Sri Lanka

A Paradise, Exotic and full of Natural, Cultural and Ancient Heritage

Sri Lanka is an island country settled in the Indian Ocean characterized by dramatic landscapes, pure beaches, old temples and rich culture and biological diversities. Sri Lanka is a place that employs its distinctive mix of history, nature, and modernity to provide the traveling experience that can never be matched anywhere. Sri Lanka has everything an adventurer, a history junkie, or a vacation seeker might need: lushness of the hill country to the golden beaches.

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Geographical Location

The geographical position of Sri Lanka is in the Southern Asia that is off the eastern coast of India. This is an island state located strategically in the Indian ocean and hence one of the states that influence trade and cultural exchanges between the western and eastern world. Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar are the two features that separate the island from India.

Sri Lanka is a country that has a size of 65,610 square kilometers; this is a little smaller than the United States state of West Virginia. It can be a paradise to those people who love to spend time at the beach or those people who love trekking into mountains as there are also various ecosystems there.

Natural and Terrestrial Works

The country of Sri Lanka is topographically diversified as it is composed of coastal plain and tropical rainforests and mountain slopes. The central highlands contain green hills, tea plantations and the highest mountain in the island, Piduruthalagala; at an altitude of 2,524 meters. Its rainforest such as those at Sinharaja Forest Reserve that is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site is also known.

It is a tropically climatic country, with monsoons in the country which hit its various parts at different times of the year. Rains take place in the west coast in May to September with the east coast having rain in October to January. The most favorable period to visit Sri Lanka is usually the dry seasons, which are in December to March.

Early Civilizations and Kingdoms Ancient

Sri Lanka is a country with thousands of years of history, with signs of settlements dated back in ancient times. One of the most long-standing civilizations in the world that acted as a hub of Buddhist learning and culture itself was the Anuradhapura Kingdom (377 BCE to 1017 CE). Anuradhapura is a large historical and religious city, which still has ancient temples, monasteries, and stupas (Holly Dome-like structures) covering the area.

Polonnaruwa Kingdom (10171232 CE) was another important kingdom in that other than succeeding Anuradhapura still flourished as a punitive and religious center. Several of the ruins of this period may still be seen today; such as the Gal Vihara (rock temple) and Parakrama Samudra (a vast reservoir).

Colonial Era

The Portuguese took over Sri Lanka in the early 1500s then the Dutch in the 17th century and finally the British in 1796. Tea plantations created by British people resulted in the introduction of economic boom, though emotional instability and detection of labor which mainly relied on India. By becoming a big economic player in British rule, the Ceylon Tea industry fell under its control.

On 4 February 1948, Sri Lanka won independence against British colonial rule and was made a republic in 1972 when the country name had changed to Sri Lanka. This became the starting point of the country as an independent nation, still, there were some challenges yet to be witnessed especially in the ethnic tensions and political challenges.

The Civil War and The Modern Times

Between 1983 and 2009, Sri Lanka was in the grips of a relentless civil war between the government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) , a militant group that wanted to divide Sri Lanka. The war which was built on ethnic and political tensions had led to the loss of lives and the economic destruction. The fighting was formally terminated in 2009 when LTTE was defeated; however the results of the war struggle are still palpable in the society of Sri Lanka.

After the war, Sri Lanka has gone a long way to recover economically, develop tourism activities and stabilization of the political situation. Nevertheless, it continues to struggle over ethnic reconciliation, economic disparity and ecological sustainability.

Religion and Ethnic Groups Ethnic Groups

Four principal ethnic groups live in Sri Lanka and they are Sinhalese, Tamils and Moors. The largest population belong to Sinhala whereas the Tamil minority who are mostly located in the northern and the eastern regions of the country. The Moors are largely Muslims and there are very minor tribes of Burgher (part European heritage) and Veddas (native population).

Buddhism is the major religion in Sri Lanka and most of the Sinhalese are Buddhist. The dominant religion of Hindus is practiced by the Tamils but other religions like Islam and Christianity also exist amongst them. The nation is renowned to be religiously tolerant and there are different religious festivals which are held by the different religions.

Cultural traditions and practices Cultural traditions and practices Cultural traditions and practices In the 17th century, cultural practices and traditions played as important a role as they do today. Cultural practices and traditions The cultural traditions and practices of the 17th century are as important as today.

The culture of Sri Lanka is dominated by Buddhist culture especially in artworks, architecture, and festivals. Traditional dance (including Kandyan dance), drumming and types of art, illustrate Buddhist inscriptions and Buddhist stories. One of the most spectacular festivals in the country, especially in the region of Kandy, is the Perahera Festival held in honor of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha and is a grand procession accompanied with floats, masks and other brilliant displays.

The count of people in Sri Lanka is also rich in their food tradition thus the traditional dish being rice and curry. Spice usage in the cuisine is extensive and the food includes hoppers, kottu roti, and sri lankan sambol, amongst others.

Big partying and holidays

Buddhist Festivals

The largest Buddhist holiday that is celebrated is Vesak which recalls the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. It is celebrated in the temples, religious processions and with torch lighting. The introduction of Buddhism in Sri Lanka is another important Buddhist festival, its heyday being known as Poson.

Hindu Festivals

Some Hindu festivals such as Thai Pongal (the harvest festival) and Deepavali (the festival of lights) are popular especially in the Tamil population.

National Holidays

The Independence Day that is maintained on the 4th of February marks the time when Sri Lanka gained independence after being under British colonial rule. The Sinhala and Tamil New Year held in April is a period of family time when there is a reunion and celebration of games in the traditional games and special meals.

The Economy: Tea, Tourism and Agriculture

The major component of the Sri Lanka economy has always been agriculture and especially the production of tea. The country is one of the other largest exporters of tea in the world and the Ceylon Tea is a global brand known world wide. Sri Lanka also produces rubber, coconut and spices in addition to tea and this forms part of its agricultural sector.

Tourism

The industry of tourism is very fast developing in Sri Lanka, where the tourists can be lured to visit the beaches of the country, its historic temples, wildlife, and natural beauty. Famous sites of tourist attraction are the ancient city of Anuradhapura, rock fortress of Sigiriya, the Yala national park and Galle fort. The beaches of the South coast of the country and also the cultural triangle located in the central part of the country draw a large pool of tourists.

Industrial Development

Although agriculture and tourism are core business in the economy, Sri Lanka is also setting its eyes on industrialization such as the manufacturing of garments, textiles, and even electronics. The government is trying to diversify the economy in between infrastructural development, foreign investment and enhancing the technology sector.

Must second Attractions

Sigiriya

One of the best known landmarks in Sri Lanka is named Sigiriya or Lion Rock. It is an ancient rock fortress, which is the subject of UNESCO World Heritage site, and provides stunning views with its peak, and amazing frescoes and ruins.

Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is a former capital of Sri Lanka, the city exhibits some of the most important Buddhist activities and it is a home of the Buddhist sacred tree also known as the Sri Maha Bodhi tree, which was a sapling of the tree where Buddha gained enlightenment.

Kandy and the Tooth Relic Temple

Kandy boasts of a beautiful lake, Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (which is one of most significant Buddhist temples in the country), and the beautiful environment. Kandyan culture and traditional Kandyan dancing owes its base in Kandy too.

Ella and Nuwara Eliya

There are cool climates of the hill stations of Ella and Nuwara Eliya, with its tea plantations, waterfalls and picturesque hiking trails. Ella is a place in Sri Lanka that is the Nine Arches Bridge, a beautiful location.

Yala National Park

Yala National Park is the finest destination to observe wildlife in Sri Lanka such as leopards, elephants and any type of bird. The diversity of the locality is experienced in the form of grasslands, lakes, and scrublands that vary and support different types of habitats within the park.

Healthcare System

Sri Lanka is well endowed with a health care system, which has private and government hospitals. All the citizens are eligible for free healthcare, provided by the government despite the country of residence which in some areas may be worse than in others. Medical tourism is also increasing in Sri Lanka, where people seek cosmetic surgery, fertility-treatments and alternative medicine.

Education System

In Sri Lanka, education is free and compulsory up to the age of 14 among the children. The literacy level and the provision of education in the country is good. Sri Lanka is also home to a number of distinguished universities with the University of Peradeniya and the University of Colombo topping the list of the universities that have international students.

Transportation and infrastructure

The development of the transportation network is quite well in Sri Lanka; the roads, railways and airports have their own importance. Bandaranaike international airport links the country (Sri Lanka) to international destinations and is located in the capital, Colombo. There is also an emerging network of express highways that links up big cities in the country.

Urban Development

Colombo and Kandy are also major cities in Sri Lanka which are under major urban development. One area that has witnessed a great deal of advances to infrastructure is in Colombo itself, in terms of modern office buildings, shopping malls, and residential complexes.

Recommended Timing of Travellers

Ideal Seasons

I would recommend one to visit Sri Lanka between the periods of December and March because the weather is dry and pleasant during this period. The southwest monsoon comes in May-September, whereas the northeast monsoon is observed in October-January.

Special events and festivals

The New Year in Sri Lanka in the month of April is a colourful event full of cultural shows and activities such as different types of games and feasts. The Vesak Festival (Buddha birthday) is also a festival to be enjoyed amongst the visitors in the area with lanterns and religious ceremonies.

Conclusion: Future of Sri Lanka

One can easily describe Sri Lanka as a land of great culture, beauty, nature and historical value. Its ability to recover out of civil war, economic difficulties, and natural calamities portrays the strength of its people. As long as the country takes steps to increase its economy, engage in sustainable tourism and enhance its infrastructure Sri Lanka has everything to look forward to a bright and prosperous future.

Frequently asked questions

When is the right time to travel to Sri Lanka?

It would be best in between the months of December and March where the weather is ideal to have a good view of the beaches and cultural sites.

Which are the best attractions in Sri Lanka?

The major attractions are the sites of Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Kandy, Ella and the Yala National Park.

Which are the languages spoken in Sri Lanka?

English is commonly spoken, in particular at tourist locations, the official languages being Sinhala and Tamil.

What is the currency of Sri Lanka?

Sri Lankan rupee (LKR) is the official currency.

What is the security of a tourist in Sri Lanka?

Is Sri Lanka safe to visit? Yes, most of the time, but tourists ought to be careful in some regions and obedient to the local traditions.

Which is the major religion in Sri Lanka?

Most Sri Lankans are Buddhist although there is a large Hindu minority, and moderate numbers of Muslims and Christians