance, both deeply rooted in Sri Lanka's rural traditions. Rice and curry, wattalapam, and appam are some of the dishes. Food is traditionally presented on a plantain or lotus leaf. Sri Lankans observe both the Buddhist and Hindu new year festivals in April.

Language:

Sri Lanka is a linguistically rich and diverse nation where language plays a crucial role in shaping cultural identity and social interactions. Most people in the country are of Sinhalese descent.It is approximately 75% of Sri Lanka's population. It is an Indo-Aryan language, which evolved from the ancient Prakrit languages that were spoken in the Indian subcontinent. The island's history has also been significantly influenced by the Tamils, a sizable minority group which primarily inhabit the Northern and Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka.Tamil is a Dravidian language with a long and illustrious history, extending back over 2,000 years. Tamil is one of the classical languages of India and has a vast corpus of ancient literature, including poetry, philosophical texts, and religious scriptures. The Burghers, the Malays, the Chinese, the indigenous Vedda, and the Moors are a few other long-established ethnic groups. English, while not an official language, holds a significant place in Sri Lanka's linguistic landscape. It was introduced during the British colonial period (1815-1948) and has since become an important medium for communication, education, and business. This language is often used as a second language by many Sri Lankans and serves as a bridge language between speakers of Sinhala and Tamil.

Geography:

The South Asian island of Sri Lanka, which is shaped like a teardrop, pear, or mango, covers an area of approximately 65,610 square kilometers (25,332 square miles) and is situated on the Indian Plate. Between latitudes 5° and 10° N and longitudes 79° and 82° E, it is located in the Indian Ocean to the southwest of the Bay of Bengal. The Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar divide Sri Lanka from the Indian subcontinent's main landmass. Navigation is still hampered by areas that are up to one meter shallow. It is only in the south-central region of the island that mountains rise. This highland region is characterized by a series of mountain ranges, the most significant of which are the Knuckles Range, the Babar Peak Range, and the Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada). The highest point in Sri Lanka is Pidurutalagala (often referred to as Mount Pedro) which rises to 2,524 meters above sea level. The Central Highlands are a hotspot for biodiversity, with dense rainforests and a variety of endemic flora and fauna. The highland areas also receive substantial rainfall, contributing to a number of rivers and waterfalls. These highlands are vital for hydroelectric power generation, as they are the source of several major rivers, including the Mahaweli, Kelani, and Walawe Rivers.

The rest of the island is mostly made up of flat to rolling coastal plains. These plains are characterized by sandy beaches, lagoons, and marshes. The western and southern coasts are particularly notable for their extensive coral reefs and picturesque beaches, which are significant for tourism. The northern and eastern coasts are marked by arid landscapes and seasonal rainfall patterns that contribute to different agricultural practices. The coastline is interrupted by several natural harbors and bays, such as Colombo Harbor in the west and Trincomalee Harbor in the northeast, which have historically been important for trade and naval activities. The coastal plains also feature mangrove forests and salt marshes, which play crucial roles in coastal protection and biodiversity.

Sri Lanka’s river system is relatively short, but it plays a crucial role in the island's agriculture and hydrology. The rivers originate from the central highlands and flow towards the coast. The Mahaweli River is the longest river in Sri Lanka, with a length of about 335 kilometers. Other significant rivers include the Kelani River, which flows through the western part of the island, and the Walawe River, which is essential for agriculture in the southern region.

FAQs

Q1 What is the official language of Sri Lanka?

Sinhalese and Tamil is the official language of Sri Lanka.

Q2 What is the capital of Sri Lanka?

Colombo is the capital of Sri Lanka.

Q3 What is the currency of Sri Lanka?

Sri Lankan Rupee Is the currency of Sri Lanka.

Q4 What is the climate like in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is one of the hottest countries in the world, with an average temperature of around 27–28°C.