Sri Lanka Country Facts
Land of emerald landscapes, ancient ruins, tea plantations, golden beaches, and rich Buddhist heritage.
Quick Country Facts
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Country Name | Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka |
| Capital | Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (Administrative), Colombo (Commercial) |
| Continent | Asia (South Asia) |
| Population | ~22 million (Rank: ~58th globally) |
| Official Language | Sinhala, Tamil |
| Currency | Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) |
| Time Zone | GMT +5:30 |
| Calling Code | +94 |
Short Fact: Sri Lanka – The Island of Tea, Temples, and Timeless Beauty
Sri Lanka is renowned for its lush tea estates, tropical beaches, UNESCO heritage sites, and a blend of Buddhist and colonial influences.
Long Fact: Sri Lanka – A Pearl of the Indian Ocean with Centuries of Legacy
Sri Lanka, often called the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean“, is a tropical island nation located just off the southern coast of India. Known for its natural beauty, ancient cities, and cultural diversity, Sri Lanka offers a mix of history, spirituality, and vibrant ecology.
The country has two capitals: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (administrative) and Colombo (commercial hub). Colombo is a bustling port city blending colonial architecture with modern skylines.
Sri Lanka’s history dates back over 2,500 years, home to ancient kingdoms such as Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, as well as the rock fortress of Sigiriya — a marvel of ancient urban planning and art. The country has 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Buddhism plays a central role in Sri Lankan identity, introduced in the 3rd century BCE. The sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy is one of Buddhism’s most important pilgrimage sites.
Its economy thrives on tea exports, textiles, tourism, and agriculture. The island is the world’s fourth-largest tea producer, and its Ceylon tea is world-famous.
Sri Lanka’s landscapes vary from rainforests and misty highlands to sun-kissed beaches and wildlife-filled national parks like Yala and Udawalawe, home to elephants and leopards.
The Sinhala and Tamil communities form the majority ethnic groups, and the country has overcome decades of civil conflict to become a peaceful, developing nation.
Popular dishes include rice and curry, hoppers, kottu roti, and string hoppers, enjoyed with spicy sambols and coconut chutneys.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Sri Lanka
Q1. What is Sri Lanka famous for?
Ans: Tea, Buddhist temples, beaches, wildlife, and ancient ruins.
Q2. What is the capital of Sri Lanka?
Ans: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (administrative) and Colombo (commercial).
Q3. What religions are practiced in Sri Lanka?
Ans: Buddhism is predominant, followed by Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity.
Q4. Is Sri Lanka safe for tourists?
Ans: Yes, it is generally safe, with warm hospitality and great travel infrastructure.
Q5. What language is spoken in Sri Lanka?
Ans: Sinhala and Tamil are official; English is widely used in business and tourism.
Q6. What is Ceylon tea?
Ans: It’s the traditional name for Sri Lankan tea, known globally for quality and flavor.
Q7. Can you visit wildlife in Sri Lanka?
Ans: Yes, through national parks like Yala, Wilpattu, and Udawalawe.
Q8. What is Sigiriya?
Ans: A 5th-century rock fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient frescoes.
Q9. What is the currency of Sri Lanka?
Ans: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR).
Q10. Does Sri Lanka have beaches?
Ans: Yes, including Bentota, Unawatuna, Mirissa, and Arugam Bay.