Sri Lanka is an island-nation situated in the Indian Ocean, off the south-eastern coast shores of India. Spread over an area of approximately 65,525 sq km, the country forms a strategic naval link between West Asia and South East Asia. Sri Lanka is a multi-religious and multi-ethnic nation, where almost 70 percent of the population follows Buddhism. After gaining independence in 1948, the nation has progressed to quite an extent. Today, it boasts of being a modern industrial economy that has one of the highest per capita incomes in South Asia. Apart from that, it is also a famous tourist destination, mainly owing to its natural splendor, in the form of tropical forests, picturesque beaches and mesmerizing scenery. To know more about the island-nation, explore the following lines.
Fun & Interesting Facts about Sri Lanka
- The official name of Sri Lanka is ‘The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka’.
- Sri Lanka is often known as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’.
- The official languages of Sri Lanka are Sinhala and Tamil. However, English is widely spoken in the country.
- Sri Lanka gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1948 and became a republic in 1972.
- Sri Lanka has a Democratic Government, with an Executive President and a Parliament elected by the people.
- The currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee, with one rupee being divided into one hundred cents.
- Majority of the population in Sri Lanka follows Buddhism, followed by Hinduism, Christianity and Islam.
- The ‘Na Tree’, botanically known as ‘Mesua Nagassarium’ is the National Tree of Sri Lanka.
- The National Flower of Sri Lanka is ‘Nil Mahanel’, botanically known as ‘Nympheae Stellata’.
- UNDP and UNICEF rate Sri Lanka as one of the best among developing countries, on the Human Development Index.
- There are eleven universities in Sri Lanka.
- Sri Lanka was known as Ceylon before 1972.
- The highest point in Sri Lanka is Pidurutalagala (2,524 m).
- Buddhism arrived in Sri Lanka in 3rd century BC.
- Sri Lanka finds a mention in the great Indian epic Ramayana, which was, written around 500 BC.
- Initially, Sri Lanka comprised of Veddha people. Sinhalese and Tamils migrated to the country, from India, between 500 and 300 BC.
- Tea was introduced to the Sri Lanka in 1867, while rubber was brought here in 1876.
- Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) became the first female Prime Minister of the world in 1960.
- Sri Lanka has an elephant orphanage and every year, it serves as the venue of an elephant pageant.
- The spice cinnamon originated in Sri Lanka and was discovered by the Egyptians.
- Sri Lanka is amongst the leading exporters of tea in the world.
- The national flag of Sri Lanka, the Lion Flag, is considered to be one of the oldest flags in the world.
