About Srilanka

History

The Island's contact with the outside world began early. Roman sailors called the island Taprobane. Arab traders knew it as "Serendip," the root of the word "serendipity." Beginning in 1505, Portuguese traders, in search of cinnamon and other spices, seized the island's coastal areas and spread Catholicism. The Dutch supplanted the Portuguese in 1658. Although the British ejected the Dutch in 1796, Dutch law remains an important part of Sri Lankan jurisprudence. In 1815, the British defeated the king of Kandy, last of the native rulers, and created the Crown Colony of Ceylon. They established a plantation economy based on tea, rubber, and coconuts. In 1931, the British granted Ceylon limited self-rule and a universal franchise. Ceylon became independent on February 4, 1948

Population

Sinhala, Tamil and English are the national languages. English is spoken throughout theThe majority of Sri Lankans are Singhalese and Buddhists, but the total population is a mixture of Tamil, Moor, Burgher (people of European descent). Approximately 19 million.

island.

Climate

The climate of Sri Lanka is Typically Tropical with an average temp of 27*C in the higher elevations it can be quite cool with temperatures going down to 16*C at an altitude of nearly 2000 Meters. The south west monsoon brings rains mainly from May-July to the Western, Southern and central regions of the island, while the north east monsoon rains occur in the northern and eastern regions in December & January.

From Sea level to 7000 foot high national parks, the country boasts of myriad geographical and climatic zones, a traveler to this country will never tire of the constantly changing patterns of the country side. It is easy to imagine, when traveling across Sri Lanka.

Visas

Nationals of most countries may obtain visas on arrival, at the airport. It is best to check with your nearest Sri Lankan diplomatic mission or consulate. The visa that is issued at the point of entry is only valid for 30 days. Extensions can be obtained, if required, from the Department of Immigration & Emigration in Colombo.

Currency

The currency in Sri Lanka is the Rupee. The value fluctuates with world market rates. All commercial banks are authorized to exchange money and so are most tourist class hotels. American Express, Master Card and Visa Card are also widely accepted.

Economy

When attaining independence (in 1948) Ceylon was a pure agrarian country. Only during the last decade has industrial development grown at an accelerated pace. The majority of foreign exchange income results from textile exports, export of agricultural products (tea, copra, rubber), the revenue from tourism and the exports of jewellery and gems, and human resource placement for foreign employment.

Clothing

Lightweight clothing is recommended. It is a better idea to be conservatively dressed on the streets and shorts are not permitted in places of worship. Footwear off in temples. A light sweater is recommended in the hill country. Bring rain proofs, avoid synthetics.

Festivals

Festivals of Sri Lanka would leave most enchanting experiences on the minds of its travelers as the island enjoys the bright and colorful tradition festivals celebrated with full fun and enthusiasm. Mostly festivals in Sri Lanka are religion base and celebrated with same sprit among all sections of the society.

New Year
Sinhala and Tamil New Year is a traditional celebration that foretells the way of the sun from Pisces to Aries. The event is prominent throughout the island, following traditional customs with the emphasis on carnival celebration.

Wesak
If any single day in the Buddhist calender is of equal importance to the Christmas day in Christian calender, it has to be the day of Wesak. All over the country, temples in the villages and cities announce the dawn of Wesak, with peals of bells and drum beats. Shops selling large and small lanterns, candles, various electric lighting sets, and papers of any imaginable color abound. The devout, clad in pure white, with no make-up or jewelry, make their way to the temple to spend the next twenty four hours in quiet contemplation. No solid food is taken after mid-day meal on this day.

Deepavali (October/November)
Besides India, Diwali festival is equally celebrated with great devotion in Sri Lanka. Diwali the festival of lights, lamps, rituals and is celebrated to mark the victory of good over evil, according to legend on this auspicious day Lord Rama return to Ayudhya, from 14 years of exile. Goddess Lakshmi, known as the goddess of wealth is also worshipped on the day and a grand puja celebration is organized in every Hindu house.

Muslim festivals
Muslim festivals are also closely associated to religion. The community follows a minority group that is the reason the celebrations are not much in notice. The main Muslim festivals are the Milad-un-Nabi or the birth of the Prophet Mohammed in December, Id-ul-Fitr marking the end of the holy fasting during the month of Ramadan, and the Haj festival when Muslims make their pilgrimages to the holy Muslim shrine at Mecca.

Christmas festivals
Christmas is also very much part of the island's festivities, and is celebrated with same fun and folic through out the island among all communities, especially Christians.

Interesting places

In Sri Lanka, there are so many attractive, beautiful and interesting places to visit. In fact, the whole country is a down to earth heaven on the hand of beauty. Some of the most interesting places and'must visit' destinations are Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, etc...

Adventure

Sri Lanka has something to offer everyone; it has the potential to become one of the great adventure destinations in the world. A rocky mountainous core rises in three pen plains, or steps, from the centre of the island with the many run able rivers there is plenty of scope for canoeing and White Water Rafting from fun going grade of waters to exciting grade 05 waters. Scuba Diving and snorkeling is available around certain locations in the coastal area, if you are a wreck diver, then this is the place for you. The adventure season now covers almost the entire year. The wide choice of adventure sports range from daring to exotic tours that mix various activities.

This is for those who want to see man and nature surviving in each others arms is rediscovering ones own self.