Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, an island nation in South Asia, has a population of around 22 million people. Previously known as Ceylon, this teardrop-shaped country is ideally situated in the Indian Ocean southwest of the Bay of Bengal. Its historical history and cultural variety have been much shaped by its unusual geographical location.

The island’s strategic importance stems from its position along historical trade routes, which results in names like the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean” and the “Granary of the East.” Sri Lanka’s significance in both historical and contemporary settings is highlighted by the great part the island’s deep harbors have played in allowing trade and cultural interaction throughout millennia. Emphasizing its important part in South Asian geopolitics, the country’s maritime borders unite India to the northwest and the Maldives to the southwest.

The terrain of Sri Lanka combines level to rolling coastal plains with mountains in the southern-central part. Rising 2,525 meters above sea level, Pidurutalagala is the highest point. A total system of 103 rivers accentuates the varied terrain; among them, the Mahaweli River is especially noteworthy for its 335 kilometer length. 51 waterfalls above 10 meters in height accentuate the natural beauty of the country; Bambarakanda Falls is the highest at an amazing 263 meters.

With a 1,585-kilometer coastline, the island nation boasts a range of aquatic environments. The biodiversity and ecological value of the country depend much on shallow beds of coastal and estuaries seagrasses as well as fringing coral reefs. With an area nearly 6.7 times larger than its terrestrial land mass, Sri Lanka’s marine claims cover an exclusive economic zone spanning 200 nautical miles from its coastline.

Different influences define Sri Lanka’s cultural fabric, which mostly shows Buddhism and Hinduism. Two main traditional cultures call the island home: the Tamil, mostly found in the northern city of Jaffna, and the Sinhalese, who live around the historic towns of Kandy and Anuradhapura. These two ethnic groups have coexisted and mixed throughout ages to produce a unique cultural synthesis shown in the art, architecture, and customs of the country.

Although evidence of prehistoric human colonies dates back 125,000 years, the island’s recorded history spans 3,000 years. Sri Lankan society has been greatly shaped by the great historical background, therefore strengthening its cultural legacy. Reflecting the creativity and complexity of its early residents, the ancient civilization of the nation is well-known for its major achievements in hydraulic engineering and architecture.

The growth of Sri Lankan culture and identity has been much shaped by Buddhism. Considered the Pali Canon, the first known Buddhist books from Sri Lanka are from the fourth Buddhist council called in 29 BCE. The great Buddhist legacy has significantly affected the art, literature, and philosophy of the country, hence influencing Sri Lankan culture.

Over its past, Sri Lanka has experienced several stages of foreign influence and colonization. Portuguese traders entering the 16th century started European involvement in Sri Lankan affairs. British colonization took over from Dutch colonial control from 1815 to 1948. Sri Lankan culture was greatly shaped by the colonial powers, hence determining the varied linguistic and cultural scene of the country.

A national movement for political freedom first emerged in the 20th century, and it was this movement that helped Sri Lanka to acquire dominion status in 1948. The country became a republic in 1972, therefore marking a major change in its political past. A 26-year civil war that ended in 2009 with the Sri Lanka Armed Forces defeating the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam defined both the later half of the 20th and the early 21st century.

Since its independence, Sri Lanka has had rather remarkable economic development gains. From a plantation-based model, historically known for its production and export of cinnamon, rubber, and Ceylon tea, the nation’s economy has changed to become more varied including modern businesses and services. A major turning point was the application of free market economic ideas in 1977, which helped to enable privatization, deregulation, and the growth of private businesses.

Currently ranked as a developing nation with the 78th Human Development Index position, Sri Lanka is with the second-highest per capita income in the region and acknowledged as the highest ranking South Asian nation in development. The country’s economic development is shown by its extensive infrastructure, which ranks among the highest road densities worldwide and shows a road network over 100,000 kilometers of paved highways.

Under state-run Sri Lanka Railways, the 1,447-kilometer railway system of Sri Lanka makes up part of its transportation system. Three deep-water ports—Colombo, Galle, and Trincomalee—along with the building of a new port at Hambantota help to accentuate the country’s strategic location. These facilities are crucial for improving trade and thereby increasing Sri Lanka’s position in regional marine trade.

Notwithstanding its achievements, Sri Lanka today faces major problems mostly related to an economic crisis marked by depreciation of currencies, rising inflation, and shortages of basic necessities. The result of these problems in 2022 was widespread demonstrations and major political transformations. Active in the global world, Sri Lanka keeps memberships in the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Nations, and SAARC.