Sri Lanka Geography
What is the terrain and geography like in Sri Lanka?
Overview
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. The island consists of
two main topographical sections: the mountainous south-central region which rises to 8,281 feet above sea level and the low-lying northern, eastern, and southwestern coastal plains. Dense vegetation covers a large part of Sri Lanka, particularly the southern and western coasts. Rubber and coconut trees grow in the midlands and lowlands, and the highlands have vast tea estates.
In Colombo, temperatures rarely rise above 90 F or drop below 70 F; relative humidity varies from 70% during the day to 90% at night. The mountainous districts have an average day temperature of about 60 F, but at night it drops rapidly, sometimes to near freezing in winter in places such as Nuwara Eliya (altitude of 5,905 feet).
Geography - note
strategic location near major Indian Ocean sea lanes
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.
Sri Lanka Use of Natural Resources
Sri Lanka Environment
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.
Terrain:
mostly low, flat to rolling plain; mountains in south-central interior
Natural Resources:
limestone, graphite, mineral sands, gems, phosphates, clay, hydropower
Natural Hazards:
occasional cyclones and tornadoes
Irrigated Land:
2,201 Square Miles5,700 Square Kilometers
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
Environment - International Agreements:
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlandssigned, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation
Sri Lanka Geography
| Geographic Location | Asia |
| Total Area |
25,332 Square Miles 65,610 Square Kilometers |
| Land Area |
24,954 Square Miles 64,630 Square Kilometers |
| Water Area |
378 Square Miles 980 Square Kilometers |
| Irrigated Land |
2,201 Square Miles 5,700 Square Kilometers |
| Coastline |
833 Miles 1,340 Kilometers |
| Geographic Coordinates | 7 00 N, 81 00 E |
| Terrain | mostly low, flat to rolling plain; mountains in south-central interior |
| Highest Point | 2,524 Meters |
| Highest Point Location | Pidurutalagala 2,524 m |
| Lowest Point Location | Indian Ocean 0 m |
| Natural Resources | limestone, graphite, mineral sands, gems, phosphates, clay, hydropower |
| Time Zone | UTC+5.5 (10.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) |