 SRI LANKA (CEYLON) PROFILE |
 Location & Physical Features |
Sri Lanka, an island in the Indian Ocean is located South of the Indian subcontinent. It lies between 5º 55' and 9º 55' north of the equator and between the eastern longitudes 79º 42' and 81º 52'. The total land area is 65,610 sq. km. and is astonishingly varied. A length of 445 km. and breadth of 225 km. encompasses beautiful tropical beaches, verdant vegetation, ancient monuments and a thousand delights to please all tastes. The relief features of the island consist of a mountainous mass somewhat south of the centre, with height exceeding 2,500 metres, surrounded by broad plains. Palm fringed beaches surround the island and the sea temperature rarely falls below 27ºC.
| Climate & Seasons |
In the lowlands the climate is typically tropical with an average temperature of 27ºC in Colombo. In the higher elevations it can be quite cool with temperatures going down to 16ºC at an altitude of nearly 2,000 metres. Bright, sunny warm days are the rule and are common even during the height of the monsoon - climatically Sri Lanka has no off-season. The southwest monsoon brings rains mainly from May to July to the western, southern and central regions of the island, while the northeast monsoon rains occur in the northern and eastern regions in December and January.
| Temperature Chart |
| | Jan-April | May-August | Sept-Dec | | | Max. | Min. | Max. | Min. | Max. | Min. | | Colombo | 30OC | 22OC | 30OC | 24OC | 29OC | 22OC | | Kandy | 31OC | 17OC | 29OC | 21OC | 28OC | 18OC | | Nuwara Eliya | 21OC | 14OC | 18OC | 16OC | 18OC | 15OC | | Trincomalee | 32OC | 24OC | 33OC | 25OC | 33OC | 23OC |
| History |
Recent excavations show that even during the Neolithic Age, there were food gatherers and rice cultivators in Sri Lanka. Very little is known of this period; documented history began with the arrival of the Aryans from North India. The Aryans introduced the use of iron and an advanced form of agriculture and irrigation. They also introduced the art of government. Of the Aryan settlements, Anuradhapura grew into a powerful kingdom under the rule of king Pandukabhaya. According to traditional history he is accepted as the founder of Anuradhapura.
During the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa, a descendent of Pandukabhaya, Arahat Mahinda, the son of Emperor Asoka of India, introduced Buddhism in 247 B.C. This is the most important event in Sri Lankan history as it set the country on the road to cultural greatness. As a new civilisation flourished Sri Lanka became rich and prosperous.
In the mid 2nd century B.C. a large part of north Sri Lanka came under the rule of an invader from South India. From the beginning of the Christian era and up to the end of the 4th century A.D. Sri Lanka was governed by an unbroken dynasty called Lambakarna, which paid great attention to the development of irrigation. A great king of this dynasty, Mahasen (3rd century A.D.) started the construction of large `tanks' or irrigation reservoirs. Another great `tank' builder was Dhatusena, who was put to death by his son Kasyapa who made Sigiriya a royal city with his fortress capital on the summit of the rock.
As a result of invasions from South India the kingdom of Anuradhapura fell by the end of the 10th century A.D. Vijayabahu 1 repulsed the invaders and established his capital at Polonnaruwa in the 11th century A.D. Other great kings of Polonnaruwa were Parakrama Bahu the Great and Nissanka Malla both of whom adorned the city with numerous buildings of architectural beauty.
Invasion was intermittent and the capital was moved constantly until the Portuguese arrived in 1505, when the chief city was established at Kotte, in the western lowlands. The Portuguese came to trade in spices but stayed to rule until 1656 in the coastal regions, as did the Dutch thereafter. Dutch rule lasted from 1656 to 1796, year during the which, they were displaced by the British. During this period the highland Kingdom, with its capital in Kandy, retained its independence despite repeated assaults by foreign powers that ruled the rest of the country. In 1815 the kingdom of Kandy was ceded to the British and thus they established their rule over the whole island. Modern communications, western medical services, education in English, as well as the plantation industry (first coffee then tea, rubber and coconut) developed during British rule. By a process of peaceful, constitutional evolution, Sri Lanka won back her independence in 1948 and is now a sovereign republic, with membership in the Commonwealth of Nations and the United Nations Organisation.
| Economy |
Sri Lanka is mainly an agricultural country. The chief crop is rice with which the country is almost self-sufficient. Tea, rubber and coconut are also important agricultural crops, with tea being a major foreign exchange earner. In addition, other crops of importance are cocoa and spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, pepper and cloves. Fruit and vegetables, native to both tropical and temperate regions, grow well in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is also a major exporter of precious and semi-precious stones. Within the last few years remittances from Sri Lankans employed abroad have contributed a large share towards foreign exchange. The last three decades have seen tourism emerge as an important industry. There has also been a rapid growth in manufacturing industries that offer a wide range of export goods such as petroleum products, leather goods, ready-made garments and electronic equipment.
| Demography |
Sri Lanka has a population of 18.5 million of whom the majority are Sinhalese (74%). Other ethnic groups are made up of Sri Lankan Tamils (12.6%), Indian Tamils (5.5%), Moors, Malays, Burghers (of Portuguese & Dutch descent) and others (7.9%). Although Sri Lanka is a multi-religious country, Buddhists constitute the majority with 69.3%. Other religious groups are Hindus 15.5%, Muslims 7.6% and Christians 7.5%. Sri Lanka's literacy rate of 88.6% is one of the highest in Asia.
| Language & Religion |
Sinhala and Tamil are official languages in Sri Lanka. Sinhala, a language of Indo-Aryan origin is the language of the majority. English is widely spoken and understood. Place names and signboards on buses and trains are usually in all three languages. Sri Lanka is a land of religious freedom and tolerance. Wherever you travel you will come across a Buddhist Temple or Dagaba, a Hindu Kovil, a Christian Church or a Mosque, each with its own distinctive architecture. When visiting holy places please conform to the requirements as regards dress in order not to show disrespect.
| BUDDHISM: BUDDHA'S PATH TO FREEDOM |
Buddhism is the main religion of Sri Lanka where it was officially introduced in the third century B.C. during the reign of King Devanam Piyatissa by Venerable Mahinda who was son of Emperor Asoka of India. No sooner than it was introduced here the new teaching caught up with the inhabitants of the country so rapidly that within a few months' time the entire country became Buddhist. In Sri Lanka it has found its most congenial permanent home.
Buddhism is the practical system of psychological and philosophical ethics taught to humanity by the Indian prince Siddhartha Gauthama in the 6th century B.C. He was born on the full - moon day of May in the year 623 B.C. as the son of Suddhodana, a provincial ruler of the kingdom of Kapilavastu in Central India. His teaching has today become a world religion providing inspiration and guidance to nearly one fourth of the world's population.
He lived the house - hold life for twenty-nine years, the last thirteen years of which constituted his married life with princes Yasodhara. As a royal prince born with the silver spoon in the month he led a luxurious life. However, he had been a very contemplative person from his young days and this nature of his did not make him happy amidst his royal luxury. To him such enjoyment did not make any appeal because he saw that it was fleeting and temporary and as such, in the ultimate analysis, life is painful. All so-called pleasures are delusive. Amidst comfort and prosperity he realized the university of sorrow inherent in human existence.
Despite all the efforts of man to achieve happiness in this world, human suffering stare in the face of all living beings. Search after worldly pleasures available to him and donning the simple garb of an ascetic, alone and penniless, he wandered forth from home to homelessness in search of Truth and Peace, which to him appeared as an attainable objective.
Initially, he went to all the distinguished teachers at the time all of whom failed to meet his demands. He was determined to find it for himself. This was followed by six years of painful austerities that too proved futile. However, by directing the searchlight inward, followed by a severe mental and an emotional struggle, he ultimately achieved his cherished goal on the full moon day of May 588 B.C. under the Bodhi Tree at Buddhagaya in India.
| Government |
The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is a free, independent and sovereign nation. A system of administration through provincial councils was introduced in 1988. Legislative power is exercised by Parliament, elected by universal franchise on a proportional representation basis. The President, who is also elected by the people, exercises executive power of the people, including defence.
Colombo
| Colombo |
Sri Lanka's capital up to recent times, Colombo, is a fascinating city, not only for a comfortable blend of east and west, but also for a cosy mixture of the past and present. It is still the commercial centre of the country. Situated 34 km. from the International Airport, Colombo has been a flourishing seaport for centuries. Today the bustle of the harbour mingles with the activity of its busy commercial, banking and shopping areas. The original trading settlers - the Portuguese, Dutch and the British have all left in their wake churches and monuments, names and religions, costumes and food and smatterings of their languages which have been absorbed into the speech of the Sri Lankans. Colombo, with its population of over half a million is divided into fifteen zones.
While in Colombo attractions worth seeing are:- Buddhists temples, Hindu temples, Mosques, Christian churches, Parliament building, Parks, Zoo, Museums and Art Galleries. A half day tour covering 40 km. and including visits to a Buddhist Temple, Hindu Temple, the Zoo and the residential areas will cost around US $ 18 for a car with a chauffeur guide.
| Anuradhapura |
Sri Lanka's first capital, founded in the 5th century B.C. is situated 206 km. from Colombo. Attractions worth seeing are:- The Sacred Bo Tree, Abhayagiri Dagaba, Jetavanaramaya, Brazen Palace, Thuparama Dagaba, Samadhi Buddha, Kuttam Pokuna and Mirisavati Dagaba
| Mihintale |
Situated 11 km. east of Anuradhapura is Mihintale, regarded as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The rock is dotted with shrines and rock dwellings. A grand stairway of 1840 steps made of granite slabs, 5 metres wide, leads to the summit with its splendid view of the surrounding countryside.
| Polonnaruwa |
The island's medieval capital (11th to 13th century A.D.) is situated 216 km. from Colombo and rose to fame after the decline of Anuradhapura. The largest of the man made reservoirs, the huge Parakrama Samudra, is larger in size than the Colombo harbour. See also the ruins of the King's Council Chamber, the Royal Citadel, the Kumara Pokuna, Royal Pavilion, the Vatadage Relic House lavished with moonstones, guardstones and sculptured railing, Kiri Vehera - the best preserved of all Sri Lanka's un-restored dagabas; Gal Vihare - the most impresive sculptures are the colossal Buddha images carved on the face of a granite boulder. The recumbent Buddha measures 14 metres and the standing figure is 7 metres in height.
| Sigiriya |
This rock fortress was built by king Kasyapa in the 5th century A.D. and was a royal citadel for more than 18 years. In a sheltered pocket, approached by a spiral stairway, are the famous frescoes. The summit of the rock, with an area of nearly one hectare was the site of the palace, the outer wall of which was built on the very brink of the precipice. The UNESCO - sponsored Central Cultural Fund has restored Sigiriya's 5th century Water Gardens to their former glory
| Dambulla |
Like Sigiriya, Dambulla is a vast isolated rock mass and it was here that King Valagam Bahu took refuge in the 1st century B.C. He later turned the caves into a rock temple. Some of the frescoes are over 2,000 years old and there is a colossal figure of the recumbent Buddha carved out of the living rock, some 14 metre long
| Arthalanthaya |
Situated beneath sprawling trees and amongst rocks and boulders, Arthalanthaya brings tranquillity to the tired eyes, ears, limbs and minds. It combines indigenous classical craftsmanship with the state-of-the art technology to provide visitors wholesome entertainment and education through a multitude of Theatres, Play houses, Aremas, Amusement, Galleries, Alleys and Kiosks and employing both traditional and radically new formats.
| Yapahuwa |
An ancient fortress and capital built in the year 1301, approximately 145 km. from Colombo, Yapahuwa is a rock rising to a height of 90 metres. Many traces of the ancient battle defences can still be seen, while an ornamental stairway remains its biggest showpiece.
| Aluvihara |
26 km. from Kandy is the Matale district. An ancient rock temple of great significance in the history of Buddhism. The Buddhist canon and its commentaries, which were till then handed down orally, were written for the first time at Aluvihara Temple.
| Kandy |
Sri Lanka's hill capital, stronghold of the Sinhala Kings, is our most beautiful town. It is 488 metres above sea level and next to Colombo is Sri Lanka's most visited place. The focal point of the town is, without doubt, the golden roofed Dalada Maligawa where the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha is enshrined. Major restoration work is in progress here by the UNESCO - aided Central Cultural Fund. The highlight of the year is the Esala Perahera, when a replica of the relic casket is taken in procession accompanied by exotically costumed dancers, drummers and about 80 to 100 elephants during ten glittering nights in July/August. Visit Kalapuraya in the beautiful Dumbara valley 8 km. from Kandy, where descendants of the ancient craftsmen still create items of rare elegance in metal and wood. There are many shrines and temples in and around Kandy, where you will see rare paintings, frescoes, wood and stone carvings. Don't miss the Peradeniya Gardens begun as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala King, with its amazing variety of trees, plants and flowers. Kandy is an exciting place for shopping with souvenirs in wood, copper, silver, brass, ebony and bronze. Ceramics, lacquer work, handlooms, batiks, jewellery and rush and reed-ware can also be purchased. | | Nuwara Eliya |
Set in the heart of the tea-country, this beautiful town is where the British succeeded in creating an English countryside with homes in styles from Georgian to Queen Anne. Well-kept lawns with hedges, an Anglican church and the famous golf course and beautiful parks give the place an air of nostalgia. Situated at 1890 metres above sea level, the air here is cool and fresh - a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of Colombo. Close to Nuwara Eliya are Horton Plains, Sri Lanka's highest and most isolated plateau. Nature lovers will revel in this wide, patna grass covered plain, the haunt of many wild yet harmless animals and the home of many species of birds.
Bridle paths will take you to the precipice known as World's End - a sheer drop of 1050 metres. Acres and acres of tea with its lush green foliage extend miles across the hills and no visit to the hill country is complete without a visit to a tea estate and the chance to purchase some of the world's finest flavoured tea - our major export crop.
| Ratnapura |
Sri Lanka's `City of Gems' and the centre of its gemming industry. The gems found include sapphire, ruby, cat's eye, alexandrite, topaz, amethyst, aquamarine, tourmaline, garnet and zircon. Visits to gem mines may be arranged through travel agents. Gem collections can be seen at the National Museum, Ratnapura and a number of private museums, rubber and tea estates and scenic landscape are found in plenty.
| BEACHES |
| Negombo |
A characteristic fishing town 37km. north of Colombo, it is a mere 6 km. from the International Airport. Set amid lush groves of coconut palms, it breathes the spirit of the sea. Negombo is a gourmet's paradise with sea food in plenty. Old world fishing craft like the outrigger canoe and the catamaran bring seer, skipjack, herring and mullet, pomfret and amber - jack while lobster and prawns are caught in the lagoon
| Mount Lavinia |
Just 12 km. south of Colombo, Mount Lavinia is an immediate city suburb and the beach is one of the better known even in colonial times. It lies alongside a wind swept headland jutting into the waters of the Indian Ocean. The sand is the softest and the waves calm and clear. The Governor's House built in 1805 by Sir Thomas Maitland, now forms part of the famous Mount Lavinia Hotel.
| Bentota |
62 km. south of Colombo, the Bentota Resort Complex is a romantic rendezvous of river and sea with several hotels, railway station, post office, shopping arcade, cafeteria and an open air theatre showing folk and mask dancing with clusters of palms overlooking everything.
| Hikkaduwa |
98 km. south of Colombo, Hikkaduwa is the place for underwater delight. Site of the famed coral gardens; hire a glass bottomed boat or goggles and flippers and explore the fantasies under your feet. Don't purchase or encourage sale of corals.
| Galle |
116 km. south of Colombo, is the most important southern town with an old-world charm. Believed to be the 'Tarshish' of the Bible, its natural harbour was a famous fort in days gone by. Famous for its Dutch fort, lace making, ebony carving and gem polishing.
| East Coast |
If Sri Lanka is Serendipity, beach lovers will find lots of it on the east coast. The coast line here is uneven with many bays and sheltered coves. On some beaches here you can walk a mile into the sea. Trincomalee
257 km. from Colombo, Trincomalee is the ideal refuge for the beach addict, with its fine natural harbour and excellent beaches.
| Nilaveli |
14 km. from Trincomalee, Nilaveli was the venue for the 1985 International Funboard Championships. All water sports are available here including fishing and sea angling. Whale watching in the sanctuary is a speciality.
| NATIONAL PARKS / SANCTUARIES |
Sri Lanka has a rich and exotic variety of wildlife and a long tradition of conservation rooted in its 2,230 year old Buddhist civilisation. The following are the most important sanctuaries in terms of attractions, accessibility and availability of facilities.
| Animal Sanctuaries |
The animals to be seen in Sri Lanka's national parks include elephant, leopard, sloth bear, sambhur, deer and monkeys, wild buffalo, wild boar (pig), porcupine, ant-eater, civet cat, jackal, mongoose, loris (unique to sri Lanka) several varieties of lizards, squirrels, reptiles and amphibians. Each park however has its own specialities.
| Yala (Ruhuna) National Park |
Situated 309 km. south of Colombo, Yala is approximately 1,259 km2. in extent and is located in the southeastern corner of the island. Its northern boundaries border on the Lahugala Elephant Sanctuary and it has the added bonus of a scenic ocean frontage. The terrain is varied flat plains alternating with rocky outcrops. The vegetation ranges from open parkland to dense jungle. Water holes, small lakes, lagoons and streams provide water for the animals and birds. The speciality here is the large numbers of elephants
| Gal Oya National Park |
Situated at Inginiyagala, the Gal Oya National Park is 314 km. from Colombo and is most renowned for its elephant population.
| Uda Walawe National Park |
Situated 170 km. South East of Colombo the Uda Walawe National Park is approximately 30,821 hectares in extent. This Park, which lies within the Ratnapura and Monaragala Districts acts as the catchment to the Uda Walawe Reservoir and is located in the Dry Zone. This Park comprises grasslands and thorn scrubs and many valuable species of trees are found within it. Large herds of Elephants and Deer species such as spotted Deer, Sambhur, Barking deer and Langur, Wild Boar, Water Buffalo, Jackal are some of the prominent wild animals found in this Park and a variety of avifauna is seen.
| Wasgamuwa National Park |
Situated approximately 200 km. away from Colombo, the Wasgamuwa National Park lies within the Polonnaruwa and Matale Districts and have the Mahaweli river and Amban river as its eastern and western boundaries. Tropical intermediate dry mixed evergreen forest predominates its environment
| Bird Sanctuaries |
The sanctuaries at Kumana 312 km. from Colombo, Wirawila 261 km. Bundala 259 km. and Kalametiya 224 km. are all lagoon locations in Sri Lanka's extreme south eastern coast. The Giant's Tank in the north western corner of the island is a huge ancient irrigation reservoir of 3,800 hectares. The coastal sanctuaries are exotically picturesque with combinations of lagoon, swamp, river, jungle, lake and plain. Large flocks can be found here of both resident and migrant aquatic birds. The highland sanctuaries at Udawattakele 118 km. from Colombo and the Peak Wilderness 141 km. are quieter but equally picturesque with wooded hills and secluded streams and have the added bonus of rare flora such as our unique Wesak Orchid as well as numerous species of rare butterflies. The Udawattakele Sanctuary is in the suburbs of Kandy, our picturesque and fascinating hill capital. The Peak Wilderness is situated on the slopes of Adam's Peak (Sri Pada), Sri Lanka's sacred mountain.
| Elephant Orphanage |
An orphanage for elephants has been set up by the department of National Zoological Gardens, at Pinnawela, 90 km. from Colombo. It was established in 1975 and several animals brought here at the inception are now mature enough for breeding, which is the ultimate aim of the institution. Entrance fees: Rs.75 per adult and Rs.40 per child. Pinnawala elephant orphanage has largest captive herd in the world
The Pinnawala elephant orphanage has not only got the largest captive herd of elephants in the entire world but it also has become the most successful elephant breeding centre, according to reports. The elephant orphanage was established in 1995 with seven orphans today has a population of sixty two. The elephant orphanage now boasts of its sixteenth birth and the second generation of births in captivity. It has become a major tourist attraction because of its uniqueness. This is an ideal site for photography, research and education on elephants as the visitor is able to observe a large herd comprised of week old babies to sixty year olds.
A state of the art zoo is under construction at Pinnawala which will be open to the public by 2003. The Department of National Zoological Gardens now maintains two farms at Pallekelle and Gonapola to meet a part of its food requirements for animals.
| ENTERTAINMENT |
| Theatre |
Sinhala and Western plays and Sinhala translations of Western plays are staged frequently at popular theatres. They hold musical and traditional dance performances in addition to dramatic productions.
| Cinema |
Colombo has several excellent air-conditioned cinemas, which screen British, American, Continental, East European and Sinhala films. Hindi and Tamil films are also shown more or less exclusively in a few cinemas. Check the daily morning newspapers for details of current attractions.
| Night Clubs |
Most large hotels have night clubs which provide dinner, dancing and occasional floor shows.
| Cultural Shows |
“Devil” Dancing and the famous Kandyan dances are regularly performed at several venues. Check with hotel receptions and the daily newspapers for details. Daily performance in Kandy from 5.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. at: 1, Lake Club 2.Awanhala
| TOURIST BOARD OFFICES OVERSEAS |
GERMANY
Mr. M.N.L. Lantra Director / Ceylon Tourist Board Allerheililgentor 2-4, D-60311 Frankfurt, Germany Tel: 00 4969 287734, 288216 Fax: 00 4969288371 E-mail: CTBFRA@T-online.de
UNITED KINGDOM
Mr. Ranjit De Silva Director / Ceylon Tourist Board 26-27, Clareville House Oxendon Dtreet, LONDON SW1Y 4 EL, United Kingdom Tel: 0044 20 7930 2627 Fax: 0044 20 7930 9070 E-mail: srilankatourism@aol.com
FRANCE
Mr. O.L.M. Nawaz Director Office de Tourisme de Sri Lanka (Ceylon) 19, Rue Du Quatre Septembre 75002 Paris, France Tel: 00 331 426 04999 Fax: 00 331 428 60499 E-mail: ctbparis@compuserve.com
JAPAN (TOKYO)
Mr. Kazuhiro Soejima Manager / Ceylon Tourist Board Dowa Building, 7 - 2 - 22, Ginza Chuo - ku, Tokyo, Japan Tel: 00 81 332 890 771 Fax: 00 81 332 890 772. E-mail ctb-toky@zaf.att.ne.jp
THAILAND
Mr. Soji Robert Hony. Director / Ceylon Tourist Board 5 / 105 - 6 / 105 Soi Rattanaprahm 2 Sukhumvit Soi 54 / 2 Bangkok 10250, Thailand Tel: 00 (662) 332 7761 / 332 9075 Fax: 00 (662) 332 9076 / 333 0892 E-mail: inmark@ksc.th.com
IRELAND
Dr. D.A. Samarakoon Hony. Director / Sri Lanka (Ceylon) Tourist Board 59, Ranelagh Road, Dublin 6, Ireland Fax: 00 353 149 65345 Tel: 00 353 14969621 Tel: 00 353 14737477
JAPAN (OSAKA)
Mr. U.N. Keppetipola Hony. Director / Osaka Ceylon (Sri Lanka) Tourist Board Nitto Ichi Bldg, 2F, Nanba 1-8-19 Chuo - ku, Osaka City, Japan 542 Tel: 00 81 774 45 2573 Fax: 00 81 774 451523, 0081 621 12775 E-mail: lankaemb@mba.sphere.ne.jp
USA
Mr. Dilan Ariyawansa Hony. Director / Ceylon Tourist Board No. 1, World Trade Centre Suite 4667, New York, NY 10048, U.S.A. Tel: 212 432 7156 Fax: 212 524 9653 E-mail: ctbUSA@anlusa.com
INDIA
C/O TRAC Representations India (P) Ltd. A-61, 6th Floor, Himalaya House, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi 11 00 01 Ph. 3730477 Fax. 730476 E-mail ctbindia@tracrep.com |
