"Ceylon" redirects here.

For the time period of 19481972, see

(disambiguation)

Dominion of Ceylon

. For other use s, see

Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

Ceylon

(Tamil )

Colombo

Official languages

Sinhalese

Recognized

English

Tamil

Unitary semi-presidential

Government

President Maithripala Sirisena

Chief Justice K. Sripavan

Legislature

Independence
Dominion

near south-east

to the southwest.

from the United Kingdom

4 February 1948

Total 65,610 km

2(

2012 census 20,277,597

[1]

Density 323/km

2(

836.6/sq mi

GDP ( PPP ) 2015 estimate

Per capita $11,069

[2]

[2]

Gini (2010) 36.4

for Kubera , the Lord of Wealth.

Name s of Sri Lanka

Mahavamsa ,

In antiquity, Sri Lanka was known to travellers by a variety of names. According to the
the legendary Prince Vijaya named the land

Tambapanni (" copper-red hands" or "copper-red earth"),

because his followers' hands were reddened by the

such as the

referred to as

Mahabharata , the island was referred to as

Eelam .[17]

Ancient Greek geographers called it

( ap a )

red soil of the area.

[18] from

the word

[15][16]

In Hindu mythology ,

Lanka ("Island"). In Tamil , the island is

Taprobana ( Ancient Greek : ap a ) or

Taprobane

Tambapanni . The Persians and Arabs referred to it as

Sarandib (the

origin of the word " serendipity ") from the word Cerentivu .[19] Ceilo , the name given to Sri Lanka by
the Portuguese Empire

when it arrived in 1505,

British crown colony , the island was known as

Ceylon in 1948.

The country is known in Sinhalese as

(Tamil :

, IPA:

[20] was

transliterated into English as

Ceylon ; it achieved independence as the

Sri La ka ( Sinhalese :

Ceylon .[21] As a

Dominion of

) and in Tamil as

Ila kai

[i'la gai] ). In 1972, its formal name was changed to "Free, Sovereign and

Independent Republic of Sri Lanka". Later in 1978 it was changed to the "Democratic Socialist
Republic of Sri Lanka".

[22] As

the name Ceylon still appears in the names of a number of

organisations, the Sri Lankan government announced in 2011 a plan to rename all those over which
it has authority.

[23]

History of Sri Lanka

Main article:

Prehistory of Sri Lanka

is said that Kubera was overthrown by his demon stepbrother

flying machine named Dandu Monara .[30] The

[31]

Early inhabitants of Sri Lanka were probably ancestors of the

( 99th )

seaport of Tarshish from which

valuables.

theorized that

Galle , a city in southern Sri Lanka, was the ancient

King Solomon is said to have drawn

ivory, peacocks , and other

Main article:

According to the

Mahavamsa , a chronicle written in

BCEwith the arrival of

Pa i , the original inhabitants of Sri Lanka are the

[33] Sinhalese

history traditionally starts in 543

Kingdom of Tambapanni

Vanga Kingdom (present-day

, near modern-day

Bengal

).[34] He

Mannar . Vijaya (Singha) is the first of the approximately

189 native monarchs of Sri Lanka described in chronicles such as the

1815 CE, when the land became part of the

established the

Dipavamsa , Mahava sa

). Sri Lankan dynastic history ended in

British Empire .[35]

[25]

Pahiyangala (named after the

Batadombalena (28,500 BP)

are the most important. In these caves, archaeologists have found the remains of
modern humans which they have named

( LKR)

years. [36] Ancient Sri Lankans excelled at building certain types of structures (
[37] Society underwent

Devanampiya Tissa of Anuradhapura

[26] and

agriculture and kept domestic dogs for driving game.

One of the first written references to the island is found in the Indian
provides details of a kingdom named

[39] His

Sinhalese population

Buddhist literature, were part of the University of Nalanda.

. The legislative

(SAARC), and a member of the

Colombo .
South

United Nations , the

, the G77 , and the Non-Aligned Movement . Along with the Maldives, Sri

Human Development Index

.[4]

[38]

.[40]

Buddhist schools

and

Southeast Asia . Sri

Nalanda , which was

[41] In

Tipitaka , including Sinhalese

245 BC, bhikkhuni Sangamitta

Gautama Buddha became enlightened.

Invasions

Sri Lanka first experienced a foreign invasion during the reign of

two horse traders named

immediately in 205 BC by a

[42] It

is considered the oldest human-

Bodhivamsa )[43]

Suratissa , who was defeated by

Sena and Guttika from South India .[40] The next invasion came
Chola king named

Elara , who overthrew Asela and ruled the country for

44 years. Dutugemunu , the eldest son of the southern regional sub-king,

Ptolemy's world map

The Fourth Buddhist council of

of Ceylon, first

century CE, in a 1535 publication.

Theravada Buddhism

in Sri Lanka under the patronage of

was held at the

Valagamba of Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura Maha Viharaya

in 25 BCE. The council was held in

response to a year in which the harvests in Sri Lanka were particularly poor and many
monks subsequently died of starvation. Because the
maintained in several recensions by

dhammabha aka

Pali Canon was at that time

Buddhist

oral literature

s ( dharma reciters), the surviving monks

recognized the danger of not writing it down so that even if some of the monks whose duty it was
to study and remember parts of the Canon for later generations died, the teachings would not be
lost. [47]

After the Council, palm-leaf manuscripts

countries such as

containing the completed Canon were taken to other

Burma , Thailand , Cambodia and Laos .

Later periods

Kavan Tissa , defeated

[45] There

Chola , Pandya , Chera , and Pallava . These

also were incursions by the kingdoms of

Odisha ) and from the Malay Peninsula as well. Kala Wewa and the
Dhatusena .[46]

Avukana

The Sigiriya rock fortress.

Fourth Buddhist Council

anatomically

Avukana Buddha statue

reign of

The Anuradhapura Kingdom

century.

Dhatusena of Anuradhapura

Fourth Buddhist council

, 5th

was established in 380 BCE during the reign of

Anuradhapura . Thereafter, Anuradhapura served as the

Main article:

, a 12 metres (39 ft)

standing B uddha statue belongs to the

[28]

Vishwakarma

semi-presidential system

, is a suburb of the commercial capital and largest city,

constructions ) such

arrived with the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree, which is considered to be a sapling from the historical

Buddha statue were built during the reign of

Belilena (12,000 BP)

epic Ramayana , which

[13][14]

Pali Canon , dates back to

mission won over the monarch, who embraced

Succeeding kingdoms of Sri Lanka would maintain a large number of

Kalinga (modern

[27] suggesting that

Lanka that was created by the divine sculptor

in 29 BC.

Sri Lankan and

Vedda .[12] Sri Lanka has a rich

Mauryan Emperor Ashoka and a bhikkhu (Buddhist monk) arrived in

the faith and propagated it throughout the

Bodhi tree under which

Sinhalese , it is home to large groups of

Buddhist writings of Sri Lanka, the

a major transformation during the reign of

, with the arrival of Buddhism from India. In 250 BC,

invaders were all subsequently driven back.

Chinese traveller monk

Balangoda Man , and other evidence

[10]

During its two and a half millennia of existence, the Kingdom of Sri Lanka was invaded at least eight

Palaeolithic , Mesolithic and early Iron Ages . Among the Paleolithic

Faxian ), which dates back to 37,000 BP,

they may have engaged in

SLST ( UTC+5:30)

times by neighbouring South Asian dynasties such as the

human settlements discovered in Sri Lanka,

in 2009.

the Lovamahapaya .[44]

Anuradhapura period

The pre-history of Sri Lanka goes back 125,000 years and possibly even as far back as 500,000
years. [24] The era spans the

World War II.[9] Sri Lanka

Ceylon ( /s 'l n se - si -/ ). Sri

civil war which decisively ended when the Sri

Elara in the Battle of Vijithapura . He built Ruwanwelisaya , the second stupa in ancient Sri Lanka, and

Anuradhapura period
Main article:

Prehistory

until 1972 as

Etymology

planted tree (with a continuous historical record) in the world. (

Prince Vijaya , a semi-legendary prince who sailed with 700 followers to Sri

Lanka, after being expelled from

Commonwealth of Nations

in Sri Lanka's many monasteries and that the written form of the

civilization has also been discovered in Sri Lanka.

addition to the majority

development on the

Sri Lankan rupee

as tanks , dagobas and palaces.

[11] In

Asian Association for Regional Cooperation

destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji . It is probable that many of the scriptures from Nalanda are preserved

Yakshas and Nagas . Ancient cemeteries that were used before 600BC and other signs of advanced

Silk Road [8] through to

Sri Lanka has had a long history of international engagement, as a founding member of the

( 68th )

Lankan Bhikkhus studied in India's famous ancient Buddhist University of

Early kingdoms period

geographic location and deep harbours made it of great

Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam

capital , Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte

monasteries and support the propagation of Buddhism into other countries in

Pre-Anuradhapura period

Maldives

Lanka is one of the two countries in South Asia that are currently rated among high human

Mihintale carrying the message of Buddhism.

people numbering approximately 2,500 living in modern-day Sri Lanka. The 19th-century Irish
historian James Emerson Tennent

( 114th )

high 73rd

Mahinda , the son of the

Vedda people ,[32] an indigenous

[7]Its

Sri Lanka is a republic and a unitary state governed by a

( 60th )

[4]

Time zone

Cu ava sa , and Rajavaliya ( see list of Sinhalese monarchs

History
Main article:

[29] It

Sri La ka , Tamil :

, is an island country in South Asia

India to the northwest and the

Indian Tamils , Moors , Burghers , Malays , Kaffirs and the aboriginal

[3]

Currency

modern city of Wariyapola is described as Ravana's airport.

languages.

medium

HDI(2014) 0.757

Ravana , the powerful emperor who built a mythical

Lankan military defeated the

Buddhist heritage, and the first known

[2]

Per capita $3,818

Main article:

/ ri -/ ;[5][6] Sinhalese :

beginning of British colonial rule

the Fourth Buddhist council

Total $80.591 billion

Colombo (Commercial)

Lanka's recent history has been marred by a thirty-year

( 57th )

[2]

GDP (nominal) 2015 estimate

(Administrative)

was known from the

40th )

Total $233.637 billion

Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte

or

A diverse and multicultural country, Sri Lanka is home to many religions, ethnic groups, and

Population

Capital

k , -'l k /

India . Sri Lanka has maritime borders with

strategic importance from the time of the ancient

122nd )

25,332 sq mi

Water (%) 4.4

dating back to at least 125,000 years.

7 September 1978

Area

Sri Lanka's documented history spans 3,000 years, with evidence of pre-historic human settlements

22 May 1972

Current constitution

.lk

Ila kai ), officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

Parliament

Republic

LK

+94

Sri Lanka( /sri 'l

Speaker of the Parliament Karu Jayasuriya

Anthem: Sri Lanka Matha

Mother Sri Lanka

left

ISO 3166 code

Website
www.gov.lk

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe

Flag Emblem

Drives on the

Internet TLD

constitutional republic

AD)(English)

yyyy/mm/dd (Sinhalese)

Calling code

Sri Lankan

Demonym

dd/mm/yyyy (

Date format

656'N 7952'E

Largest city

(Sinhalese )

Pandukabhaya of

capital city of the country for nearly 1,400

Frescoes on the Sigiriya

in Matale District

rock fortress

, 5th century.

Sri Lanka was the first Asian country known to have a female ruler:

Anula of Anuradhapura

(r. 47

42 BCE).[48] Sri Lankan monarchs undertook some remarkable construction projects such as
Sigiriya, the so-called "Fortress in the Sky", built during the reign of

Kashyapa I of Anuradhapura

request, ordained monks were sent from

who ruled between 477 and 495. The Sigiriya rock fortress is surrounded by an extensive network of

Lanka was divided into three sub-territories, namely

ramparts and moats. Inside this protective enclosure were gardens, ponds, pavilions, palaces and
other structures.

Burma to Sri Lanka to re-establish Buddhism, which had

almost disappeared from the country during the Chola reign.

[61] During

the medieval period, Sri

by UNESCOas one of the seven World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka.

[51] It

[52] Among

going intermittent warfare with Europeans, the kingdom survived. Later, a crisis of succession

Kotte ,[74] Sitawaka , and finally, Kandy . Chinese admiral

speaking Nayakkar princess from South India and was childless by her.

capture him. Zheng He captured the local king and later released him.
[49][50] It

has been declared

Galle Trilingual Inscription to commemorate his visit.

other structures, large

Kandyan period

Kotuwa, a peculiar construction inside a

See also:

dam , is a technological marvel based on precise

mathematics that allows water to flow outside the dam, keeping pressure on the dam to a
[53]

was also the leading exporter of

close ties with European civilisations including the

BCE 7 CE) sent an envoy to Rome who brought back

elaborate netlike adornment for the
headed to Sri Lanka.

Mihintale in

cinnamon in the ancient world. It maintained

. In AD 993, the

city of Anuradhapura . Subsequently, they moved the capital to

Polonnaruwa .[58]

a large invasion in AD 1017. Mahinda V was captured and taken to India, and the Cholas

sacked the

[59][60] Upon

Kandyan Convention formally ceded the entire country to the British

Governor Robert Brownrigg .[92]

The beginning of the modern period of Sri Lanka is marked by the

Colebrooke-Cameron reforms

utilitarian and liberal political culture to the country based on the

Executive Council and a Legislative Council were established, later becoming the foundation of a
representative legislature. By this time, experiments with
[94]

of

rule of

coffee plantations were largely

Kalinga Magha , a South Indian

series of taxes on firearms, dogs, shops, boats, etc., and to reintroduce a form of
requiring six days free labour on roads or payment of a cash equivalent.
another rebellion broke out in 1848.

[95] A

[94] These

[69] His

possible. His reign saw the massive migration of native

Sinhalese people

Sri Lanka, and into the mountainous interior, in a bid to escape his power.

priorities in ruling were

Rajarata as

to the south and west of

years.

.[70][71] The Jaffna kingdom never came under the rule of

Prince Sapumal .[72] He ruled the North from AD 1450 to 1467.

During the reign of the

[82] In

coastal areas.

[84] The

following

Vimaladharmasurya brought the sacred

authority amongst the

monarchy of Sri Lanka.

[86] In

the newly created

with various government

of 1931 repudiated the communal representation and introduced

[103][104]

Buddhist monk in 1959.

In 1937,

[115]

was

by an extremist

withstood an

attempted coup d'tat

devastating leaf disease,

Soviet Union and

policy of standardisation

catalyst for the rise of militancy.

1975 by LTTE marked a crisis point.

See also:

The formal ceremony marking the

the first parliament at
Square .

including Ponnambalam and

Navyremained stationed at

The assassination of

[120][121]

Jaffna Mayor Alfred Duraiyappah in

By the end of the 19th century, a new educated

through British attempts to staff the
professions.

[97] New leaders

social class transcending race and

caste arose

Ceylon Civil Service and the legal, educational, and medical

represented the various ethnic groups of the population in the

Legislative Council on a communal basis. Buddhist and Hindu revivalism reacted against
missionary activities.

[98][99] The first

two decades in the 20th century are noted by the unique

harmony among Sinhalese and Tamil political leadership, which has since been lost.

In 1919, major Sinhalese and Tamil political organisations united to form the Ceylon National
Congress, under the leadership of

Ponnambalam Arunachalam

Ceylon

Christian

[100]

,[101] pressing colonial masters for

Dudley Senanayake

.[108]

[109] He

Sinhala Only Act , recognising Sinhala as the only official language of

[110][111][112]

satyagraha ) against the bill,

[131] In

Indian Peace Keeping

in Southern Sri Lanka,

1990 October, the LTTE

background

[132] In

[130] necessitating

[129]

expelled Sri Lankan Moors

2002, the Sri Lankan government and LTTE

[112]

, with the

and the

World

BOC tower in the

killed over 35,000 in Sri Lanka.

[134][135]

[133] From

1985 to 2006, Sri Lankan

Presidency of Mahinda Rajapaksa

the Sri Lanka Armed Forces

[136][137]

Colombo, 1983: The

Black July , 400

government

J. R. Jayawardene

separate state

market economy and a powerful

executive presidency

Lanka the first South Asian country to

were manifested in an

introduced a

new constitution , together with a

free-

modelled after that of France. It made Sri

liberalise its economy.

on-and-off insurgency

[124] Beginning

against the government by the

in favour of a

people displaced.

[122]

swept to power in 1977, defeating the largely unpopular

[123] Jayawardene

U.N. Secretary General

Sri Lankan civil war ,

Ban Ki-moon . The exact number

[138] Following the

LTTE's defeat, the

Tamil National Alliance , the largest Tamil political party in Sri Lanka, dropped its demand for a

Sinhalese ministers within the

United Front government.

Tamil civilians may have been killed in the final phases of the

of Tamils killed is still a speculation that needs further study.

3000 Tamil civilians were killed across

The Government of

Overall, between 60,000 and 100,000 people were killed during the 26 years of

according to an Expert Panel convened by

allegedly backed by hard-line

the government. Although partially reversed in 1958, the bill posed a grave concern for the Tamil
The Federal Party (FP) launched a movement of non-violent resistance (

The 2004 Asian tsunami

Forty thousand

the island in the anti-Tamil Pogrom

impact through his self-proclaimed role of "defender of the besieged Sinhalese culture".

second insurrection

Trade Center

conflict.

Hartal 1953 , resulted in the resignation of prime minister

community, which perceived in it a threat to their language and culture.

JVP launched its

Colombo Harbour

Government.

The British Royal

S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike was elected prime minister in 1956. His three-year rule had a profound
introduced the controversial

training. [126][127][128] In 1987, the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord was signed and the

defeated the LTTE, and re-established control of the entire country by the Sri Lankan

Trincomalee until 1956. A countrywide popular demonstration against

withdrawal of the rice ration, known as

[122][125]

Lapses in foreign policy resulted in India strengthening the Tigers by providing arms and

in 2008. [112] In 2009, under the

[103][107]

race riots in July 1983

Sinhalese hard-line ministers, which resulted in more than 150,000 Tamil

civilians fleeing the island, seeking asylum in other countries.

the government resumed fighting in 2006, and the government officially backed out of the ceasefire

Independence

joined his cabinet.

Treaty of

government and Tamil insurgents held four rounds of peace talks without success. Both LTTE and

Sri Lankan Civil War

Prime Minister of Ceylon .[106] Prominent Tamil leaders

Arunachalam Mahadeva

allegedly backed by

[117]

Dominion status , with independence proclaimed on 4 February

1948. [105] D. S. Senanayake became the first

British appointed Kandyan chiefs, 1905.

as a result of the

second Kandyan War ,

Tamil Eelam (LTTE). An LTTE attack on 13 soldiers resulted in the anti-Tamil

signed a Norwegian-mediated ceasefire agreement.

start of self-rule, with the opening of

The Soulbury constitution ushered in

British East India Company

Vikrama Rajasinha, the last native monarch of Sri Lanka,

by the

resulted in reducing the proportion of Tamil students at university level and acted as the immediate

plantations began in the early 20th century.

[90] Sri

grievances and the use of communal

[116] The

affirmative action to assist geographically disadvantaged students to obtain tertiary education,

[118][119]

called Ceylon) with

Sri Vikrama Rajasinha , faced a

[90]

(Muslims by religion) from northern Sri Lanka.

Marxist

Sirimavo government to rectify disparities created in university enrolment, which was in essence an

thrived in the following decades. Large-scale rubber

young king, now named

Kandy was occupied by the British in the

redeployment of the IPKF in 1990.

republic named Sri

emotionalism as an election campaign weapon by both Sinhalese and Tamil leaders abetted a
fledgling Tamil militancy in the north during the 1970s.

[90] The

British invasion in 1803 but successfully retaliated.

The same year, the

in 1962. During her second term as prime minister, the

Lanka, repudiating its dominion status. Prolonged minority

Netherlands might deliver Sri Lanka

Sri Rajadhi Rajasinha , third of the four Nayakkar

Force (IPKF) was deployed in northern Sri Lanka to stabilise the region by neutralising the LTTE.

Sirimavo Bandaranaike , the widow of Bandaranaike, took office as prime minister in 1960, and

China , while promoting a policy of non-alignment. In 1971, Ceylon experienced a

and History of Sri Lanka (1948present)

) with S.

The pact proved

assassinated

insurrection , which was quickly suppressed. In 1972, the country became a

Sri Lankan indepe ndence movement

[113]

year-old Kannasamy, was crowned.

ending Sri Lanka's independence.

, contributed much towards the political rancour

[114] Bandaranaike

government instituted socialist economic polices, strengthening ties with the

Modern Sri Lanka

Main articles:

colonisation schemes

between Sinhalese and Tamil political leaders.

(the franchise stood at 4% before the reforms). This step was strongly

State Council of Ceylon , which succeeded the legislative council.

BandaranaikeChelvanayakam Pact

years later, in 1798,

kings of Sri Lanka, died of a fever. Following his death, a nephew of Rajadhi Rajasinha, eighteen-

Amiens . On 14 February 1815,

Temple of the Tooth .[86] In spite of on-

ineffective in the face of ongoing protests by opposition and the Buddhist clergy. The bill, together

[89] Two

By then the entire coastal area was under the

1595,

Tooth Relic the traditional symbol of royal and religious

Sinhalese to Kandy, and built the

J. V. Chelvanayakam , leader of the FP, to resolve the looming ethnic conflict.

criticised by the Tamil political leadership, who realised that they would be reduced to a minority in

little difficulty in 1796.

Burgher people emerged in Sri

Dutch rule .[85]

which prompted Bandaranaike to reach an agreement (

universal adult franchise

, the

to the French, Great Britain occupied the coastal areas of the island (which they

resulted in a Dutch victory, with Colombo

Sinhalese and Tamils, the Congress lost momentum towards the mid-1920s.

[102]

Sri Vikrama Rajasinha of Kandy

During the Napoleonic Wars , fearing that French control of the

to get rid of the Portuguese who ruled most of the

DutchPortuguese War

more constitutional reforms. But without massive popular support, and with the governor's

The Donoughmore reforms

1619,

Jaffna kingdom came to an

Rajasinghe II , Dutch explorers arrived on the island. In 1638, the king signed

a treaty with the Dutch East India Company

The Kingdom of Kandy was the last independent

[73]

British quickly found a replacement: abandoning coffee, they began cultivating tea

instead. Tea production in Sri Lanka

Vimaladharmasuriya I moved his

Kandy , a location he thought more secure from attack.

last ruling Sri Lankan monarch

Lankan society as a result of

Soulbury reforms of 194445.

rajakariya ,

kingdom to the inland city of

violating the treaty they had signed in 1638. An ethnic group named

Dambadeniya . The north, in the meanwhile,

50% for other ethnic groups) in the State Council. However, this demand was not met by the

harsh measures

after decades of intermittent warfare with the Portuguese,

falling into Dutch hands by 1656. The Dutch remained in the areas they had captured, thereby

[70][71]

Sri Lanka never really recovered from the impact of Kalinga Magha's invasion. King Vijayabhu III,
Jaffna kingdom

Portuguese soldier and explorer

, in 1505. [81] In 1517, the Portuguese built a

Colombo and gradually extended their control over the coastal areas. In 1592,

end. [83]

Hemileia vastatrix , struck the coffee plantations in 1869, destroying the entire industry within fifteen
[96] The

British Ceylon

meeting

succumbing to attacks by the Portuguese, the independent existence of

looted , ransacked, and destroyed everything in the

Tamil leader G. G. Ponnambalam demanded a 5050 representation (50% for the Sinhalese and

stalled economic development and prompted the governor to introduce a

antagonised the locals, and

Loureno de Almeida , the son of Francisco de Almeida

encouragement for "communal representation" by creating a "Colombo seat" that dangled between

Soon coffee became the primary commodity export of Sri Lanka. Falling coffee prices as a result of
the depression of 1847

Myanmar ) for

[68]

with a 24,000 strong army sailed 690 nautical miles on 100 large ships

Parkramabhu VI 's adopted son,

[93] An

Joris van Spilbergen

with King Vimaladharmasuriya in 1602

any kingdom of the south except on one occasion; in 1450, following the conquest led by king

his

Uva

law and amalgamated the Kandyan and maritime provinces as a single unit of government.

successful.

explorer

fort at the port city of

eventually evolved into the

Vijayabahu I successfully drove the Chola

Empire. Attempts by Sri Lankan noblemen to undermine British power in 1818 during the

1833. [93] They introduced a

A 17th-century painting of Dutch

most famous

various perceived insults to Sri Lanka.

who led the resistance, brought the kingdom to

This marked the end of the two great houses of dynasties of ancient Sri Lanka, the Moriya and the

[91] The

[66] His

to extract as much as possible from the land and overturn as many of the traditions of

Mahinda V to flee to the

out of Sri Lanka in 1070, reuniting the country for the first time in over a century.

Sri Vijaya Rajasinha later that year.

[88]

British rule

The early modern period of Sri Lanka begins with the arrival of

ancient Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa Kingdoms beyond recovery.

Rajendra I , son of Rajaraja I, launched

Lambakanna. Following a seventeen-year-long campaign,

"Unambuwe Bandara" , Narendrasinha's own

concubine .[87] The new king was crowned

Parakramabahu the

,[67] the largest irrigation project of medieval Sri Lanka.

from Kalinga .[66] Unlike the previous invaders, he

and Transitional period

Anuradhapura Kingdom

be unsuccessful.

Main article:

Parakramabahu's reign is memorable for two major campaigns in the south of India as part of a

Kingdom of Polonnaruwa

southern part of Sri Lanka. Taking advantage of this situation,

Rebellion were thwarted by

Parakrama Samudra

After his demise, Sri Lanka gradually decayed in power. In AD 1215,

Polonnaruwa and Transitional periods

was exiled to India.

, 12th century

with uncertain origins, identified as the founder of the Jaffna kingdom, invaded and captured the

invasion of Chola emperor Rajaraja I forced the then Sri Lankan ruler

bhikku Weliwita Sarankara, the crown passed to the brother of one of

Narendrasinha's princesses, overlooking the right of

son by a Sinhalese

Telugu -

period is considered as a time when Sri Lanka was at the height of

Pandyan war of succession, and a punitive strike against the kings of Ramanna (

in 429. [57]

The medieval period of Sri Lanka begins with the fall of

Eventually, with the support of

[86]

Kings of the Nayakkar dynasty launched several attacks on Dutch controlled areas, which proved to

and Dutch Ceylon

He built 1470 reservoirs the highest number by any ruler in the history repaired

construction is the

Caesarion into hiding, he was

bhikkhunis came from Sri Lanka at the request of Chinese women and established the order there

Polonnaruwa period

[64][65]

[63] This

165 dams, 3910 canals, 163 major reservoirs, and 2376 mini reservoirs.

Ruwanwelisaya . In addition, Sri Lankan male dancers witnessed

The upasampada for bhikkhunis (Buddhist nuns) first arrived in China when Devasara and ten other

Main articles:

Polonnaruwa

its power.

red coral , which was used to make an

[55][56]

Vira Narendrasinha 's death in 1739. He was married to a

ancient capital city of

Sri Lanka's irrigation system was extensively expanded during the reign of
Great (AD 11531186).

Roman Empire . For example, Bhatikabhaya (22

the assassination of Caligula. When Queen Cleopatra sent her son

Portuguese Ceylon

was discovered by S. H.

Colombo National Museum

emerged in Kandy upon king

A Buddhist statue in the

Ancient Sri Lanka was the first country in the world to establish a dedicated hospital, in
[54] It

[79][80] The stele

Thomlin at Galle in 1911 and is now preserved in the

aqueducts , some with a slope as finely calibrated as one inch to the mile, are most notable. Biso

the 4th century.

Zheng He erected

[75][76][77][78]

a stone tablet inscription at Galle in three languages , Chinese , Tamil and Persian which is known as

is

reservoirs , important for conserving water in a climate with rainy and dry seasons, and elaborate

minimum.

Yapahuwa , Gampola , Raigama ,

Zheng He and his naval expeditionary force

landed at Galle, Sri-Lanka in 1409 and got into battle with the local king as the local king tried to

[49][50]

The 1,600-year-old Sigiriya frescoes are an example of ancient Sri Lankan art at its finest.
one of the best preserved examples of ancient urban planning in the world.

The next three centuries stating from 1215 were marked by kaleidoscopically shifting collections of
kingdoms in south and central Sri Lanka, including Dambadeniya,

Ruhunu , Pihiti and Maya .[62]

in 1983, ethnic tensions

Liberation Tigers of

[141][142]

federal solution.

[139][140]

The final stages of the war left some 294,000

According to the Ministry of Resettlement, most of the displaced persons had been released or
returned to their places of origin, leaving only 6,651 in the camps as of December 2011.
2010, President Rajapaksa appointed the

Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission

assess the conflict between the time of the ceasefire agreement in 2002 and the defeat of the LTTE

[143] In

May

(LLRC) to

in 2009. [144][145] Sri Lanka has emerged from its 26-year war to become one of the
economies of the world.

fastest growing

[146][147]

deepened the channel.

navigation.

Portions are still as shallow as 1 metre (3 ft), hindering

[151][152]

[153]

Sri Lanka has 45 estuaries and 40 lagoons .[160] Sri Lanka's mangrove ecosystem spans over 7,000
hectares and played a vital role in buffering the force of the waves in the
tsunami .[162] The island is rich in minerals such as

Geography
Main article:

and thorium .[163][164] Existence of

petroleum and gas in the

and the extraction of recoverable quantities is underway.

Geography of Sri Lanka

The Sri Lankan leopard

pardus kotiya

2004 Indian Ocean

ilmenite , feldspar , graphite , silica , kaolin , mica

Gulf of Mannar has also been confirmed

[165]

A view of Sripada from

Environment of Sri Lanka

Yala National Park in the southeast protects herds of elephant,

deer , and peacocks . The Wilpattu

National Park in the northwest, the largest national park, preserves the habitats of many water birds
Hurulu Forest Reserve

, the Kanneliya-Dediyagala-Nakiyadeniya

biosphere reserves

: Bundala ,

, and Sinharaja .[172] Of these,

Sinharaja forest reserve is home to 26 endemic birds and 20 rainforest species, including the

and Wildlife of Sri Lanka

elusive red-faced malkoha , the green-billed coucal and the

Maskeliya

The island consists mostly of flat to rolling coastal plains, with mountains rising only in the southcentral part. The highest point is

leopard native to Sri

Lanka.

such as storks , pelicans , ibis , and spoonbills . The island has four

Flora and fauna

Main articles:

( Panthera

) is an endangered

subspecies of

Sri Lanka blue magpie .

Pidurutalagala , reaching 2,524 metres (8,281 ft) above sea level.

The climate is tropical and warm, due to the moderating effects of ocean winds. Mean
temperatures range from 17 C (62.6 F) in the

central highlands , where frost may occur for several

days in the winter, to a maximum of 33 C (91.4 F) in other low-altitude areas. Average yearly

temperatures range from 28 C (82.4 F) to nearly 31 C (87.8 F). Day and night temperatures may
vary by 14 C (25.2 F) to 18 C (32.4 F).
Rainfall pattern is influenced by
Topographic map of Sri

The Sri Lankan elephant

three recognised

[154]

monsoon winds from the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal. The "wet

plants and 22% of the

tropical cyclones bring overcast skies and

southwest and mountainous areas and depends on the seasonal patterns of rainfall.

[156]

Indian Plate , a major tectonic plate that was formerly part of the

and 10N , and longitudes

Sri Lanka has 103 rivers. The longest of these is the

Indo-

Bay of Bengal , between latitudes

79 and 82E .[149] Sri Lanka is separated from the

Indian subcontinent

the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Strait . According to Hindu mythology , a land bridge existed between

by

the Indian mainland and Sri Lanka. It now amounts to only a chain of limestone shoals remaining
above sea level .[150] Legends claim that it was passable on foot up to 1480 AD, until

Main article:

cyclones

long. [160] Sri Lanka claims an

Exclusive Economic Zone

biodiversity density in Asia.

[168] A

flowering

bears , the unique small loris, a variety of deer, the

porcupines and Indian pangolins

Asian elephants

purple-faced langur , the endangered

.[170]

Jaffna Peninsula

, leopards , sloth
wild boar ,

. Among the trees of the dry-land forests are

satinwood , ebony , ironwood , mahogany and teak . The wet zone is a

creepers. Subtropical evergreen forests resembling those of

higher altitudes.

temperate climates

[171]

flourish in the

productive marine ecosystems such as

estuarine seagrasses

elected female head of government

.[186]

building, near the

now serves as the

Sri Lanka is the oldest

Secretariat

democracy in

Donoughmore Commission

Presidential

. It

[178] It

Donoughmore Constitution

general elections

1970s, these Tamil political parties were succeeded in October 2001 by the

white country within the

Council . Sir Don Baron Jayatilaka was elected as Leader of the House.

Ceylon State

[179]

In 1944, the Soulbury Commission was appointed to draft a new constitution. During this time,
struggle for independence was fought on "constitutionalist" lines under the leadership of

Senanayake .[180] The draft constitution was enacted in the same year, and Senanayake was
parliamentary election in 1947

ushered in Dominion status and granted independence to Sri Lanka in 1948.

D. S.

. The Soulbury constitution

[178]

United People's Freedom Alliance

Freedom Party (SLFP), and the comparatively

(UPFA), an offspring of

Sri Lanka

centre-

right-wing and pro- capitalist United National Party

(UNP).[181] Sri Lanka is essentially a multi-party democracy with many smaller Buddhist, socialist

and Tamil nationalist political parties. As of July 2011, the number of registered political parties in
the country is 67.
oldest.

[183]

[182] Of

these, the

Lanka Sama Samaja Party

(LSSP), established in 1935, is the

The UNP, established by D. S. Senanayake in 1946, was until recently the largest single political
party. [184] It is the only political group which had representation in all parliaments since
independence.

[184] SLFP

policies which are more radical than the traditionalist leftist politics of the LSSP and the

was founded by

S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike , who was the Cabinet minister of

Local Administration before he left the UNP in July 1951.

1956, defeating the ruling UNP in

[185] SLFP

1956 Parliamentary election

registered its first victory in

.[185] Following the parliamentary

Sri Lanka Muslim Congress

Sri Lanka. [192]

system , with a mixture of a

Anthem

Butterfly
Bird

Flower
Tree

and Elections in Sri Lanka

Sport

Gold Lion Passant

"Sri Lanka Matha
Troides darsius

state require both a two-thirds majority and approval in a nationwide

Rohana

endorses leftist

Communist

is the largest Muslim political party in

.[195] Most provisions of

certain

referendum .

Blue water lily

Ceylon ironwood

Executive : The President of Sri Lanka is the head of state , the commander in chief

forces ; head of government

the cabinet and appoints

, and is popularly elected for a five-year term.

ministers from elected

members of parliament

[196] The

of the armed

President heads

.[197] The president is

Volleyball

[198] Following passage

of the

19th amendment

in 2015, the President has two terms, which previously stood at no term limit.

Legislative : The Parliament of Sri Lanka

is a unicameral 225-member

constituencies and 29 elected by

legislature with 196

Judicial : Sri Lanka's judiciary consists of a

of record,

[200] a Court

proportional representation

.[199]

[200] The

president's deputy, the

Prime Minister ,

Supreme Court the highest and final superior court

of Appeal, High Courts and a number of subordinate courts. The highly

complex legal system reflects diverse cultural influences.

e

[174] During the

see List ). It has declared several bird

Mahaweli Program of the 1970s and 1980s in

2 (730

sq mi) as

[175][176]

Administrative divisions of Sri Lanka

[201]

Criminal law is based almost entirely

on British law . Basic Civil lawderives from

Roman law and Dutch law . Laws pertaining to marriage,

Sinhala customary law (Kandyan law), the

Thesavalamai , and Sharia law are followed in special

divorce, and inheritance are

cases.

[203] The

communal .[202] Due to ancient customary practices and/or religion, the

President appoints judges to the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, and the High

Courts. A judicial service commission, composed of the

[204] and

twenty-

Bay of Bengal

Palk Strait

Northern Province

Provinces There have been provinces in Sri

Lanka since the 19th century, but they had
no legal status until 1987 when the 13th
Amendment to the 1978 constitution

Gulf of
Mannar

Chief Justice and two Supreme Court

North Central Province

a decentralisation of the Government of Sri

Lanka .[206] Each provincial council is an

autonomous body not under the authority

of any Ministry. Some of its functions had

North Western
Province Eastern

ministries, departments, corporations, and

statutory authorities,
provincial councils.

[206] but

[207][208]

authority over

Between 1989

and 2006, the Northern and Eastern

provinces were temporarily merged to form

the North-East Province .[209][210] Prior to

1987, all administrative tasks for the
provinces were handled by a

district-based

civil service which had been in place since

directly elected provincial council:

Province
Central
Province

been undertaken by central government

land and police is not as a rule given to

affairs.

[193][194]

to the constitution

leads the ruling party in parliament and shares many executive responsibilities, mainly in domestic

(na)

[173]

Sri Lanka is home to over 250 types of resident birds (

several decades of increasing demand for

In common with many democracies, the Sri Lankan government has three branches:

The parliament reserves the power to make all laws.

"

bamboo, hilly pastures (patanas). and grasslands (talawas).

established provincial councils after

suspend, or end a legislative session and dissolve Parliament any time after four and a half years.

Sri Lanka junglefowl

Source:

and a parliamentary system

two-thirds majority in parliament . The amendment of

Members are elected by universal suffrage for a five-year term. The president may summon,

Lion Flag

habitats which include classic dry zone tropical monsoonal evergreen forest, thick stands of giant

five districts .[205]

semi-presidential

basic features such as the clauses on language, religion, and reference to Sri Lanka as a unitary

members elected in multi-seat

National symbols of Sri Lanka

Emblem

presidential system

the constitution can be amended by a

by him or her in either an official or private capacity.

Constitution of Sri Lanka

surrounding water sources steadily disappear. The park also encompasses a range of micro-

divided into nine provinces

Colombo.

republic and a unitary state which is governed by a

immune from legal proceedings while in office with respect to any acts done or omitted to be done

Government
Main articles:

Flag

The current political culture in Sri Lanka is a contest between two rival coalitions led by the

Tamil National

[191] It

elephants can be seen on the tank-bed in the late dry season (August to October) as the

For administrative purposes, Sri Lanka is

Sri Lanka is a democratic

Tamil United

, a Marxist-Leninist political party founded by

Wijeweera in 1965, serves as a third force in the current political context.

Party .[189] Founded in 1981, the

Political culture
leftist and progressivist

Alliance .[189][190] Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna

hectare . The Minneriya National

Minneriya tank , which is an important source of water for numerous elephants

(Elephus maximus) inhabiting the surrounding forests. Dubbed "The Gathering", the congregation of

Administrative divisions

The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka,

Federal Party advocated a more

Liberation Front ). Following a period of turbulence as Tamil militants rose to power in the late

and the power to control domestic affairs.

The first election under the universal adult franchise, held in June 1931, was for the

appointed Prime Minister following the

[188] The

Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) created a common front called the Tamil United Front (later

, drafted by the

with adult universal suffrage

was the first time a non-

empires of Western Europe was given one man, one vote

[189]

With the constitutional reforms of 1972, the All Ceylon Tamil Congress (ACTC) and Illankai Tamil

's headquarters.

Asia .[177] The

in 1931, enabled

(universal adult voting) in the country.

Galle Face Green

aggressive stance toward the Sinhalese.

Park borders the

Main article:

S.J.V. Chelvanayakam broke away in 1949 and formed the

political party in Sri Lanka for next two decades.

herbs and seedlings, has been estimated at 240,000 individuals per

judges, appoints, transfers, and dismisses lower court judges.

founded the

Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK), also known as the Federal Party, becoming the main Tamil
The old Sri Lankan parliament

within the reserve, 139 (66%) are endemic. The total vegetation density, including trees, shrubs,

Politics

All Ceylon Tamil Congress (ACTC) in 1944. Objecting to Ponnambalam's cooperation with D. S.
Senanayake, a dissident group led by

Central Highlands

The untapped genetic potential of Sinharaja flora is enormous. Of the 211 woody trees and lianas

24% by 2009.

became the prime minister and the world's first

[187]

national parks. Sri Lanka's forest cover, which was around 49% in 1920, had fallen to approximately

nautical miles , which is

G. G. Ponnambalam , the Tamil nationalist counterpart of S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike,

) is a rare

Rhododendron

northern Sri Lanka, the government set aside four areas of land totalling 1,900 km

fringing coral reefs and shallow beds of coastal and

.[161]

of Sri Lanka

sanctuaries including Kumana.

Lanka's coastline is 1,585 km

(EEZ) extending 200

Rhododendron

zeylanicum

arboreum found in

[167]

approximately 6.7 times Sri Lanka's land area. The coastline and adjacent waters support highly

election in July 1960 , Sirimavo Bandaranaike

Politics of Sri Lanka

[159] Sri

in the world.

tropical evergreen forest with tall trees, broad foliage, and a dense undergrowth of vines and

[157]

Mahaweli River , extending 335 kilometres

, with a height of 263 metres (863 ft).

biodiversity hotspots

reserves, which are home to a wide range of native species such as

valuable species such as

(208 mi). [158] These waterways give rise to 51 natural waterfalls of 10 meters or more. The highest
is Bambarakanda Falls

sub-species of

mammals ( see List ), are endemic .[169] Sri Lanka has declared 24 wildlife

Flowering acacias flourish on the arid

An increase in average rainfall coupled with heavier rainfall events has resulted in recurrent flooding
and related damages to infrastructure, utility supply and the urban economy.

, Sri Lanka is one of 25

Although the country is relatively small in size, it has the highest

[155]

rains to the southwest, northeast, and eastern parts of the island. Humidity is typically higher in the

Australian Plate .[148] It is in the Indian Ocean southwest of the

arboreum ssp.

remarkably high proportion of the species among its flora and fauna, 27% of the 3,210

47 in) per year. Periodic squalls occur and sometimes

Sri Lanka lies on the

Maha rath mala (

[166]

Most of the east, southeast, and northern parts of Sri Lanka comprise the "dry zone", which receives
The arid northwest and southeast coasts receive the least amount of rain at 800 to 1,200 mm (31 to

classification.

5,879.

Lying within the Indomalaya ecozone

between 1,200 and 1,900 mm (47 and 75 in) of rain annually.

Sri Lanka map of Kppen climate

of the

. The 2011 elephant

census estimated a population of

zone" and some of the windward slopes of the central highlands receive up to 2,500 millimetres
(98.4 in) of rain each month, but the leeward slopes in the east and northeast receive little rain.

Lanka

is one of

subspecies

Asian elephant

Western
Province

Uva Province
Sabaragamuwa
Province

Southern Province

Indian
Ocean

colonial times . Now each province is administered by a

Administrative Divisions of Sri Lanka

Province Capital Area
Central Kandy

member of the

North Western Kurunegala

Party , has traditionally favoured links with the West while its left-leaning counterpart, the

7,812 3,016 2,372,185

Sabaragamuwa Ratnapura

Freedom Party , has favoured links with the East.

4,902 1,893 1,919,478

Southern Galle

Commonwealth Foreign Minister's Conference held in Colombo in 1950.

8,488 3,277 1,259,419

Western Colombo

Peace Conference

3,709 1,432 5,837,294

Districts and local authorities Sri Lanka is also divided into 25

District Secretariat

are known in Sinhala as

Disa and in Tamil as

English as Dissavony) was a

Grama Niladhari divisions.

divisional

[212] The Districts

Mawaddam . Originally, a Disa (usually rendered into

duchy , notably Matale and Uva. A

government agent

District Secretary , administers a district.

, who is known as

[213]

[214] Later

Local authorities were originally based on

[216] At

[222] were

long-standing dispute

[220] The

Jayawardene .[131][225] As a result,

deployed an Indian Peace Keeping Force

South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation

relations with China,

and Non-Aligned Movement

[227]

[228] and

Russia

in 1987.

Pakistan

.[229]

[221]

plantation workers of Indian origin

[223] By

Colombo held the fifth NAM summit in 1976.

[226] In

[233][234]

. In

this time,

J. R.

[231] Sri

Lanka has not

The Colombo World Trade Center

Special Task Force , the Civil

Colombo.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Sri Lanka became a

development of modern

Marxist militants of the

proscribed as a terrorist organisation

forces have been in a continuous mobilised state for the last 30 years.

JVP and a 30-year-long conflict

Sri Lankan Civil War in May 2009.

world to eradicate

[237] Sri

Marking a rare

centre of trade.

[238] The Sri

See also:

[241] From

established. In 1977 the

Lankan Armed Forces have engaged in

1948 to 1977

[240]

The

socialism strongly influenced the government's economic

Free market economy

privatisation , deregulation and the promotion of

welfare state

was introduced to the country, incorporating

private enterprise .[124]

While the production and export of tea, rubber, coffee, sugar and other commodities remain

Chad , Lebanon , and Haiti .[239]

important, industrialisation has increased the importance of

Economy
Main article:

, famous for its production

ports under British rule raised the strategic importance of the island as a

policies. Colonial plantations were dismantled, industries were nationalised and a

Lanka has claimed to be the first country in the modern

terrorism on its own soil.

plantation economy

and export of cinnamon , rubber and Ceylon tea , which remains a trademark national export.

by 32 countries . The armed

[235][236]

are also visible in the image.

with the LTTEwhich has been

crushing three major insurgencies, two by

in

Presidential Secretariat

Bank of Ceylon and Galadhari Hotel

Since independence in 1948, the primary focus of the armed forces has been internal security,

contingents deployed in several UN peacekeeping missions in

Sirima-Shastri Pact of 1964

India intervened in the Sri Lankan Civil War

Security Force , and the Sri Lanka Coast Guard

United Nations peacekeeping operations since the early 1960s, contributing forces to permanent

signed between Sri Lankan and Indian leaders in an

over the status of

purview of the Ministry of Defence (MoD). [230] The total strength of the

enforced military conscription .[232] Paramilitary units include the

occurrence in modern military history, the Sri Lankan military was able to bring a decisive end to the

Lanka played a vital

Cuba under Fidel Castro in 1959. Shortly afterward, Cuba's

Sri Lanka was strongly involved in the NAM and

and Sri Lanka Armed Forces

Japan

in 1955, which was an important step in the crystallisation of

The relationship between Sri Lanka and India became tense under the government of

Foreign relations of Sri Lanka

Colombo Plan at the

the San Francisco

1974, Kachchatheevu , a small island in Palk Strait , was formally ceded to Sri Lanka.

Foreign relations

Sri Lanka

PRCwas formed in

[218] Sri

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Army , the Sri Lanka Navy , and the Sri Lanka

three services is around 259,000 personnel, with nearly 36,000 reserves.

The Bandaranaike government of 1956 significantly changed the pro-western policies set by the

attempt to solve the

by a 'Divisional Secretary'.

See also:

the NAM.[219]

and Sirima-Gandhi Pact of 1974

the D.R.O.s became 'Assistant Government Agents' and the

divisions were known as 'A.G.A. divisions'. These Divisional Secretariats are currently administered

Main articles:

role at the AsianAfrican Conference

Air Force , come under the

World War IIdamage because it believed it would

Lanka-China relations started as soon as the

revolutionary Ernesto Che Guevara paid a visit to Sri Lanka.

feudal counties named korale and rata , and were formerly known as 'D.R.O. divisions' after the
'Divisional Revenue Officer'.

[217] Sri

1949. The two countries signed an important Rice-Rubber Pact in 1952.

previous UNP government. It recognised

There are three other types of local authorities: Municipal Councils (18), Urban councils (13) and
Pradeshiya Sabha, also called Pradesha Sabhai (256).

harm Japan's economy.

The Sri Lanka Armed Forces , comprising the

United National

in 1951, while many countries were reluctant, Sri Lanka argued for a free

and refused to accept payment of reparations for

districts .[211] Each district is

. The districts are further subdivided into 256

secretariats , and these, in turn, to approximately 14,008

Army .

Lankan Finance Minister J. R. Jayewardene,

together with then Australian Foreign Minister Sir Percy Spencer, proposed the

5,559 2,146 2,465,626

Uva Badulla

[215] Sri

Unibuffel MK II Armored

Personnel Carrier of the

Commonwealth , the

One of the two parties that have governed Sri Lanka since its independence, the

8,884 3,430 1,060,023

A locally built

India .[215] Sri Lanka became a

, the Asian Development Bank , and the

Colombo Plan .

10,714 4,137 1,259,421

Northern Jaffna

United Nations in 1955. Today, it is also a member of the

SAARC, the World Bank , the International Monetary Fund

9,996 3,859 1,547,377

North Central Anuradhapura

Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). While ensuring that it

maintains its independence, Sri Lanka has cultivated relations with

Population

(sq mi)

5,674 2,191 2,556,774

Eastern Trincomalee

administered under a

Sri Lanka is a founding member of the

Area

(km 2 )

telecommunications

food processing , textiles ,

and finance . The country's main economic sectors are

tourism , tea export ,

clothing , rice production and other agricultural products. In addition to these economic sectors,
overseas employment, especially in the

Economy of Sri Lanka

Agriculture in Sri Lanka

, Tea production in Sri Lanka

, Tourism in Sri Lanka

exchange.

, and Transport in Sri Lanka

Middle East , contributes substantially in foreign

[242]

As of 2010, the service sector makes up 60% of GDP, the industrial sector 28%, and the agriculture

[224]

sector 12%.

[242] The

trading partner.

and subsequently

private sector accounts for 85% of the economy.

[244] Economic disparities

contributing 45.1% of the GDP and the

the present, Sri Lanka enjoys extensive

10.7% and 10%, respectively.

22.9% GDP growth in 2010.

[245] With

Southern province and the

the end of the war, the

[246]

[243] India

exist between the provinces, with the

is Sri Lanka's largest

Western province

Central province contributing

Northern province reported a record

Military

A proportional representation of Sri Lanka's exports.

President

J. R. Jayewardene

According to the International Monetary Fund, Sri Lanka's

gifting a

baby elephant to US President

is second only to the

Ronald

Reagan in 1984

pesticide residues. Sri Lanka is also

Main article:

the world's 2nd largest exporter of

tea.

[248] During the

capitalisation of Colombo Stock Exchange

has quadrupled and

drinking water and 39% have access to pipe-borne water.

gini coefficient of 0.36 in 2010.

has shown a staggering 550% growth, from 2005 to 2010.

Internet technologies.

[250]

[242]

[249] Sri

, published by the

that it ranks 52nd in global competitiveness.

[251] Also,

Lanka's cellular subscriber base

with Thailand and Burma .[272] Buddhism is given special recognition in the Constitution which

Lanka was the first country in the

Sri Lanka's population, (18712001).

Sri Lanka is the 57th most populated nation in the world,

population growth rate of 0.73%.

especially in and around the capital.

out of the 142 countries surveyed, Sri Lanka

with 74.8% of the total population.

placed Sri Lanka at the top of its list of 31 places to visit.

World Giving Index , registering high

[252] In

[253] The

an emerging market in 2010, and Citigroup classified it as a

Lanka ranks well above other South Asian countries in the
0.750 points.

2010, The New York Times

Dow Jones classified Sri Lanka as

3G country in February 2011.

Human Development Index

[254]

Sri

Lanka Railways , spans 1,447 kilometres (900 mi).

[257] Sri

national railway operator,

Lanka also has three deep-water ports, at

Colombo , Galle , and Trincomalee , in addition to the newest port being built at

requires Sri Lankan to "protect and foster the Buddha Sasana".

[261] with

20,277,597 people, and an annual

[242] Population

Lankan Moors comprise 9.2%.

Tamils of Indian origin were brought into the country as indentured

[264] They

Malays from Southeast Asia. Moreover, there is a small

population of Vedda people who are believed to be the original indigenous group to inhabit the
Sri

island. [265]

Languages
Main article:

Languages of Sri Lanka

Sri

repatriated

are distinguished from the native Tamil population that

Sinhalese and Tamil are the two

purposes. Members of the
is unique to the island.

Hindu

Christian

Islam in Sri Lanka today are believed

[276]

Anglican Church of Ceylon and other

Protestant denominations

also observe their own holidays. In a 2008

[279] but

Parsis ) who settled in

this community has steadily dwindled in recent

Sri Lanka is a multi-religious country.

Theravada school being predominant.

Buddhist

Lunar calendar , and Hindus and Muslims

Gallup poll , Sri Lanka was ranked the third most religious

country in the world, with 99% of Sri Lankans saying religion was an important part of their daily
life.[281]

Urban centres

7%

Main article:

0.04%

Buddhists comprise 70 percent of the population,

[271] Most

Buddhists are of the Sinhalese ethnic group.

List of cities in Sri Lanka

Health

[269]

Main article:
[270] with

the

Around

.[278]

Zoroastrian immigrants from India (

majority observe Poya Days each month according to the

13%

Source: Census of Population and Housing, 2011

[277]

Roman Catholics who trace their

religious heritage directly to the Portuguese. The remaining Christians are evenly split between the

years. [280] Religion plays a prominent role in the life and culture of Sri Lankans. The

Sri Lanka religiosity ( Pew Research )[268]

religion percent

followers of

7.4% of the Sri Lankan population are Christians, of which 82% are

Ceylon during the period of British rule,

Religion in Sri Lanka

Other

Demographics

and Dutch

Creole Malay that

Religion
Main article:

[275] Most

Christianity reached the country through Western colonists in the early 16th century.

There is also a small population of

indigenous space sector to launch satellites of other nations as well as of Sri Lanka. This dual use

[258][259][260]

Portuguese Creole

Shafi'i school.

to be descendants of these Arab traders and the local women they married.

Constitution defines

[267]

Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) at 'BB-' with a "stable" outlook. With a grant of 20 million dollars from

launched Sri Lanka's first satellite, with plans for more launches in the coming years.

are Sunni who follow the

[266] The

Burgher community speak variant forms of

10%

of launching technology will also serve to develop missile technology. On 26 September 2012 China

official languages of Sri Lanka.

with varying proficiency, while members of the Malay community speak a form of

70%

the US and help from China, a space academy has been set up for the purpose of developing an

religious groups in Sri Lanka, 1981.

English as the link language. English is widely used for education, scientific and commercial

Muslim

flag carrier

airline is SriLankan Airlines . Fitch Ratings has affirmed Sri Lanka's Foreign- and Local-Currency

Hindus are mainly Tamils.

Arab traders over the course of many centuries, starting around the 7th century AD. Most Muslims

The distribution of languages and

Buddhist

that they could place their entire navy in the harbour with room to spare. Sri Lanka's

[274]

Islam is the third most dominant religion in the country, having first been brought to the island by

[263]

labourers by British colonists to work on estate plantations. Nearly 50% of them were
following independence in 1948.

Hinduism is dominant in Northern, Eastern and Central Sri Lanka.

density is highest in western Sri Lanka,

Sri Lankan Tamils are the second major ethnic group in the island, with a percentage of 11.2.

[273]

Hinduism is the second most prevalent religion in Sri Lanka and predates Buddhism. Today,

birth rate of 17.6 births per 1,000 people and a

Sinhalese constitute the largest ethnic group in the country,

Burghers (of mixed European descent) and

Hambantota . The port

at Trincomalee is the fifth largest natural harbour in the world: during World War II the British stated

Lanka has a

has resided in Sri Lanka since ancient times. There are also small ethnic groups such as the

(HDI) with

A grade highways and two Controlled-access highways

(E01)and( E03).[255][256] The railway network , operated by the state-run

[262] Sri

death rate of 6.2 deaths per 1,000 people.

ranked 45th in health and primary education, 32nd in business sophistication, 42nd in innovation,
levels of contentment and charitable behaviour in its society.

[271]

with the Sangha having existed in a largely unbroken lineage since its introduction in the 2nd

century BC. During periods of decline, the Sri Lankan monastic lineage was revived through contact

World Economic Forum , has described Sri

and 41st in goods market efficiency. Sri Lanka ranks 8th in the

[272]

Sri Lanka has the longest continuous history of Buddhism of any predominately Buddhist nation,

Income inequality has also dropped in

[242] Sri

Mahinda .[271] A sapling

the Buddha attained enlightenment was brought to Sri Lanka during

Pali Canon ( Thripitakaya ), having previously been preserved as an oral tradition,

was first committed to writing in Sri Lanka around 30 BC.

Lanka's economy as transitioning from the factor-driven stage to the efficiency-driven stage, and

Sri Lanka's road network consists of 35

of the Bodhi Tree under which

the same time. The

3G, 3.5G HSDPA, 3.75G HSUPAand 4G LTEmobile broadband

The Global Competitiveness Report

Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka in the 2nd century BC by Venerable

Demographics of Sri Lanka

[242] Over

90% of the households in Sri Lanka are electrified. 87.3% of the population have access to safe

Ceylon tea , which ISO considers the

cleanest tea in the world in terms of

market

budget deficit has doubled.

Sri Lanka's most widely known export,

.[2]

same period, poverty

has dropped from 15.2% to 7.6%, unemployment rate has dropped from 7.2% to 4.9%,

South Asian region to introduce

purchasing power parity

per capita income

[247]

The per capita income of Sri Lanka has doubled since 2005.

recent years, indicated by a

GDPin terms of

Maldives in the South Asian region in terms of

Health in Sri Lanka

Sri Lankans have a

average.

[242]

life expectancy of 77.9 years at birth, which is 10% higher than the world

The infant mortality rate stands at 8.5 per 1,000 births and the maternal mortality rate

at 0.39 per 1,000 births, which is on par with figures from the developed countries. The universal

proposed private university bill has been withdrawn by the Higher Education Ministry after university
students' heavy demonstrations and resistance.

"pro-poor" [283] health care system adopted by the country has contributed much towards these
figures.

[284]

The British science fiction author

Sri Lanka from 1979 to 2002.

Education
Main article:

[297]

abuse of a newspaper editor by a senior government minister

Arthur C. Clarke served as Chancellor of

Main article:

Moratuwa University in

Officially, the constitution of Sri Lanka guarantees human rights as ratified by the
However human rights in Sri Lanka

British colonial rulers ,[308] the separatist

government of Sri Lanka

named in memory of
Sarachchandra

With a literacy rate of 92.5%,

playwright.

[242] Sri

Ediriweera

Lanka has one of the most

literate populations amongst

compulsory schooling

for every child is in place. The

is a result of the initiative of

[286] computer

literacy rate at 35%,

education system which dictates 9 years of

free education system

C. W. W. Kannangara and A. Ratnayake.

[290][291]

established in 1945,
It is one of the few

countries in the world that provide universal free education from primary to tertiary stage.
Kannangara led the establishment of the

Madhya Maha Vidyalayas

[289]

[292]

(Central Schools) in different

parts of the country in order to provide education to Sri Lanka's rural children.

[287] In

education committee proposed extensive reforms to establish an efficient and quality

1942 a special

system for the people. However, in the 1980s changes to this system saw the separation of the

education

Ministry of Education and the provincial schools

by the provincial government. Sri Lanka has approximately 9675 government schools, 817 private
The number of public universities in Sri Lanka is 15.

[293] A lack

of responsiveness of the education

system to labour market requirements, disparities in access to quality education, lack of an

education sector.

[294] A

number of private, degree awarding institutions have emerged in recent

times to fill in these gaps, yet the participation at tertiary level education remains at 5.1%.

[295] The

through traditional dishes such as Lamprais (rice cooked in stock and baked in a banana leaf),
Buddhist and Hindu new year festival.

[322]

symbolic Buddhist festival consisting of dances and decorated elephants held in

of Jesus Christ and

Kandy in July and

Hindi . Since the 1980s,

Independent Television Network

Cinema of Sri Lanka

[242] In

recent years,

freedom of the press

alleged by media freedom groups to be amongst the

poorest in democratic countries

, Theatre of Sri Lanka

[328]

and Ananda Samarakoon

Baila is another popular

Kaffirs or the Afro-Sinhalese community.

[329]

consists of five sub-categories:

The greatest literary feats of medieval Sri Lanka include

Movietone, heralded the coming of Sri Lankan cinema in 1947.

Ranmuthu Duwa (Island of treasures,

black-and-white to colour. It in the recent years has

melodrama , social transformation and the years of conflict

LTTE.[324] The Sri Lankan cinematic style is similar to

Bollywood

movies. In 1979, movie attendance rose to an all-time high, but has been in steady decline since
then. [325]

An influential filmmaker is
global acclaim, including

Lester James Peiris

, who has directed a number of movies which led to

Rekava (Line of destiny, 1956),

Nidhanaya (The treasure, 1970) and

Gamperaliya (The changing village, 1964),

Golu Hadawatha (Cold heart, 1968).

[326] Sri

Lankan-Canadian

poet Rienzi Crusz , is the subject of a documentary on his life in Sri Lanka. His work is published in
Sinhalese and English. Similarly,

naturalized -Canadian Michael Ondaatje , is well known for his

English-language novels and three films.

The earliest music in Sri Lanka came from theatrical performances such as
Nadagam .[327] Traditional music instruments such as

Kolam , Sokari and

Bra , Thammtama , Daula and Raban were

oldest surviving prose work

[332] In

Kankariya can be also observed.

[331]

Hansa Sandeshaya (Swan message) and

Salalihini

Kavsilumina , Kavya-Sekharaya (diadem of poetry)

Saddharma-Ratnavaliya , Amavatura (Flood of nectar) and

Meena , a work of Simon de Silva appeared in 1905,

Martin Wickramasinghe
[337]

Pujavaliya are also

[331] and

was

Main article:

, the author of Madol

The Sri Lankan cricket team

practising

Twenty20 match against

August 2011.

in 1956.

cricket .[338] Rugby union also enjoys extensive popularity,

The Sri Lanka national cricket team

Maname , a

from underdog status to winning the

was followed by a series of popular dramas

the Theravada Buddhist tradition, was written down in Sri Lanka during the
at the Alulena cave temple,

Kegalle , as early as 29 BC.

[336] Ancient

scriptures in

Fourth Buddhist council

chronicles such as the

Mahavamsa, written in the 6th century, provide vivid descriptions of Sri Lankan dynasties.

[339] as

do athletics , football (soccer) and

achieved considerable success beginning in the 1990s, rising

1996 Cricket World Cup .[340] They also won the

2014 ICC

World Twenty20 played in Bangladesh, beating India in the final. In addition, Sri Lanka became the
runners-up of the

Cricket World Cup in 2007 [341] and 2011 ,[342] and of the

2009 and 2012 .[343]

Aryan literary tradition as

Rigveda .[335] The Pali Canon , the standard collection of

scuba diving on the coast, the beaches and backwaters

See also

ICC World Twenty20 in

Former Sri Lankan off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan has been rated as the greatest
bowler ever by Wisden Cricketers' Almanack

.[344] Sri Lanka has won the

Test match

Asia Cup in 1986 ,[345]

1997 ,[346] 2004 ,[347] 2008 [348] and 2014 .[349] Current world records for highest team score in all three
formats of cricket are also held by Sri Lanka.

[350] The

. Archived from the original

c d e

country co-hosted the Cricket World Cup in

(PDF) .

(PDF) on 5 February

"Sri Lanka" . International Monetary Fund . Retrieved 15 July 2014.

3. ^ "Gini Index" . World Bank. Retrieved 2 March 2011.

on provincial and national levels.

Nurti , a

like Sinhabahu , Pabavati , Mahasara , Muudu Puththu and Subha saha Yasa .
Sri Lankan literature spans at least two millennia, and is heir to the

[354] and

at 2000

World Billiards

native to Sri Lanka, Cheena di and Angampora .[355]

2. ^ a b

tennis . Sri Lanka's schools and colleges regularly organise sports and athletics teams, competing

play written by Ediriweera Sarachchandra

Susanthika Jayasinghe

Cue sport .[353] Aquatic sports such as boating,

attract a large number of Sri Lankans and foreign tourists. There are two styles of martial arts

2015. Retrieved 15 July 2014.

While the national sport in Sri Lanka is volleyball , by far the most popular sport in the country is

[334] It

surfing, swimming, kitesurfing

Department of Census and Statistics Sri Lanka

paintings in relic-chambers of Buddhist stupas, and in monastic residence.

century. [331] The golden age of Sri Lankan drama and theatre began with the staging of

one silver by

1. ^ "Census of Population and Housing 2011 Enumeration Stage February March 2012"

Australia at Pallekele Cricket Stadium

Mumbai introduced

[351] and

List of island countries

Sokri ,

palace on cloth using cinnabar in the 2nd century BC. The chronicles have description of various
Parsi theatre company from

Olympic Games , one silver, by Duncan White at 1948 London

200 metres .[352] In 1973, Mohammed Lafir won the

References

ahead of a

blend of European and Indian theatrical conventions to the Colombo audience in the 19th

Moor dishes, while Dutch and

List of beaches in Sri Lanka

Sport in Sri Lanka

century BC. [333] The earliest mention about the art of painting on Mahavamsa, is to the drawing of a

embodied in the hymns of the

[335]

Geta Braya is

The history of Sri Lankan painting and sculpture can be traced as far back as to the 2nd or 3rd

Theatre moved into the country when a

400 metres hurdles

Championship , the highest feat by a Sri Lankan in a

[330] that

Sanni Yakuma and Kohomba

2012 ICC World Twenty20 .

Sri Lankans have won two medals at

Sydney Olympics for women's

Sports

Kandyan dances , low

addition, four folk drama variants named

plantain leaf or lotus leaf

1996 and 2011 , and hosted the

Olympics for men's

Ves dance , Naiyandi dance , Udekki dance , Pantheru dance and 18

Kolam Nadagam , Pasu , and several devil dance variants such as

arts

[335]

Sandesha Kavya (poetic messages) such

Doova is considered the iconic figure of Sri Lankan literature.

dances. Of these, the Kandyan style, which flourished under

used to assist the dancer to keep on rhythm.

as a major venue for the performing

[335] The

is the Dhampiya-Atuva-Getapadaya , compiled in the 9th century.

as Gira Sandeshaya (Parrot message),

Vannam .[331] An elaborate headdress is worn by the male dancers and a drum called

was constructed

The movie Kadawunu Poronduwa (The broken promise), produced by S. M. Nayagam of Chitra Kala

between the military and the

Wilhelm Geiger , the chronicles are based on Sinhala

Atthakatha (commentary), that dates few more centuries back.

A Low Country drummer playing the

Sabaragamuwa

coconut milk , jaggery, cashew nuts , eggs, and spices including

nutmeg ), kottu , and hoppers .[321] Jackfruit may sometimes replace rice. Traditionally

food is served on a

According to the German philosopher

and

music genre in the

kings of the Kingdom of Kandy , is more prominent. It is a sophisticated form of dance,

featured subjects such as family

cinnamon and

Culture of Sri Lanka

The first modern-day novel,

Yak Bra .

Sri Lankan rice and curry.

pudding of Malay origin made of

notable works of this period, which is considered to be the golden age of Sri Lankan literature.

traditional

1962) marked the transition cinema from

reported that it had received 233 referrals of torture

Dishes include rice and curry, pittu , Kiribath , wholemeal Roti, String hoppers , wattalapam (a rich

and proses such as

There are three main styles of Sri Lankan classical dance. They are, the

Rajapaksa Theatre

and Festivals in Sri Lanka

Out of the Silence which documents evidence of torture in Sri

Sandeshaya (Myna message). Poetry including

, and Sri Lankan literature

The Nelum Pokuna Mahinda

Sri Lankan cuisine

Portuguese influences are found with the island's Burgher community preserving their culture

Thai Pongal ,

country dances and

[319]

Middle Eastern influences and practices are found in traditional

W. D. Amaradeva , H. R. Jothipala and Clarence Wijewardene have contributed

much towards the upliftment of Sri Lankan music.

published

followed by a number of revolutionary literary works.

, Dance s of Sri Lanka

Main articles:

.[302] Alleged

Nurthi , recorded in 1903, was released through

Mahagama Sekara

Main article:

in Sri Lanka has been

Hajj , Ramadan in their respective days of the year.

, Music of Sri Lanka

co-existed with the

hydraulic engineering and architecture .

Food and festivals

Culture

Visual, literary and performing arts

Main articles:

Sri Lanka is marked for its genius in

expectancy, advanced health standards and high literacy rate.

2009. [316]

[301]

country, originated among

[320] Ancient

Lanka and demonstrates that the practice has continued long after the end of the civil war in May

was launched. Initially

Christmas on 25 December to celebrate the birth

Easter to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. Tamils celebrate

Maha Shivaratri and Muslims celebrate

year, Freedom from Torture

all Television stations were state controlled, but private television networks began broadcasts in

musicians such as

indistinct.

survivors from Sri Lanka for clinical treatment or other services provided by the charity. In the same

a large number of private radio stations have also been introduced. Broadcast television was

Radio Ceylon (founded in 1925). Songwriters like

Esala Perahera is a

August. [323] Fire-dances, whip-dances, Kandian dances and various other cultural dances are
integral parts of the festival. Christians celebrate

Europe. [300] The station broadcasts services in Sinhalese, Tamil, English and

52 radio stations are in operation.

[318] Tamils

Sinhalese people since then, and the early mixing rendered the two ethnic groups almost physically

[314][315]

In 2012, the UK charity Freedom from Torture

(formerly Radio Ceylon ) is the oldest-running radio station

Edward Harper just three years after broadcasting began in

performed at these dramas. The first music album,

Breudher (Dutch Holiday Biscuit), and Bolo Fiado (Portuguese-style layer cake).
In April, Sri Lankans celebrate the

intimidated by security forces.

and Media in Sri Lanka

The Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation

1992.

[319]

The first Tamil immigration was probably around the 3rd century BC.

allowed to go wherever she wanted but that Sri Lankans who came to meet her were harassed and

As of 2010, 51 newspapers (30 Sinhala, 10 Tamil, 11 English) are published and 34 TV stations and

effective linkage between secondary and tertiary education remain major challenges for the

Buddhism and

The rich cultural traditions shared by all Sri Lankan cultures is the basis of the country's long life

Navanethem Pillay visited Sri Lanka in May 2013. After her visit

civilian life and reports of military land grabbing. She also said that while in Sri Lanka she had been

introduced to the country in 1979 when the

schools and Pirivenas .[242]

The Sri Lankan government has

undermined and the rule of law eroded." Pillay spoke about the military's increasing involvement in

Human rights and media

Human rights in Sri Lanka

[312]

influenced primarily by

Hinduism .[318] Sri Lanka is the home to two main traditional cultures: the Sinhalese (centred in the

democratic tradition matched by few other developing countries.

in Sri Lanka, the second highest figure

she said, "The war may have ended [in Sri Lanka], but in the meantime democracy has been

are small contributions from air and water based media, to the inland transport of the country.

in Asia, [300] established in 1923 by

administration of schools between the central government and the provincial government. Thus the
elite National Schools are controlled directly by the

Rail network of Sri Lanka consists of main line, coastal line, and up-country line. In addition, there

Kavadi at
[317] It is

recent times, the British colonial culture has also influenced the locals. Sri Lanka claims a

[311]

[313]

UN Human Rights Commissioner

Vavuniya .

ancient cities of Kandy and Anuradhapura) and the Tamil (centred in the city of Jaffna). In more

alleged war

confirmed that 6,445 of these are dead. Allegations of human rights abuses have not ended with
the close of the ethnic conflict.

a temple in

Corruption remains a problem in Sri Lanka, and

in the world since the Working Group came into being in 1980.

under local government authorities.

Hindu devotees engaging in

The culture of Sri Lanka dates back over 2500 years.

undergone disappearance after detention by security forces

Road Development Authority of the respective province. The other roads are local roads falling

Main articles:

.[307]

human rights . A report by an advisory panel to the

The UN Human Rights Council has documented over 12,000 named individuals who have

Authority. [299] C & D grade roads are provincial roads coming under the purview of the Provincial
[287]

[309][310]

, Freedom

(LTTE) and the

there is currently very little protection for those who stand up against corruption.

A and B grade roads are national (arterial) highways administered by Road Development

, Sri Lanka's premier

[288] An

E-grade highways are the latest addition to Sri Lanka's road network. These

connect local communities together, by-passing busy and congested town centers.

developing nations .[285] Its youth literacy rate stands at 98%,

and primary school enrolment rate at over 99%.

crimes during final stages of the civil war.

are access-controlled, high-mobility roads with permitted speeds up to 120 km/h. These highways

's

Sarachchandra open-air theatre

Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam

are accused of violating

United Nations .

Amnesty International

United States Department of State

UN secretary-general has accused both the LTTE and the Sri Lankan government of

has one of the highest road densities in the world (1.5 km of paved roads per

every 1sq.km. of land).

The University of Peradeniya

have come under criticism by

from Torture and Human Rights Watch ,[306] as well as the

Sri Lanka has an extensive road network for inland transportation. With more than 100,000 km of
[298] it

,[304] who had

article. [305]

Transport in Sri Lanka

paved roads,

international notoriety

Lasantha Wickrematunge

also been a critic of the government and had presaged his own death in a posthumously published

Transport

Education in Sri Lanka

[303] achieved

because of the unsolved murder of the editor's predecessor

[296]

4. ^ a b "2015 Human Development Report Statistical Annex"

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(PDF)

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