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Sri Lanka

Capital:Colombo (commercial capital); Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte (legislative capital)
Population:22.2M
Currency:Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR)
Language:Sinhala (official) 74%, Tamil (national language) 18%, other 8%. English is widely understood.
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Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Factsheet

Customs and Culture

Cultural Attributes

While some groups seek independence, people generally seek peace, unity, and economic development for the entire population. Sri Lankans are usually friendly people and are tolerant of opinions and beliefs.

Monkeys are everywhere in Sri Lanka

The Emerald Isle of Spice and Spirit

Get More Customs and Culture

5 more cultural topics for members

Social Customs & Etiquette · Diet · Family · Dating Customs · Recreation

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Holidays

  • Independence Day

    2/4

    Independence Day

Dates of Interest

  • January

    Celebrated by the Tamil community in January, Thai Pongal is a harvest festival dedicated to the Sun God. It involves cooking a special dish called "Pongal" and making offerings of thanks for the harvest.

How do people greet each other in Sri Lanka?

The traditional greeting is placing the palms together under the chin with a slight bow of the head, though a Western handshake is also acceptable.

Do

  • Address acquaintances by their titles, which are important
  • Use the palms-together gesture with a slight head bow

Good to know

  • Different ethnic groups may greet each other in different ways

What are the dining and food customs in Sri Lanka?

Rice is the staple at all meals, accompanied by a variety of curries ranging from mild to very spicy, with tea served at most meals. Religion strongly shapes what people eat.

Do

  • Accept refreshments offered by hosts
  • Expect tea served with meals and as refreshment

Don’t

  • Don't refuse refreshments offered by hosts, as it is impolite

Good to know

  • Strict Buddhists eat no flesh; some include fish or eggs
  • Hindus avoid beef and pork; Muslims avoid pork
  • Sri Lankans eat little meat but many pulses and nuts

What etiquette should I follow when visiting Sri Lankans?

Sri Lankans are very hospitable and welcome even unexpected visits; when visiting, men and women often split into separate groups.

Do

  • Remove your shoes when entering some homes and always at Buddhist temples

Good to know

  • Men may play bridge while women chat, sing, and weave outside
  • A caste system still exists, so someone you invite to sit may be reluctant to do so

How should I dress in Sri Lanka?

Western-style clothing is popular alongside traditional dress, with two basic styles for men and women.

Good to know

  • Women may wear a saree with a tight blouse
  • Men may wear loose-fitting pants with a long shirt, or a sarong (lunghi) wrapped at the waist

What gestures are important to know in Sri Lanka?

The head is considered the most sacred part of the body, and images of Buddha are sacred, so certain gestures must be respected.

Do

  • Pass objects with the right hand or both hands
  • Beckon by waving all fingers with the palm facing down

Don’t

  • Don't touch a person's head
  • Don't point with your foot or your index finger
  • Don't touch, lean on, or sit on any image of Buddha

Good to know

  • People often smile instead of saying thank you
  • Women are forbidden to touch a Buddhist monk
  • Western women should avoid smiling too much, as it may be seen as flirtation

What is family life like in Sri Lanka?

The family is the central social unit; the wife manages the household and has influence in all family matters, and the elderly receive deep respect.

Do

  • Show deep respect to the elderly and yield to their counsel

Good to know

  • Children expect to care for their elderly parents if needed
  • Arranged marriages still prevail, though individual choice occurs in Westernized circles
  • The minimum marriage age for women is 18, except among Muslims who follow customary practices

What do people do for recreation in Sri Lanka?

Cricket is the country's most popular sport, and people commonly spend leisure time with family, at school events, or in religious observances.

Good to know

  • "Elle" is Sri Lanka's version of baseball, played with a bamboo stick
  • Women enjoy badminton and netball
  • Children play soccer, volleyball, cricket, hide-and-seek, dice, and string games
  • Families near the ocean enjoy going to the beach

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Sri Lanka

View all 31 photos

Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Currency
Sri Lankan rupee (LKR)
Time Difference
UTC+5.5 (10.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Climate
Monsoons produce two rainy seasons. The southwest monsoon lasts roughly from May to September. During this period, the southwestern part of the island, including Colombo, receives much of its average annual rainfall of 100 inches. The northeast monsoon, from about October or November through February, provides the northern and eastern parts of the island virtually all their average annual rainfall of 60 inches. Monsoon showers can become torrential in the Colombo area. December through March generally proves the driest period.
Airports
14
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Recipes

Featured Dish

Sri Lankan Flat Bread (rotis)

Bread

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History

Historical Eras

  1. Ancient Kingdoms

    500 BCE – 1070

    Sinhalese settlers from northern India established the island's first great civilization, centered on Anuradhapura from around 200 BCE. Buddhism, introduced in the 3rd century BCE during the reign of the Mauryan emperor Ashoka's emissary Mahinda, became the cornerstone of Sinhalese identity and statecraft. The era was defined by sophisticated hydraulic engineering, Buddhist chronicle-writing, and dynastic conflicts with South Indian invaders, including the legendary King Dutugamunu's victory over the Chola king Elara around 161 BCE.

  2. Polonnaruwa & Decline

    1070 – 1400

    Following Chola occupation, King Vijayabahu I reunified the island and shifted the capital to Polonnaruwa, which flourished under Parakramabahu I in the 12th century as a center of Buddhist art, architecture, and expansive irrigation works. The kingdom fragmented after 1200 amid internal strife and further South Indian incursions. By the 14th century, a Tamil dynasty established the Kingdom of Jaffna in the north, permanently altering the island's political and ethnic geography.

  3. European Colonial Era

    1505 – 1815

    Portuguese arrival in Colombo in 1505 initiated over three centuries of European dominance, during which successive colonial powers suppressed Buddhism and promoted Christianity. The Dutch expelled the Portuguese in 1658, controlling coastal territories until Britain assumed power in 1796 and declared Ceylon its first Crown Colony in 1802. British forces completed their conquest with the fall of the Kingdom of Kandy in 1815, extinguishing the last independent Sinhalese polity.

  4. British Crown Colony

    1815 – 1948

    Under consolidated British rule, Ceylon was unified administratively and transformed economically through plantation agriculture, with Tamil laborers imported from South India to work tea and rubber estates. The British progressively extended political participation, culminating in universal suffrage under the Donoughmore Constitution of 1931. A growing nationalist movement leveraging these constitutional reforms ultimately secured full independence for Ceylon on February 4, 1948.

  5. Ceylon / Early Independence

    1948 – 1983

    Independent Ceylon maintained democratic governance through successive elected governments, though communal tensions escalated sharply after Solomon Bandaranaike's 1956 election on a platform of Sinhalese nationalism and the Official Language Act, which marginalized Tamil speakers. The country adopted a new republican constitution in 1972 and renamed itself Sri Lanka. Tamil political grievances deepened through this period, leading to the formation of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in 1976.

  6. Civil War & Modern Era

    1983 – present

    The anti-Tamil pogrom of July 1983 ignited a devastating civil war between the Sri Lankan state and the LTTE, marked by four escalating Eelam Wars, suicide bombings, and the assassination of President Premadasa in 1993. The government declared military victory over the LTTE in May 2009, ending 26 years of armed conflict at enormous human cost. Post-war Sri Lanka has grappled with reconciliation, accountability for wartime abuses, economic development, and the political turbulence that culminated in the popular uprising of 2022.

Overview

Reclining and standing Buddhas at Polonnaruwa

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Timeline of Key Events

  1. 161 BCE – 137

    The legendary King Duthagamani ruled Sri Lanka.

    The legendary King Duthagamani ruled Sri Lanka.

  2. 993

    The south Indian Cola Empire captured Anuradhapura (Sri Lanka).

    The south Indian Cola Empire captured Anuradhapura (Sri Lanka).

  3. 1505

    Portuguese arrive in Colombo, marking beginning of European interest.

    Portuguese arrive in Colombo, marking beginning of European interest.

  4. 1658

    Dutch force out Portuguese.

    Dutch force out Portuguese and establish control over whole island except central kingdom of Kandy.

  5. 1796

    Britain begins to take over island.

    Britain begins to take over island.

  6. 1800 – 1900

    Tamil people of southern India were taken by the British.

    Tamil people of southern India were taken by the British to Ceylon to clear the jungles and work plantations.

  7. 1931

    British grant the right to vote and introduce power sharing with Sinhalese-run cabinet.

    British grant the right to vote and introduce power sharing with Sinhalese-run cabinet.

View full timeline (21 events)
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Interesting Facts

  • When a child loses a tooth they close their eyes and say “Squirrel, squirrel, take this tooth and give me a new one.” Then they throw it on the roof and run into the house without looking.

  • Sri Lanka has the world's highest rate of suicide with 47 per 1,000 people.

  • The oldest Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike was 78 years old when he was elected.

  • Elephants are an important part of Sri Lankan culture. They are decorated for religious processions called peraheras, and their images appear in temples and palaces. Some elephants are still used for work. Others are in danger of extinction due to uncontrolled expansion of agriculture and development.

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Geography and Environment

A pear-shaped island in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka lies 18 miles from India at its closest point. It has an area of 25,332 square miles, a length of 268 miles, a width of 139 miles. Located in the tropical zone between 5 N and 9 N and between 80 E and 82 E. Sri Lanka has many areas of scenic beauty and historic interest.
Terrain
mostly low, flat to rolling plain; mountains in south-central interior
Climate
Monsoons produce two rainy seasons. The southwest monsoon lasts roughly from May to September. During this period, the southwestern part of the island, including Colombo, receives much of its average annual rainfall of 100 inches. The northeast monsoon, from about October or November through February, provides the northern and eastern parts of the island virtually all their average annual rainfall of 60 inches. Monsoon showers can become torrential in the Colombo area. December through March generally proves the driest period.
Natural Hazards
occasional cyclones and tornadoes
Current Environmental Issues
deforestation; soil erosion; wildlife populations threatened by poaching and urbanization; coastal degradation from mining activities and increased pollution; freshwater resources being polluted by industrial wastes and sewage runoff; waste disposal; air pollution in Colombo
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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

Sinhala (official) 74%, Tamil (national language) 18%, other 8%. English is widely understood.

  • Sinhala
  • Sinhala
  • Tamil

Population

Population
22,156,000
Population in Major Urban Areas
COLOMBO (capital) 693,000; Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte (legislative capital) 126,000
Nationality Noun
Sri Lankan(s)
Ethnic Groups
Sinhalese 74%, Tamil 18%, Moor 7%, Burgher, Malay, and Vedda 1%

Education

Literacy Definition
age 15 and over can read and write

Health Information

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in Sri Lanka stands at approximately 76 years overall, with women living to around 79 years and men to about 73 years. These figures place Sri Lanka among the highest-performing nations in South Asia for longevity, reflecting decades of sustained investment in public health infrastructure, education, and primary care services. Sri Lanka's relatively strong life expectancy outcomes are rooted in its long-standing commitment to free, universal healthcare. The country established a public health system in the mid-twentieth century that expanded access to maternal and child health services, immunization programs, and communicable disease control across both urban and rural areas. As a result, infant and child mortality rates declined sharply over the following decades, contributing significantly to improved average lifespans. The prevalence of non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer, has grown in recent years as the population ages and urbanization increases. These conditions now represent the leading causes of death, and the government has responded with national programs targeting screening, early detection, and lifestyle education. Road traffic accidents and mental health concerns are also recognized as emerging public health challenges that affect overall mortality trends. Sri Lanka's relatively high female life expectancy reflects strong rates of female literacy and educational attainment, which correlate closely with better health outcomes for women and their families. Access to prenatal care is widespread, and maternal mortality rates have fallen to among the lowest in the region. Rural populations, particularly in the Northern and Eastern provinces, have historically faced disparities in healthcare access partly due to the prolonged civil conflict that ended in 2009. Ongoing efforts to rehabilitate and expand health infrastructure in these areas have gradually narrowed the gap between regional life expectancy outcomes. However, the severe economic crisis that struck Sri Lanka in 2022 placed considerable strain on the public health system, disrupting the supply of essential medicines and medical equipment, which poses a longer-term risk to the health gains the country has achieved. Overall, Sri Lanka's life expectancy at birth serves as a marker of the country's broader social development, demonstrating that strong public health commitments can produce outcomes comparable to much wealthier nations, even as new economic and demographic pressures test the resilience of that system.
Major Infectious Diseases — degree of risk
high
Infant Mortality Rate
Sri Lanka has achieved remarkably low infant mortality rates by South Asian standards, reflecting decades of investment in public health infrastructure, maternal care, and universal healthcare access. The country's infant mortality rate stands at approximately 6 to 7 deaths per 1,000 live births, a figure that places it among the best-performing nations in the broader Asia-Pacific region and far ahead of many of its regional neighbors. This achievement is especially notable given Sri Lanka's status as a lower-middle-income country. The government has long prioritized accessible healthcare through a network of public hospitals, maternity clinics, and trained midwives operating at the community level. Nearly all births in Sri Lanka take place in health facilities attended by skilled medical personnel, which dramatically reduces risks associated with complications during delivery. Immunization programs have played a central role in keeping infant mortality low. Coverage rates for vaccines targeting diseases such as measles, polio, diphtheria, and tuberculosis consistently exceed 90 percent nationwide, protecting newborns and young infants from conditions that remain leading causes of infant death in many developing countries. Breastfeeding promotion, oral rehydration therapy, and community-based nutrition programs have further contributed to infant survival. Sri Lanka's relatively high literacy rate among women, particularly in maternal health education, has also supported better newborn care practices at the household level. Despite these successes, disparities do exist between urban and rural areas, as well as among certain estate sector communities where access to healthcare services has historically lagged behind national averages. The government and international organizations have directed targeted programs toward these populations to help close the gap. Compared to the global average infant mortality rate of roughly 27 deaths per 1,000 live births, Sri Lanka's performance reflects a public health model that many development experts point to as a benchmark for low-income and lower-middle-income countries seeking to improve child survival outcomes.

Life Expectancy

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in Sri Lanka stands at approximately 76 years overall, with women living to around 79 years and men to about 73 years. These figures place Sri Lanka among the highest-performing nations in South Asia for longevity, reflecting decades of sustained investment in public health infrastructure, education, and primary care services. Sri Lanka's relatively strong life expectancy outcomes are rooted in its long-standing commitment to free, universal healthcare. The country established a public health system in the mid-twentieth century that expanded access to maternal and child health services, immunization programs, and communicable disease control across both urban and rural areas. As a result, infant and child mortality rates declined sharply over the following decades, contributing significantly to improved average lifespans. The prevalence of non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer, has grown in recent years as the population ages and urbanization increases. These conditions now represent the leading causes of death, and the government has responded with national programs targeting screening, early detection, and lifestyle education. Road traffic accidents and mental health concerns are also recognized as emerging public health challenges that affect overall mortality trends. Sri Lanka's relatively high female life expectancy reflects strong rates of female literacy and educational attainment, which correlate closely with better health outcomes for women and their families. Access to prenatal care is widespread, and maternal mortality rates have fallen to among the lowest in the region. Rural populations, particularly in the Northern and Eastern provinces, have historically faced disparities in healthcare access partly due to the prolonged civil conflict that ended in 2009. Ongoing efforts to rehabilitate and expand health infrastructure in these areas have gradually narrowed the gap between regional life expectancy outcomes. However, the severe economic crisis that struck Sri Lanka in 2022 placed considerable strain on the public health system, disrupting the supply of essential medicines and medical equipment, which poses a longer-term risk to the health gains the country has achieved. Overall, Sri Lanka's life expectancy at birth serves as a marker of the country's broader social development, demonstrating that strong public health commitments can produce outcomes comparable to much wealthier nations, even as new economic and demographic pressures test the resilience of that system.
Infant Mortality Rate
Sri Lanka has achieved remarkably low infant mortality rates by South Asian standards, reflecting decades of investment in public health infrastructure, maternal care, and universal healthcare access. The country's infant mortality rate stands at approximately 6 to 7 deaths per 1,000 live births, a figure that places it among the best-performing nations in the broader Asia-Pacific region and far ahead of many of its regional neighbors. This achievement is especially notable given Sri Lanka's status as a lower-middle-income country. The government has long prioritized accessible healthcare through a network of public hospitals, maternity clinics, and trained midwives operating at the community level. Nearly all births in Sri Lanka take place in health facilities attended by skilled medical personnel, which dramatically reduces risks associated with complications during delivery. Immunization programs have played a central role in keeping infant mortality low. Coverage rates for vaccines targeting diseases such as measles, polio, diphtheria, and tuberculosis consistently exceed 90 percent nationwide, protecting newborns and young infants from conditions that remain leading causes of infant death in many developing countries. Breastfeeding promotion, oral rehydration therapy, and community-based nutrition programs have further contributed to infant survival. Sri Lanka's relatively high literacy rate among women, particularly in maternal health education, has also supported better newborn care practices at the household level. Despite these successes, disparities do exist between urban and rural areas, as well as among certain estate sector communities where access to healthcare services has historically lagged behind national averages. The government and international organizations have directed targeted programs toward these populations to help close the gap. Compared to the global average infant mortality rate of roughly 27 deaths per 1,000 live births, Sri Lanka's performance reflects a public health model that many development experts point to as a benchmark for low-income and lower-middle-income countries seeking to improve child survival outcomes.
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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
SriLanka
Full Country Name
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Former Name
Serendib, Ceylon

Government Structure

Government Type
republic
Legal System
a highly complex mixture of English common law, Roman-Dutch, Muslim, Sinhalese, and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive Branch
chief of state: President Anura Kumara DISSANAYAKE (since 23 September 2024); the president is considered both the chief of state and head of government head of government: President Anura Kumara DISSANAYAKE (since 23 September 2024); the president is considered both the chief of state and head of government cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president in consultation with the prime minister elections: President elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held on 21 September 2024 (next to be held in 2029) election results: Anura Kumara DISSANAYAKE elected president in the first election conducted under a preferential voting system; percent of first-preference vote - Anura Kumara DISSANAYAKE 42.3%, Sajith PREMADASA 32.8%, Ranil WICKREMESINGHE 17.3%, other 7.6%
Legislative Branch
Unicameral Parliament (225 seats; members elected by popular vote on the basis of a proportional representation system by electoral district to serve five-year terms) Elections: last held on 14 August 2024 (next to be held by 2029) Election results: percent of vote by party or electoral alliance - NPP/JVP 61.56%, SJB 18.17%, SLPP 2.77%, ITAK 2.16%, UNP 0.67%, others 14.67%; seats by party - NPP/JVP 159, SJB 40, ITAK 8, SLPP 3, SLFP 3, UNP 1, others 11
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court; Court of Appeals; judges for both courts are appointed by the president
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Constitution
adopted 16 August 1978
Independence
4 February 1948 (from UK)
National Holiday
Independence Day, 4 February (1948)

Capital City

Capital Name
Colombo (commercial capital); Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte (legislative capital)
Capital - geographic coordinate
6 55 N, 79 50 E
Capital Time Difference
UTC+5.5 (10.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Colombo may derive from the Sinhala "kolon thota," meaning "port on the river" (referring to the Kelani River that empties into the Indian Ocean at Colombo); alternatively, the name may derive from the Sinhala "kola amba thota" meaning "harbor with mango trees"; it is also possible that the Portuguese named the city after Christopher COLUMBUS, who lived in Portugal for many years (as Cristovao COLOMBO) before discovering the Americas for the Spanish crown in 1492 - not long before the Portuguese made their way to Sri Lanka in 1505; Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte translates as "Resplendent City of Growing Victory" in Sinhala

Military

Branches: Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

U.S. Embassy Colombo

210 Galle Road

Colombo 03

Sri Lanka

Telephone: 94 11 249 8500

Emergency after-hours telephone: 94 77 725 6307

Facsimile: 94 11 249 8590

Email for American Citizens Services issues: ColomboACS@state.gov

Please note that the U.S. Embassy’s normal business hours in Colombo are Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon. The Embassy in Colombo also covers the Republic of Maldives.

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Economy

In 1977, Sri Lanka abandoned statist economic policies and import substitution in favor of market-oriented reforms and export-led growth. Today, the country's most dynamic sectors include textiles and apparel, tourism, food and beverage processing, telecommunications, financial services, and information technology.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR)
GDP — official exchange rate
$21,620,000,000 (USD)
GDP Real Growth Rate
-2.3%
Gini Index
34.4
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News & Weather

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Climate Overview

Monsoons produce two rainy seasons. The southwest monsoon lasts roughly from May to September. During this period, the southwestern part of the island, including Colombo, receives much of its average annual rainfall of 100 inches.

The northeast monsoon, from about October or November through February, provides the northern and eastern parts of the island virtually all their average annual rainfall of 60 inches. Monsoon showers can become torrential in the Colombo area. December through March generally proves the driest period.

Videos

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Sri Lanka?
The population of Sri Lanka is approximately 22.2M.
How do people greet each other in Sri Lanka?
The traditional greeting is placing the palms together under the chin with a slight bow of the head, though a Western handshake is also acceptable. Do: Address acquaintances by their titles, which are important Use the palms-together gesture with a slight head bow Different ethnic groups may greet each other in different ways
What are the dining and food customs in Sri Lanka?
Rice is the staple at all meals, accompanied by a variety of curries ranging from mild to very spicy, with tea served at most meals. Religion strongly shapes what people eat. Do: Accept refreshments offered by hosts Expect tea served with meals and as refreshment Don't: Don't refuse refreshments offered by hosts, as it is impolite Strict Buddhists eat no flesh; some include fish or eggs Hindus avoid beef and pork; Muslims avoid pork Sri Lankans eat little meat but many pulses and nuts
What etiquette should I follow when visiting Sri Lankans?
Sri Lankans are very hospitable and welcome even unexpected visits; when visiting, men and women often split into separate groups. Do: Remove your shoes when entering some homes and always at Buddhist temples Men may play bridge while women chat, sing, and weave outside A caste system still exists, so someone you invite to sit may be reluctant to do so
How should I dress in Sri Lanka?
Western-style clothing is popular alongside traditional dress, with two basic styles for men and women. Women may wear a saree with a tight blouse Men may wear loose-fitting pants with a long shirt, or a sarong (lunghi) wrapped at the waist
What gestures are important to know in Sri Lanka?
The head is considered the most sacred part of the body, and images of Buddha are sacred, so certain gestures must be respected. Do: Pass objects with the right hand or both hands Beckon by waving all fingers with the palm facing down Don't: Don't touch a person's head Don't point with your foot or your index finger Don't touch, lean on, or sit on any image of Buddha People often smile instead of saying thank you Women are forbidden to touch a Buddhist monk Western women should avoid smiling too much, as it may be seen as flirtation
What is family life like in Sri Lanka?
The family is the central social unit; the wife manages the household and has influence in all family matters, and the elderly receive deep respect. Do: Show deep respect to the elderly and yield to their counsel Children expect to care for their elderly parents if needed Arranged marriages still prevail, though individual choice occurs in Westernized circles The minimum marriage age for women is 18, except among Muslims who follow customary practices
What do people do for recreation in Sri Lanka?
Cricket is the country's most popular sport, and people commonly spend leisure time with family, at school events, or in religious observances. "Elle" is Sri Lanka's version of baseball, played with a bamboo stick Women enjoy badminton and netball Children play soccer, volleyball, cricket, hide-and-seek, dice, and string games Families near the ocean enjoy going to the beach
What is the capital of Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka has two capital cities serving distinct functions. Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte serves as the legislative capital and the seat of parliament, while Colombo functions as the commercial capital and largest city, housing the majority of government ministries, foreign embassies, and the country's primary port. This dual-capital arrangement reflects the administrative restructuring that followed independence, with Colombo remaining the practical hub of national and international affairs.
Where is Sri Lanka located?
Sri Lanka is an island nation situated in South Asia, lying in the Indian Ocean just off the southeastern tip of the Indian subcontinent. Separated from India by the shallow Palk Strait, it occupies a strategically significant position along major maritime trade routes connecting East Asia with the Middle East and Europe. The island sits roughly between latitudes 6° and 10° North, giving it a predominantly tropical climate year-round.
What are the ocean and sea borders of Sri Lanka?
As an island nation, Sri Lanka shares no land borders. It is surrounded by the Indian Ocean, with the Bay of Bengal lying to its northeast and the Laccadive Sea to its northwest. The narrow Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar separate the island from the southern coast of India. These surrounding waters have historically shaped Sri Lanka's role as a vital crossroads of Indian Ocean trade and cultural exchange.
What is the main religion of Sri Lanka?
Buddhism is the predominant religion, practiced by approximately 70% of the population, predominantly among the Sinhalese ethnic majority. Hinduism accounts for roughly 15%, observed mainly within the Tamil community, while Christianity represents about 8% of the population, a legacy of Portuguese and Dutch colonial influence. Buddhism has been central to Sri Lankan civilization since approximately the mid-third century B.C. and continues to shape law, culture, and national identity.
What currency is used in Sri Lanka?
The official currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lanka Rupee, with the ISO code LKR. The rupee is subdivided into 100 cents and is issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, which was established following independence. The currency has experienced periods of significant volatility, particularly during the economic crisis of the early 2020s, which brought international attention to the country's fiscal challenges and led to major political and monetary policy reforms.
What languages are spoken in Sri Lanka?
Sinhala is the official language, spoken by approximately 74% of the population and closely tied to the Buddhist Sinhalese majority. Tamil holds national language status and is spoken by roughly 18% of the population, primarily by Tamil Hindus in the north and east. English, introduced during British colonial rule, is widely understood among educated urban populations and functions as a common language in government, commerce, and higher education.
What is the geography of Sri Lanka like?
Sri Lanka is a relatively compact island with a varied terrain that includes a central highland massif, fertile coastal lowlands, and an extensive coastline of beaches and lagoons. The central highlands, which include Adam's Peak and Pidurutalagala — the island's highest point at 2,524 metres — give way to broad plains used extensively for rice cultivation and tea plantations. The climate is tropical, moderated by two monsoon seasons, and the island's biodiversity is exceptional relative to its size.
What is Sri Lanka known for?
Sri Lanka is internationally recognized for its production of Ceylon tea, one of the world's most celebrated export crops, as well as for high-quality cinnamon, sapphires, and other precious gemstones. The ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, draw scholars and travelers for their remarkable Buddhist ruins and reservoirs dating back over two millennia. The island is also noted for its distinct cuisine featuring coconut-based curries, and for its traditional masked dance forms and vibrant Vesak festival celebrations.

Last reviewed 2026

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