About Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, officially Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, formerly Ceylon, island republic in the Indian Ocean off the south-eastern coast of India. Sri Lanka is separated from India by the Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar. Lying between the two nations is a chain of tiny islands known as Adam’s Bridge. Sri Lanka is somewhat pear-shaped, with its apex in the north. The greatest length from north to south is about 440 km (273 mi); the greatest width is about 220 km (137 mi). The total area of Sri Lanka is 65,610 sq km (25,332 sq mi). The capital of Sri Lanka is the ancient city of Sri Jayavardhanapura-Kotte; Colombo is the largest city.

1. LAND AND RESOURCES

An outstanding feature of the topography of Sri Lanka is a mountainous mass in the south-central part of the country, the highest point of which is the peak of Pidurutalagala (2,524 m/8,281 ft). In the upland area are two plateaux, Nuwara Eliya and Horton Plains, which are major centres of commercial tea plantations. The plateaux are noted for their cool, healthful climate. North of the mountains, and extending south, is an arid and gently rolling plain known as the dry zone.

Sri Lanka’s coast, particularly the west, south, and south-east, is palm-fringed and indented by lagoons and inlets. The more rugged north-eastern coast contains Trincomalee Harbour, considered one of the best natural harbours in the world. On the south-western coast other harbours include the largely artificial one at Colombo and one at Galle.

2. Plants and Animals

Sri Lanka is noted for the beauty and variety of its vegetation. Dense tropical jungles occupy extensive areas in the south-west, and the upper mountain slopes are thickly forested. Many varieties of palm, including the areca, coconut, and palmyra, flourish in the lowlands along the coast. Mangroves and screw pines abound in coastal areas. Numerous varieties of timber trees, notably mahogany and many species of resin-yielding fruit trees, are indigenous to the wet zone. Among the timber trees that are common in the drier sections of the island are ebony and satinwood. Ferns, water hyacinths, orchids, acacias, eucalyptus trees, and cypresses flourish in various regions.
The animal life of Sri Lanka, including many species that may be in danger of extinction, is varied and includes the cheetah, leopard, several species of monkey, and elephant. The island contains numerous species of birds and reptiles.