Core Facts / Infobox

Present this as a clean two-column table containing accurate and verified national facts. Include only fields with real data.

Geography & Environment

• Sri Lanka is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, located south of India.
• It features tropical beaches, central highlands, rainforests, and coastal plains.
• Important mountains: Pidurutalagala, Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada), Knuckles Range.
• Major rivers: Mahaweli, Kelani, Kalu, Gin, Walawe.
• Climate: tropical, with monsoon seasons affecting different regions annually.
• Best time to visit: December–April (south & west), May–September (north & east).
• National parks: Yala, Udawalawe, Wilpattu, Horton Plains, Minneriya.
• Wildlife includes elephants, leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles, marine turtles, and migratory birds.
• Environmental challenges: deforestation, soil erosion, coastal erosion, human-wildlife conflicts.
• Unique features: Sigiriya Rock Fortress, tea estates, pristine beaches, sacred temples.

Demographics

• Total population: ~22 million.
• Median age: ~34 years.
• Urban vs rural: ~19% urban, ~81% rural.
• Ethnic groups: Sinhalese (majority), Sri Lankan Tamils, Indian Tamils, Moors, Burghers.
• Religions: Buddhism (majority), Hinduism, Islam, Christianity.
• Literacy rate: ~92%.
• Major cities: Colombo, Kandy, Galle, Jaffna, Negombo, Anuradhapura.

History

• Sri Lanka’s history spans over 3,000 years with ancient kingdoms like Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa.
• Influenced by Buddhism since the 3rd century BCE.
• Colonial rule: Portuguese, Dutch, and British.
• Independence achieved on 4 February 1948.
• A civil war between government forces and the LTTE occurred from 1983 to 2009.
• Modern Sri Lanka focuses on development, tourism, and economic stabilization.

Government & Politics

• Government type: Unitary semi-presidential republic.
• Executive: President (head of state and government) and Prime Minister.
• Legislature: unicameral Parliament.
• Judiciary: Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Courts.
• Administrative divisions: 9 provinces and 25 districts.
• Key political issues: economic reform, governance, national unity.

Economy

• Major industries: textiles and garments, tea production, tourism, agriculture, IT services.
• Main exports: tea, garments, spices, rubber, machinery, precious stones.
• Main imports: oil, machinery, vehicles, food, chemicals.
• Strengths: tourism potential, strategic trade location, skilled labor.
• Weaknesses: national debt, inflation, economic recovery challenges.
• GDP sectors: Services (~58%), Industry (~27%), Agriculture (~7%).
• Tea (Ceylon tea) remains a globally recognized export.

Culture & Society

• Sri Lankan culture blends Buddhist, Hindu, colonial, and South Asian influences.
• Values emphasize family, respect, religion, and hospitality.
• Major festivals: Vesak, Sinhala & Tamil New Year, Deepavali, Eid, Christmas.
• Traditional dress: sari for women, sarong and shirt for men.
• Arts: Kandyan dance, drumming, temple art, wood carving, batik.
• Main languages: Sinhala, Tamil, English.

Food & Cuisine

• National dish: Rice and Curry.
• Iconic dishes: Hoppers (appa), Kottu Roti, String Hoppers, Fish Ambul Thiyal, Pol Sambol.
• Street foods: egg hoppers, kottu, wadei, isso vadai.
• Beverages: Ceylon tea, king coconut water, herbal drinks.
• Cuisine known for spices, coconut, seafood, and bold flavors.

Education & Institutions

• Sri Lanka has a strong free education system with high literacy.
• Medium of instruction: Sinhala, Tamil, and English.
• Literacy rate: ~92%.
• Top universities: University of Colombo, University of Peradeniya, University of Moratuwa.
• Strong fields: engineering, medicine, science, IT, arts.

Tourism

• Top attractions: Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella, Galle Fort, Nuwara Eliya, Mirissa, Trincomalee.
• UNESCO sites: Sigiriya, Sacred City of Kandy, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Galle Fort, Sinharaja Forest.
• Natural attractions: beaches, waterfalls, tea plantations, wildlife safaris.
• Adventure tourism: hiking, surfing, whale watching, safari tours.
• Visa: electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) available.
• Transportation: trains, buses, tuk-tuks, taxis.

Practical Information

• Safety: generally safe; standard precautions necessary.
• Healthcare: good in major cities; developing in rural areas.
• Emergency numbers: Police 119, Ambulance 110.
• Plug type: D, M, G; Voltage: 230V.
• Internet: widely available with good mobile connectivity.
• Best time to visit: December–April for most regions.
• Budget: affordable for mid-range travelers; luxury options available.

Sports, Entertainment & Notable People

• National sport: Volleyball.
• Most popular sport: cricket.
• Famous athletes: Kumar Sangakkara, Muttiah Muralitharan, Sanath Jayasuriya.
• Cultural icons: Geoffrey Bawa (architect), Martin Wickramasinghe (writer), W.D. Amaradeva (musician).
• Sri Lanka is known for classical dance, cinema, and vibrant festivals.

Neighboring Countries of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is an island nation with no land borders and shares maritime boundaries with India to the northwest, separated by the Palk Strait, and the Maldives to the southwest.

Famous For

• Ceylon tea.
• Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
• Beaches and tropical scenery.
• Wildlife safaris.
• Kottu Roti and spicy cuisine.
• Buddhist temples.
• Gemstones (blue sapphires).
• Ayurveda and wellness retreats.

Sources

• World Bank
• United Nations (UN Data)
• IMF
• CIA World Factbook
• Department of Census & Statistics Sri Lanka
• Official Government Portals