About Srilanka & Information - Jet Win Travels & Tours Pvt Ltd

Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is an island nation in the Indian Ocean off the southeast coast of India. With a population of around 22 million and a capital at Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, this democratic republic is famous for its tea, biodiversity, and rich cultural history.

Geography and Climate

Location: Situated south of India, surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal, and the Palk Strait.
Terrain: Features coastal plains with central highlands and mountains, including the highest point, Pidurutalagala (2,524 meters).
Climate: Tropical with year-round warmth, experiencing heavy rainfall in the southwest and drier conditions elsewhere. .

Culture and Population

People: The population is primarily Sinhalese, with a large Tamil minority and other ethnic groups including Moors, Burghers, and Malays.
Languages: Sinhala and Tamil are official, with English commonly used.
Religion: Deeply influenced by Buddhism, alongside Hinduism and other religions.
Customs: Known for the “head waggle” (indicating affirmation) and a passion for cricket, despite volleyball being the national sport.

Srilanka

Economy and Industry

Key Sectors: The economy relies on tourism, tea export (“Ceylon Tea”), textile/garment manufacturing, and agriculture.
Foreign Remittances: A significant portion of the income comes from citizens working abroad, particularly in the Middle East.

History

Independence: Gained independence from British rule in 1948, having previously been controlled by Portuguese and Dutch in coastal areas.
Name Changes: Known historically as Ceylon, Serendib, and Sinhale.

Key Cities

Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte: Administrative capital.
Colombo: Commercial capital, largest city, and financial hub.

Tourism and Nature

Known as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean” for its beaches and high biodiversity.
Features significant historical sites and natural landscapes.