Important Facts On Sri Lanka

This post is specially made for the people of Sri Lanka and interested people of the world who wants to know more about important facts about the
beautiful country Sri Lanka. So, stay in touch for more general knowledge.

• The official name of Sri Lanka is ‘The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka’

• Sri Lanka is often known as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’.

• The official languages of Sri Lanka are Sinhala and Tamil. However, English is widely spoken in the country

• Sri Lanka gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1948 and became a republic in 1972.

• Sri Lanka has a Democratic Government, with an Executive President and a Parliament elected by the people.

• The currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee, with one rupee being divided into one hundred cents.

• Majority of the population in Sri Lanka follows Buddhism, followed by Hinduism, Christianity and Islam.

• The ‘Na Tree’, botanically known as ‘Mesua Nagassarium’ is the National Tree of Sri Lanka.

• The National Flower of Sri Lanka is ‘Nil Mahanel’, botanically known as ‘Nympheae Stellata’.

• UNDP and UNICEF rate Sri Lanka as one of the best among developing countries, on the Human Development Index.

• There are eleven universities in Sri Lanka.

• Sri Lanka was known as Ceylon before 1972.

• Sri Lanka is an ancient indigenous name, meaning the “resplendent island”.

• The highest point in Sri Lanka is Pidurutalagala (2,524 m).

• Buddhism arrived in Sri Lanka in 3rd century BC.

• Sri Lanka finds a mention in the great Indian epic Ramayana, which was, written around 500 BC.

• Initially, Sri Lanka comprised of Veddha people. Sinhalese and Tamils migrated to the country, from India, between 500 and 300 BC.

• Tea was introduced to the Sri Lanka in 1867, while rubber was brought here in 1876.

• Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) became the first female Prime Minister of the world in 1960.

• Sri Lanka has an elephant orphanage and every year, it serves as the venue of an elephant pageant.

• The spice cinnamon originated in Sri Lanka and was discovered by the Egyptians.

• Sri Lanka is amongst the leading exporters of tea in the world.

• The national flag of Sri Lanka, the Lion Flag, is considered to be one of the oldest flags in the world.

• The total area of Sri Lanka is 65,610 sq.km.

• Sri Lanka has the Life Expectancy Rate of 75.18 yrs.

• The administrative capital of Sri Lanka is Sri Jayewardenepura, and the commercial capital is Colombo.

• Bandaranaike International Airport – Katunayake, is the international airport of Sri Lanka.

• The important ports of Sri Lanka are Colombo, Galle, Trincomalee and Hambantota