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 Sri Lanka’s idyllic landscape and a mercurial mix of opportunities make it the ultimate holiday destination
Today’s Sri Lanka welcome its visitors to experience the nation’s glittering tapestry of culture, and the rich abundance of nature, so handsomely bestowed, and to give credence to the old adage – that good things come in small packages.
Sri Lanka’s archaeological treasures bear testimony to a civilization that spanned the golden age of Periclean Greece, the Roman Empire, Mayan citadels, and Napoleonic grandeur. The resultant legacy is a culture embellished by the more recent influences of Western colonizers, and Eastern traders, producing a mercurial mix of races and religions, arts and crafts, festivals and costumes that enchant the visitor with their exquisite variety.
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Climate:
Lowlands tropical, average 27° C. Central hills cooler, with temperature dropping to 14° C. The Southwest monsoon brings rain to the Western, Southern and Central regions from May to July, while the Northeastern monsoon occurs in the North and East in December and January. Sri Lanka boasts a good climate for holiday- makers throughout the year. |
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History:
Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage stretches back over 2500 years of chronicled history. The country had established trade and cultural links with many civilizations. Throughout history, the island has been known by different names, to the Greek it was Taprobane, to the Arabs it was Serandib, to the Portuguese it was Ceilo, to the Dutch it was Zeylan, and to the British it was Ceylon. Sri Lanka was the island’s ancient name, which means “The Resplendent Island”. |
Population: |
19.6 million |
Population Density: |
average 300 per sq. km; Colombo 3,000 per sq. km |
Literacy rate: |
91.8 % |
Ethnic Mix: |
Sinhalese - 74 % , Tamils - 18 % , Muslims - 7 % , Burghers (Descendants of Dutch & Portuguese ) and Others - 1 % . |
Religions: |
The four major Religions are: Buddhists - 70 % , Hindus - 16%, Christians - 7 % , Islam - 7 % |
Languages: |
Sinhala , Tamil , English, English is spoken throughout the country, with the exception of remote villages. |
Currency : |
Sri Lankan Rupee (Rs.) , one Rupee is made up of 100 cents. |
Annual per capita GNP : |
US $ 1188 |
Labour Force: |
Agriculture – 35% , Industry – 22% , Services – 43% |
Major Exports : |
Textiles & Garments, Petroleum products, Tea, Rubber, Coconut, Fruits, Spices & Gems and Jewellery. |
Major Foreign Exchange Earners : |
Garments, Tea, Tourism |
Tourism : |
549,308 pax per annum (2005) |
| Health Care : |
Most Cities have General Hospitals, many Clinics and Pharmacies with Competent medical staff. |
Banks : |
Open Monday to Friday : 9.00 Am to 3.00 Pm
Many hotels and shops accept reputed Credit cards like Visa & Master.
Most of the Banks have the facility of ATM island wide. |
Air Lines: |
International airlines operate comprehensive route network, which make Sri Lanka an easily accessible destination. National carrier is Sri Lankan Air Lines. |
Visas : |
Residents from 72 countries are issued visas on arrival for a period of 30 days and could be extended . Consult your local Sri Lankan embassy or consulate for more details. |
Time Zone : |
GMT + 5:30 hours |
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GENERAL INFORMATION OF SRI LANKA 
