Sri Lanka

Welcome to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is an alluring island nation in South Asia, situated in the Indian Ocean. It shares borders with the Palk Strait, the Gulf of Mannar, the Indian Ocean, and the Bay of Bengal. This country is renowned for its natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich culture. However, its rich history is packed with many different phases, important achievements, and modern advancements. First, this land was occupied by the Anuradhapura Kingdom, which was established in the 4th century BCE and had a major role in spreading Buddhism and shaping the culture. After the fall of this kingdom, in the 10th century, the Polonnaruwa Kingdom emerged in this region, which was behind the great achievements in both irrigation and architecture. Even though there were lots of attempts to resist European colonization, eventually, from the 16th century, the attempts met their end as the Portuguese founded control over the coastal areas. Finally, in 1815, the British gained control of the entire island and named it Ceylon. Also, one of the major developments brought about by British control was the establishment of tea plantations. Although Sri Lanka gained full independence from British rule in 1948, from 1983 to 2009, a civil conflict between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) caused a great deal of adversity and hardship. Nonetheless, since then this country has successfully started rebuilding and developing.

Different from the majority of countries around the world, Sri Lanka has two capitals. The first capital is Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte city, which is the administrative capital and houses the Parliament and different government offices. Similarly, the second capital is Colombo city, which is the commercial and largest city, and it is the center of culture and economy. Both cities are essential to the operation and growth of Sri Lanka, and also if you travel to each of those cities, there are many hidden gems that you’d love to explore. For instance, when traveling to Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte city, you should visit Gangaramaya Temple, which is one of Sri Lanka’s most significant Buddhist temples, renowned for both its cultural significance and its unique architecture. After that, you have to visit Beddegana Wetland Park, which is one of the most beautiful parks in Sri Lanka, and it is a perfect place to treat yourself to some relaxation time and breathtaking scenery. 

However, if you decide to travel to Colombo city, then there are various special spots for you to explore. For example, you can visit the National Museum of Colombo, which provides a thorough summary of Sri Lankan history and culture using relics from the ancient to the colonial era. After that, you should visit Lotus Tower, as it is the tallest tower in South Asia and offers alluring views of the city and the sea. But visiting Pettah Floating Market is a must because it is a unique marketplace with a wide range of products, including handicrafts and fresh produce. While you are having a great time in either city, you should also try these Sri Lankan dishes, including Rice and Curry (curries made with vegetables, meat, or fish, with rice), Hoppers (a type of pancake made with fermented rice flour and coconut milk and served with spicy sambols), and Watalappan (coconut custard pudding flavored with cardamom, nutmeg, and palm sugar).

Fun Facts About Sri Lanka

• Sri Lanka made history in the world by electing the first female prime minister in 1960. And no, she wasn’t elected once, but thrice!
• In Sri Lanka, it’s a great offense to take a picture with your back facing Buddha.
• People don’t consider flowers as gifts in Sri Lanka.
• In Sri Lanka, it is common for Buddhist temples to also serve as libraries, schools, and nursing homes.