The land area is 65,610 Square kilometers plus two square km with the newly built ‘Port City’ (25,000 sq. miles) (6.56 million hectares) together with the internal waters of 1,570 km2 . Maximum length (north to south) is 432km., from Point Pedro in the north to Dondra Head in the south. Maximum breadth (west to east) is 240km., from Colombo to Sangamam Kanda in the east. Exclusive Economic Zone of Sri Lanka extends to a distance of 200 nautical miles (370.4km). All together land and sea area is 554.200 sq.km.
Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is an Island which situated in the Indian Ocean between Northern Latitudes 5.550 and 9.500 and Eastern Longitudes 79.420 and 81.520. The Palk Straits about 35km (23miles) separates India and Sri Lanka. It is 5.30 hours ahead of GMT. It is Independent Island separated from India situated close to India and in the middle of international marine highway; the halfway point between the two great empires of Rome and China and it is almost on the 6 degrees north of equator where navigational winds and monsoon effects changed directions as requisite. It is Ever green Tropical Country.
The highest temperature is reordered during the period of April and May, which goes up to 35°C. The lowest temperature records in Nuwara eliya as 10°C. The temperature decreases with altitude at 3°C for every 500 meters. Maximum average annual temperature is 28°C-34°C (along the coast) Average minimum temperature is 22°Cand26°C. The seas are always around 280C., which is suitable for sea bathing and swimming year round. The relative humidity varies generally from about 70% during the daytime, while 90 – 95% at night in the southwest. In the Dry Zone humidity goes down to about 60%. Humidity makes uneasiness among the visitors, who come from temperate countries.
More than temperature Rainfall is a determinant of the climate of Sri Lanka. South -West (SW) and North-East (NE) Monsoons, Convectional atmosphere and Cyclones bring rain to the country.
The SW Monsoon is from May to September and brings heavy rainfall to the SW and Southern parts and windward side of the central hills; it is during this period that the East Coast attracts many visitors with its dry weather. This season is called Yala.
The NE monsoon is active from about December to February and rain falls on the Northern and East parts of the country. This season is called Maha. Annual rainfall varies from 900mm to 6000mm. Higher values are experienced on the western slops of the central hill country. The next higher values are over the Rangala range of hills. The lower values are on the North Western and South Eastern low lands.
Convectional – (Two inter monsoons) Convective showers and thunderstorms frequently develop over the country in the evenings during these periods. 1st inter monsoon period is in of March to April, while 2nd rain is from October/ November. During this period, cyclonic wind circulations and convergence activity make the rainfall widespread.
It has Climate zones such as (Wet Zones, Dry Zones, Intermediate zone & Semi Arid Zones), Coastal Areas such as (Estuaries, Lagoon and Bays), Geographical areas such as (Mountains and Mountain range, Gaps, Passes, Valley, Plateau), Natural Regions such as (The Wet Low lands, The Wet Montane Region, The Dry Mountain region, The Arid zone in the North West and South East of the island).
Sri Lanka is a multi-Ethnic multi-religious country. Majority of the are Sinhalese (75%), Tamils (15%), Sri Lankan Moors – 9% and others 1%. It have different communities such as Burger, Portuguese and etc. Indigenous people, who are counted as Sinhalese and Tamils less than 20,000. They live in the south east and east part of the country. Sri Lanka main religion is Buddhists (69%) Hindus (12.5%), Islamists (10%), Christians (7.5%) and other (1%). As a multi-national country, three major language are used Viz; Sinhala, Tamil and English. According to the constitution, Sinhala and Tamil are official languages, whilst English is the link language. English is spoken everywhere and most of sign boards are in all three languages. Sinhala is one of the few oldest languages, which has its own alphabet and characters.
Sri Lanka have Eight world Heritage sites declared by UNESCO
Cultural
- Ancient city of Polonnaruwa-1982
- Ancient city of Sigiriya–1982
- Golden Temple of Dambulla–1991
- Old town of Galle and its fortification 1988
- Sacred city of Anuradhapura –1982
- Sacred city of Kandy -1988
Nature
- Central highlands of Sri Lanka-2010
- Sinharaja forest reserve -1988
Why Sri Lanka is a hotspot for Tourists;
- Wild Life
- Safari
- Photography
- Bird watching
- Watersports
- Whale watching
- Foods and Spices
- Tea factory visiting
- Gems and Jewellary, Shopping
- Hot air balloons
- Religious Tours
- Pilgrimage
- Meditation
- Ayurveda / Medical tours
- Trekking and Hiking
- Adventure
- Sri Lankan Art and Crafts, Handlooms
- Leisure, Conference, Meetings, Incentive Travel, Exhibitions, Events and etc
- Culture, Community and Heritage
Traditional way of Sri Lankan welcome to visitors as follows;
Ayubowan!
May You Live Long !
