Sri Lanka

Island Nation of Serendipity, Spiritual Heritage, and Strategic Significance

Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, located to the south of India. Known for its tropical landscapes, ancient Buddhist ruins, and strategic maritime location, Sri Lanka is rich in culture, biodiversity, and heritage. Despite facing political and economic challenges, the country is rebuilding its global image as a hub of tourism, trade, and regional diplomacy.

Formation and Historical Background

  • Ancient kingdoms like Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa flourished over 2,000 years ago.

  • Buddhism was introduced in the 3rd century BCE by Mahinda Thera, sent by Emperor Ashoka of India.

  • Colonized successively by Portuguese, Dutch, and British (1505–1948).

  • Gained independence from Britain in 1948, became a republic in 1972, and adopted the name Sri Lanka.

  • Experienced a civil war (1983–2009) between the government and the LTTE (Tamil Tigers).

  • Since the end of the war, the country has focused on reconciliation, development, and global engagement.

Administrative Information

Attribute Details
Country Name Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Capital (Legislative) Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Commercial Capital Colombo
Continent Asia (South Asia)
Official Languages Sinhala and Tamil
Currency Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Area Approx. 65,610 sq. km
Population Approx. 22 million (2024 est.)
Time Zone Sri Lanka Standard Time (UTC+5:30)
ISO Code LK
Internet TLD .lk
Calling Code +94

Government and Leadership

Position Current Officeholder (as of 2024)
President Ranil Wickremesinghe
Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena
Government Type Semi-presidential Constitutional Republic
Legislature Unicameral – Parliament of Sri Lanka
Judiciary Supreme Court of Sri Lanka

Administrative Divisions

Sri Lanka is divided into:

  • 9 Provinces

  • 25 Districts

  • 331 Divisional Secretariat Divisions (DS Divisions)

List of Provinces and their Districts:

  1. Western Province – Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara

  2. Central Province – Kandy, Matale, Nuwara Eliya

  3. Southern Province – Galle, Matara, Hambantota

  4. Northern Province – Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya

  5. Eastern Province – Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Ampara

  6. North Western Province – Kurunegala, Puttalam

  7. North Central Province – Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa

  8. Uva Province – Badulla, Monaragala

  9. Sabaragamuwa Province – Ratnapura, Kegalle

Each district is further divided into DS Divisions, Grama Niladhari Divisions, and Urban or Municipal Councils.

Local Government Structure

  • Three tiers:

    1. Provincial Councils (devolved from central government)

    2. Local Authorities – Municipal, Urban, and Pradeshiya Sabhas

    3. Grama Niladhari Divisions at grassroots level

  • Local elections conducted under proportional representation

Leadership & Governance

  • The executive president is the head of state, government, and military.

  • Power-sharing structure between president and prime minister.

  • Focus areas:

    • Economic recovery from financial crisis (2022–2023)

    • Anti-corruption reforms

    • Reconciliation with minority communities

    • Global trade and investment revival

Law Enforcement & Safety

  • Managed by:

    • Sri Lanka Police

    • Special Task Force (STF)

    • Sri Lanka Army, Navy, and Air Force

  • Focus on:

    • Counter-terrorism

    • Maritime security

    • Public safety and disaster response

  • Emergency Numbers:

    • 119 – Police

    • 110 – Ambulance/Medical

    • 118/112 – General emergencies

Economy & Industry

  • GDP (2023): Approx. USD 75–80 billion

  • Major sectors:

    • Apparel & Textiles

    • Tea (one of world’s top producers)

    • Tourism – beaches, wildlife, heritage sites

    • Remittances

    • IT/BPO services

  • Key trade partners: India, China, EU, US, Middle East

  • Special focus: economic stabilization, IMF recovery plan, export diversification

Education & Institutions

  • Free education since 1945; high literacy rate (~92%)

  • National and provincial education systems

  • Notable universities:

    • University of Colombo

    • University of Peradeniya

    • University of Moratuwa (engineering)

  • Emphasis on trilingual education: Sinhala, Tamil, English

Healthcare

  • Universal free public healthcare system

  • Leading hospitals:

    • National Hospital of Sri Lanka (Colombo)

    • Apeksha Hospital (Cancer)

    • Teaching hospitals in Kandy, Peradeniya

  • Private sector also growing for specialized services

  • Health focus: NCDs, maternal health, dengue, digital health infrastructure

Transport & Connectivity

  • Airports:

    • Bandaranaike International (Colombo), Mattala Rajapaksa Intl., Jaffna Intl.

  • Roads: Southern Expressway, Central Expressway development

  • Railways: Coastal line, upcountry line, northern link revival

  • Ports: Colombo Port (key transshipment hub), Hambantota Port

Tourism & Attractions

  • Cultural Triangle: Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya

  • Religious sites: Temple of the Tooth (Kandy), Adam’s Peak, Kataragama

  • Beaches: Bentota, Mirissa, Arugam Bay

  • Nature & Safari: Yala, Wilpattu, Horton Plains, Ella

  • UNESCO Sites: Sigiriya, Dambulla Cave Temple, Central Highlands

Culture & Lifestyle

  • Ethnic groups: Sinhalese (majority), Sri Lankan Tamils, Moors, Indian Tamils, Burghers

  • Religions: Buddhism (official), Hinduism, Islam, Christianity

  • Languages: Sinhala, Tamil, English

  • Arts: Kandyan dance, batik, handloom, classical music

  • Cuisine: Rice & curry, hoppers, kottu roti, coconut-based dishes

Summary

Sri Lanka is an island of profound spirituality, ancient civilization, and strategic value. As it emerges from economic turmoil and political transformation, the nation offers a vibrant mix of cultural depth, resilient spirit, and untapped potential. From tea estates to temples, from coral beaches to colonial forts, Sri Lanka remains a true gem in South Asia’s crown.