GEOGRAPHY
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Sri Lanka lies between longitudes 79o and 81o east and latitudes 5 oand 10o north From north to south 5o.55 , 9o.55
The Island is 426Km long and from west to east 224 km wide. The area of the island is 65610 square kms.
Highest Waterfall Bambarakanda. 241 meters Highest peak Piduruthalagala. |
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LOCATION |
Sri Lanka is a teardrop-shaped island in the Indian Ocean just below the Southern tip of India. and lying North of the equator. |
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CLIMATE |
Sri Lanka enjoys a tropical climate. There are no seasonal variations. The bi-annual monsoon rains provide the only seasons.
The temperature is high throughout the year the average temperature in Colombo is 27 degrees centigrade (80 degrees Fahrenheit) This is accompanied by high levels of humidity. However in the different parts of the island. The temperature and the climate vary according to the terrain. The higher you go, the cooler it gets. In the mountain regions of Nuwara Eliya. The Temperature averages 15 degrees centigrade (61 degrees Fahrenheit) sea temperatures as a rule remain 27o |
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HISTORY |
The chronicled history of Sri Lanka dates back to over 2,500 years. It had established trade and cultural links with many ancient civilizations. Throughout history , it has been known by different names. To the Greeks it was Taprobane , to the Arabs it was serendib . To the Portuguese it was ceilao. To the Dutch it was Zeylan, and to the British it was Ceylon. Sri Lanka was the ancient name meaning “The Resplendent Isle” |
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PEOPLE |
The population number approximately 19.4 million. This multi-ethnic population comprise :
- Sinhalese - 73%
- Tamil - 18%
- Muslims - 8%
- Burghers - 1% (descendents of Dutch and Portuguese)
Literacy Male 90.5% female 82.4%
One of the highest in Asia
Population land 304 people per square kms The four major or religions are :
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| NATIONAL DAY |
February 4th |
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RELIGION |
The four major or religions are :
- Buddhism – Followed by 70% of the Population
- Hinduism – Followed by 16 of the Population
- Islam – Followed by 7% of the Population
- Christianity –Followed by 7% of the Population
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LANGUAGES |
The most commonly-spoken languages in Sri Lanka are Sinhala , Tamil and English |
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ECONOMY |
Sri Lanka economy is based on agriculture and trade. Sri Lanka exports tea , Coconut rubber spices, cloths and gems to overseas. |
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CURRENCY |
The Sri Lanka (Rs.) is divided into 100 cents. The coins and notes fall into the following denominations. |
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COINS :
NOTES :
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Cents,2 cents,5cents,25 cents, 50 cents, 1 Rupees, 2 Rupees, 5 Rupees,10 Rupees
10 Rupees, 20 Rupees, 50 Rupees, 100 Rupees, 200 Rupees, 500 Rupees, 1000 Rupees, 2000 Rupees |
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Please note that 1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents and 10 cents coins are barely in circulation today. |
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TIME DIFFERENCE |
Sri Lanka standard time in 5 ½ hours ahead of Greenwich mean Time. |
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AIRPORT |
Bandaranayaka International Airport , 34 km from city centre. |
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VISA REGULATIONS |
30 day visit visa issued at entry for most nationalities. |
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EMBARKATION TAX |
Presently SLR 1500 per person for all departing passengers for intractional destinations. (payable only in local currency) |
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ACCOMMODATION |
Ranges from guest houses and one star to five star Hotels where executive floors and suites are available too. |
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ELECTRICITY |
220-240V 50 Cycles A/C |
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BANK |
Open from 9.00hrs to 13.00 hrs and some till 15.00hrs . Monday to Friday Banks at Air port 24 Hours. |
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CREDIT CARDS |
Most international credit cards are accepted in merchandising establishments within and outside Colombo including all major hotels. |
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