Sri Lankan

Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, is an island nation in South Asia, located in the Indian Ocean to the southwest of the Bay of Bengal and to the southeast of the Arabian Sea. It is separated from the Indian subcontinent by the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait. The island is historically and culturally intertwined with the Indian tradition, with some influences from Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonization.

History

The history of Sri Lanka dates back at least 125,000 years. It has a rich cultural heritage and the first known Buddhist writings of Sri Lanka, the Pāli Canon, date back to the Fourth Buddhist council in 29 BCE. The island's geographic location made it a significant point for trade routes and cultural exchange. Sri Lanka was colonized by the Portuguese in the 16th century, followed by the Dutch, and then the British in 1796. It became a crown colony in 1802 and gained independence in 1948 as Ceylon, adopting its current name in 1972.

Geography

Sri Lanka is a diverse and tropical island with a varied environment ranging from arid plains to highlands, sandy beaches, and rainforests. It is home to many species of flora and fauna, some of which are endemic to the island. The highest point is Pidurutalagala, at 2,524 meters above sea level.

Economy

The economy of Sri Lanka is one of the fastest-growing in the region. It is primarily based on agriculture, textiles and apparel, and tourism. In recent years, information technology and telecommunications have emerged as significant sectors. The country is known for the production of tea, coconut, and rubber.

Culture

Sri Lankan culture is a vibrant blend of native Sinhalese, Tamil, and colonial influences. The country has a rich artistic tradition, with distinct music, dance, and art. Buddhism plays a significant role in the cultural life of the country, influencing its festivals, art, and daily practices.

Demographics

The population of Sri Lanka is ethnically, linguistically, and religiously diverse. The majority are Sinhalese, with large minority groups including Tamils, Moors, Malays, and others. Sinhala and Tamil are the official languages. Religion is predominantly Buddhism, with significant minorities following Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity.

Government and Politics

Sri Lanka is a democracy with a presidential system of government. It has a complex political history with significant challenges related to ethnic divisiveness and civil rights, notably the long-standing conflict between the Sinhalese majority and the Tamil minority, which culminated in a civil war that lasted from 1983 until 2009.

See also

• List of cities in Sri Lanka
• Sri Lankan cuisine
• Foreign relations of Sri Lanka
• Military of Sri Lanka

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