Country's Full Name: Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

Brief History: Sinhala and Tamils lay their origin from India when they migrated somewhere in 5th century BC. Buddhism was introduced in the country by Indian King Ashoka after 3rd century BC. Sinhalese built a great civilization first at Anuradhapura and later at Polonnaruwa. Portugese occupied the island in 16th Century AD with Dutch taking political control in 17th century. The country was a British colony until it got independence on February 4, 1948. Today, the Sri Lanka is deeply engrossed on ethnic strife between Sinhala and Tamils. Peace has been brokered by Norway but Tamils are demanding a separate homeland in Northern and North Eastern region of the country.

What is the country known for: Myths surround the country since ages. Hindus believe it is the same island where their Lord Rama struggled with the evil forces to rescue his wife. The country is nicknamed 'Jewel box of Indian Ocean', all the fine kinds of gems (Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz, Garnet, and Amethyst) are explored from Sri Lanka. The sacred tooth of Buddha is stored in 'Dalada Maligawa' temple in Kandy.

Main Industries: The country is the major producer of tea, coffee and rubber. Other industries are coconut and its related products, tobacco, clothing, textiles, cement, petroleum refining.

Main Trading Partners: Major trading partners are USA, UK, India, Germany, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Iran, Japan, and Malaysia. The country imports are valued $8.37 billion (2005) of textile, fabrics, mineral products, petroleum, foodstuffs, machinery and transportation equipment. The export value is $6.4 billion (2005) of textiles and apparel, tea and spices, diamonds, emeralds, rubies, coconut, rubber manufactures and fish.

Major Cities: Colombo (capital) population 2,436,000, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia - Population 214,300, Moratuwa - population 181,000, Kandy - population 112,400, Anuradhapura, Gaile, Trincomalee,

Location:
7 00 N, 81 00 E
It is island country located in the south of India surrounded with Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal.

Size: The total area is 25,332 sq mi or 65,610 sq km; land: 24,996 sq mi or 64,740 sq km, water: 870 sq km.

Time Zone: GMT/UTC 5:30 hours

Type of Government: Sri Lanka fosters unicameral parliament with 225 members elected to serve six years term. Present President of the country is Mahinda Rajapaksa and Prime Minister - Ratnasiri Wickremanayake.

National Holidays:

2010
1 Jan *Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day.
1 Jan *Tamil Thai Pongal Day
1 Jan New Year's Day.
1 Feb *Navam Full Moon Poya Day.
4 Feb National Day.
26 Feb Milad un-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet).
1 Mar *Medin Full Moon Poya Day.
1 Apr *Bak Full Moon Poya Day.
1 Apr *Sinhala and Tamil New Year.
2 Apr Good Friday.
28 Apr Vesak (Buddha Day).
1 May May Day.
1 Jun *Poson Full Moon Poya Day.
1 Jul *Esala Full Moon Poya Day.
1 Aug *Nikini Full Moon Poya Day.
1 Sep *Binara Full Moon Poya Day.
11 Sep Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
1 Oct *Vap Full Moon Poya Day.
1 Nov *Il Full Moon Poya Day.
5 Nov Deepavali.
17 Nov Eid al-Adha (Hadji Festival Day).
1 Dec *Duruthu Full Poya Day.
1 Dec *Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day.
25 Dec Christmas Day.

2011
1 Jan New Year's Day.
14 Jan Tamil Thai Pongal Day.
19 Jan Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day.
4 Feb National Day.
18 Feb Navam Full Moon Poya Day.
23 Feb Maha Sivarathri Day.
9 Mar Milad un-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet).
19 Mar Medin Full Moon Poya Day.
13 Apr - 14 Apr Sinhala and Tamil New Year.
18 Apr Bak Full Moon Poya Day.
22 Apr Good Friday.
1 May May Day.
10 May - 11 May Vesak (Buddha Day).
15 Jun Poson Full Moon Poya Day.
15 Jul Esala Full Moon Poya Day.
13 Aug Nikini Full Moon Poya Day.
12 Sep Binara Full Moon Poya Day.
12 Oct Vap Full Moon Poya Day.
26 Oct Deepavali.
6 Nov Eid al-Adha (Hadji Festival Day).
10 Nov Il Full Moon Poya Day.
10 Dec Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day.
25 Dec Christmas Day.


Note
* Date to be confirmed.
All full moon poya days to be confirmed for 2010.
(a) Poya holidays are observed on the day of each full moon. In general, Hindu and Buddhist festivals are declared according to local astronomical observations and it is often only possible to forecast the approximate time of their occurrence. (b) Some public holidays are followed by an additional holiday for banks only. (c) Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted; however, since Sri Lanka is not a predominantly Muslim country restrictions (which travellers may experience elsewhere) are unlikely to cause problems.

Population and breakdown:
July 2007 estimate: 20,926,315
0-14 years: 24.3% (male 2,596,295/female 2,495,949)
15-64 years: 67.9% (male 6,947,310/female 7,259,271)
65 years and above: 7.8% (male 765,507/female 861,983)

Median age: 30 years (male 29.2 years/female 31 years)
Life expectancy: 74.8 years (male 72.81 years/female 76.88 years)

Time Zone: UTC/GMT 05:30

Religion:
Buddhist 69.1%, Muslim 7.6%, Hindus 7.1%, Christian 6.2%, unspecified 10%

Language: Sinhala 74% - official and national language; Tamil 18% - National language, other 8%.

Local Customs: Buddhism is the official religion of Sri Lanka, respect of Monks and Temples are required. While going to a temple remove your shoes, wear proper attire. Never photograph yourself in front of Buddha.
Monthly Poya Day is observed on full moon day - no liquors are sold on this day, stock it a day before.
Sri Lankan greets with folded hands taken to the chest saying "Ayubowan" - meaning may you live long.
Always eat by right hand; left hand is used for unclean purpose.

Best Time to go: The eastern coast can be best visited during May to September. The best time to visit the south and west coast is after November to March. The highest temperatures can be witnessed between March to June.

Weather:


Currency:

1 US Dollar = 113.247 Sri Lanka Rupee
1 Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR) = 0.008830 US Dollar (USD)
1 British Pound = 228.069 Sri Lanka Rupee
1 Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR) = 0.004385 British Pound (GBP)
1 Euro = 154.543 Sri Lanka Rupee
1 Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR) = 0.006471 Euro (EUR)

Customs Regulations: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco or an assortment of these products as long as their total weight does not exceed 250 grams. Two regular size bottles of wine and one and a half liters of spirits.
A tourist may be allowed to import in transit without a temporary permit, travel souvenirs not exceeding Sri Lankan Rupees One Thousand in value, if such souvenirs are carried on the person, or in the baggage accompanying the Tourist and if they are not intended for commercial use.

Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Sri Lanka. Most restaurants include 10 percent service charge. It depends upon you to tip for better service.
Many restaurants and hotels maintain a tip box for better service.