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Sri Lanka

Capital:Colombo (commercial capital); Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte (legislative capital)
Population:21.5M
Currency:Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR)
Language:Sinhala (official) 74%, Tamil (national language) 18%, other 8%. English is widely understood.
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Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Factsheet

Customs and Culture

About the People

Sri Lankans are friendly and have relatively open attitudes. While some groups seek independence, people in general seek peace, unity, and economic development for the entire population.

Cultural Attributes

While some groups seek independence, people generally seek peace, unity, and economic development for the entire population. Sri Lankans are usually friendly people and are tolerant of opinions and beliefs.

Monkeys are everywhere in Sri Lanka

The Emerald Isle of Spice and Spirit

Greetings, Gestures & Visiting

The traditional greeting is the act of placing one's palms together under the chin and bowing the head slightly. A Western handshake is also acceptable. Titles are important to Sri Lankans, and it is proper to address acquaintances by their titles. Ethnic groups may have different ways of greeting each other.

Objects are passed with the right hand or both hands. As with many Asian cultures, the head is considered the most sacred part of the body. One should not touch a person's head, nor should one use one's foot to point at a person or an object.

Women are forbidden to touch a Buddhist monk. Pointing with the index finger is impolite. Beckoning is done by waving all fingers with the palm facing down.

People often smile instead of saying "thank you" However, a Western woman should be cautious about smiling too much, as this may be seen as a sign of flirtation. A caste system still exists, so if you invite someone to sit down with you they may be reluctant to do so. Any image of Buddha is sacred, thus do not ever touch, lean, or sit on one.

Sri Lankans are very hospitable. If refreshments are offered by the hosts, it is impolite to refuse them. In some homes, it may be appropriate to remove one's shoes before entering. At Buddhist temples, shoes are removed. In Sri Lanka, unexpected visits are welcome.

When Sri Lankans visit each other, men and women often break into separate groups.

The men may play bridge, while the women get together outside or on the veranda to chat, sing and weave mats and baskets. Particularly in rural areas, storytelling remains an important pastime, both among adults and between adults and children. Folk stories often relate to religious and moral themes.

Western-style clothing is popular, but traditional forms of clothing also are popular. With variation two basic styles of apparel for men and women are found. Women may wear a saree with a tight blouse. The saree is a long piece of fabric draped over the shoulder and wrapped at the waist.

Traditional attire for men may include loose-fitting pants combined with a long shirt that reaches to mid-thigh. Men might also wear a sarong (cloth wrapped around the waist, held by a belt or "lunghi").

Diet

Rice is the staple in the Sri Lankan diet and is the basic food for all meals. Each ethnic group is known for its own dishes, but each has also borrowed from the others over time; thus, Sri Lankan cuisine is a combination of all the different types. A variety of curries are popular, from mild to very spicy. Sri Lankans typically consume little meat, but they do eat large amounts of pulses (peas and beans) and nuts. Tea is served with most meals and as refreshment.

The different religions of the country play a large role in determining what is and is not eaten. Sri Lankans of all religious groups seek to avoid those things that would cause spiritual pollution. Because food enters the body, it is considered a prime source of potential pollution. Those that adhere strictly to Buddhist doctrines, do not eat flesh of any kind. Some Buddhists, however, include fish or eggs in their diet. Hindus do not eat beef or pork, and Muslims do not eat pork.

Rice is the staple in the Sri Lankan diet and is the basic food for all meals. Each ethnic group is known for its own dishes, but each has also borrowed from the others over time; thus, Sri Lankan cuisine is a combination of all the different types. A variety of curries are popular, from mild to very spicy. Sri Lankans typically consume little meat, but they do eat large amounts of pulses (peas and beans) and nuts. Tea is served with most meals and as refreshment.

Tangalla beach on the southern coast

Family

Traditionally, the various caste systems of each ethnic group have governed family patterns and relationships. Even with the declining influence of the caste system, the family remains the central social unit in all Sri Lankan societies.

The wife manages the affairs of the household and has influence in all family matters. The elderly receive deep respect and younger family members often yield to their advice and counsel.

Children expect to care for their elderly parents if necessary. The minimum age of marriage for women is 18 years, except in the case of Muslims, who continued to follow their customary religious practices of girls attaining marrying age with the onset of puberty and men when they are financially capable of supporting a family.

Dating Customs

Although individual choice of marriage is found among more Westernized circles, traditional practices of arranging marriages still prevail in Sri Lanka. Marriage outside of one’s caste traditionally had religious taboos associated with it, but this tradition is fading as Sri Lanka modernizes. Sexual purity is an essential part of the marriage contract on the part of the woman. Marriage between members of different ethnic groups is now very common in modern Sri Lanka.

Recreation

Cricket, introduced by the British in the 18th century, has become the country's most popular sport. In villages, amateur players may replace the regular ball with a mango seed or any other round object. "Elle" is Sri Lanka's version of baseball: the ball is smaller and the bat is replaced by a long bamboo stick. Women enjoy badminton and netball.

Children spend time playing soccer, volleyball, cricket and hide-and-seek. Families living close to the ocean enjoy going to the beach. People often spend leisure time with family, at school events, or in religious observances.

At home, children play a number of games, including "engili ellama" (spotting the finger), string games similar to a cat's cradle, "thayam" (dice), and board games made from simple materials. Community centers and schools are important places of entertainment: schools regularly promote sporting events, as well as plays, folk drama, dances, and musical performances.

Holidays

  • Independence Day

    2/4

    Independence Day

Dates of Interest

  • January

    Celebrated by the Tamil community in January, Thai Pongal is a harvest festival dedicated to the Sun God. It involves cooking a special dish called "Pongal" and making offerings of thanks for the harvest.

How do people greet each other in Sri Lanka?

The traditional greeting is placing the palms together under the chin with a slight bow of the head, though a Western handshake is also acceptable.

Do

  • Address acquaintances by their titles, which are important
  • Use the palms-together gesture with a slight head bow

Good to know

  • Different ethnic groups may greet each other in different ways

What are the dining and food customs in Sri Lanka?

Rice is the staple at all meals, accompanied by a variety of curries ranging from mild to very spicy, with tea served at most meals. Religion strongly shapes what people eat.

Do

  • Accept refreshments offered by hosts
  • Expect tea served with meals and as refreshment

Don’t

  • Don't refuse refreshments offered by hosts, as it is impolite

Good to know

  • Strict Buddhists eat no flesh; some include fish or eggs
  • Hindus avoid beef and pork; Muslims avoid pork
  • Sri Lankans eat little meat but many pulses and nuts

What etiquette should I follow when visiting Sri Lankans?

Sri Lankans are very hospitable and welcome even unexpected visits; when visiting, men and women often split into separate groups.

Do

  • Remove your shoes when entering some homes and always at Buddhist temples

Good to know

  • Men may play bridge while women chat, sing, and weave outside
  • A caste system still exists, so someone you invite to sit may be reluctant to do so

How should I dress in Sri Lanka?

Western-style clothing is popular alongside traditional dress, with two basic styles for men and women.

Good to know

  • Women may wear a saree with a tight blouse
  • Men may wear loose-fitting pants with a long shirt, or a sarong (lunghi) wrapped at the waist

What gestures are important to know in Sri Lanka?

The head is considered the most sacred part of the body, and images of Buddha are sacred, so certain gestures must be respected.

Do

  • Pass objects with the right hand or both hands
  • Beckon by waving all fingers with the palm facing down

Don’t

  • Don't touch a person's head
  • Don't point with your foot or your index finger
  • Don't touch, lean on, or sit on any image of Buddha

Good to know

  • People often smile instead of saying thank you
  • Women are forbidden to touch a Buddhist monk
  • Western women should avoid smiling too much, as it may be seen as flirtation

What is family life like in Sri Lanka?

The family is the central social unit; the wife manages the household and has influence in all family matters, and the elderly receive deep respect.

Do

  • Show deep respect to the elderly and yield to their counsel

Good to know

  • Children expect to care for their elderly parents if needed
  • Arranged marriages still prevail, though individual choice occurs in Westernized circles
  • The minimum marriage age for women is 18, except among Muslims who follow customary practices

What do people do for recreation in Sri Lanka?

Cricket is the country's most popular sport, and people commonly spend leisure time with family, at school events, or in religious observances.

Good to know

  • "Elle" is Sri Lanka's version of baseball, played with a bamboo stick
  • Women enjoy badminton and netball
  • Children play soccer, volleyball, cricket, hide-and-seek, dice, and string games
  • Families near the ocean enjoy going to the beach

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Sri Lanka

View all 31 photos

Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Currency
Sri Lankan rupee (LKR)
Time Difference
UTC+5.5 (10.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Climate
Monsoons produce two rainy seasons. The southwest monsoon lasts roughly from May to September. During this period, the southwestern part of the island, including Colombo, receives much of its average annual rainfall of 100 inches. The northeast monsoon, from about October or November through February, provides the northern and eastern parts of the island virtually all their average annual rainfall of 60 inches. Monsoon showers can become torrential in the Colombo area. December through March generally proves the driest period.
Airports
14
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Recipes

Featured Dish

Sri Lankan Flat Bread (rotis)

Bread

Browse all 7 recipes

History

Historical Eras

  1. Ancient Kingdoms

    500 BCE – 1070

    Sinhalese settlers from northern India established the island's first great civilization, centered on Anuradhapura from around 200 BCE. Buddhism, introduced in the 3rd century BCE during the reign of the Mauryan emperor Ashoka's emissary Mahinda, became the cornerstone of Sinhalese identity and statecraft. The era was defined by sophisticated hydraulic engineering, Buddhist chronicle-writing, and dynastic conflicts with South Indian invaders, including the legendary King Dutugamunu's victory over the Chola king Elara around 161 BCE.

  2. Polonnaruwa & Decline

    1070 – 1400

    Following Chola occupation, King Vijayabahu I reunified the island and shifted the capital to Polonnaruwa, which flourished under Parakramabahu I in the 12th century as a center of Buddhist art, architecture, and expansive irrigation works. The kingdom fragmented after 1200 amid internal strife and further South Indian incursions. By the 14th century, a Tamil dynasty established the Kingdom of Jaffna in the north, permanently altering the island's political and ethnic geography.

  3. European Colonial Era

    1505 – 1815

    Portuguese arrival in Colombo in 1505 initiated over three centuries of European dominance, during which successive colonial powers suppressed Buddhism and promoted Christianity. The Dutch expelled the Portuguese in 1658, controlling coastal territories until Britain assumed power in 1796 and declared Ceylon its first Crown Colony in 1802. British forces completed their conquest with the fall of the Kingdom of Kandy in 1815, extinguishing the last independent Sinhalese polity.

  4. British Crown Colony

    1815 – 1948

    Under consolidated British rule, Ceylon was unified administratively and transformed economically through plantation agriculture, with Tamil laborers imported from South India to work tea and rubber estates. The British progressively extended political participation, culminating in universal suffrage under the Donoughmore Constitution of 1931. A growing nationalist movement leveraging these constitutional reforms ultimately secured full independence for Ceylon on February 4, 1948.

  5. Ceylon / Early Independence

    1948 – 1983

    Independent Ceylon maintained democratic governance through successive elected governments, though communal tensions escalated sharply after Solomon Bandaranaike's 1956 election on a platform of Sinhalese nationalism and the Official Language Act, which marginalized Tamil speakers. The country adopted a new republican constitution in 1972 and renamed itself Sri Lanka. Tamil political grievances deepened through this period, leading to the formation of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in 1976.

  6. Civil War & Modern Era

    1983 – present

    The anti-Tamil pogrom of July 1983 ignited a devastating civil war between the Sri Lankan state and the LTTE, marked by four escalating Eelam Wars, suicide bombings, and the assassination of President Premadasa in 1993. The government declared military victory over the LTTE in May 2009, ending 26 years of armed conflict at enormous human cost. Post-war Sri Lanka has grappled with reconciliation, accountability for wartime abuses, economic development, and the political turbulence that culminated in the popular uprising of 2022.

Overview

Reclining and standing Buddhas at Polonnaruwa SRI LANKA’S HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL HERITAGE covers more than 2,000 years. Known as Lanka--the "resplendent land"--in the ancient Indian epic Ramayana, the island has numerous other references that testify to the island’s natural beauty and wealth. Islamic folklore maintains that Adam and Eve were offered refuge on the island as solace for their expulsion from the Garden of Eden. Asian poets, noting the geographical location of the island and lauding its beauty, called it the "pearl upon the brow of India." A troubled nation in the 1980s, torn apart by communal violence, Sri Lanka has more recently been called India’s "fallen tear." Sri Lanka claims a democratic tradition matched by few other developing countries, and since its independence in 1948, successive governments have been freely elected. Sri Lanka’s citizens enjoy a long life expectancy, advanced health standards, and one of the highest literacy rates in the world despite the fact that the country has one of the lowest per capita incomes. In the years since independence, Sri Lanka has experienced severe communal clashes between its Buddhist Sinhalese majority-- approximately 74 percent of the population--and the country’s largest minority group, the Sri Lankan Tamils, who are Hindus and comprise nearly 13 percent of the population. The communal violence that attracted the harsh scrutiny of the international media in the late 1980s can best be understood in the context of the island’s complex historical development--its ancient and intricate relationship to India’s civilization and its more than four centuries under colonial rule by European powers. The Sinhalese claim to have been the earliest colonizers of Sri Lanka, first settling in the dry north-central regions as early as 500 B.C. Between the third century B.C. and the twelfth century A.D., they developed a great civilization centered around the cities of Anuradhapura and later Polonnaruwa, which was noted for its genius in hydraulic engineering--the construction of water tanks (reservoirs) and irrigation canals, for example--and its guardianship of Buddhism. State patronage gave Buddhism a heightened political importance that enabled the religion to escape the fate it had experienced in India, where it was eventually absorbed by Hinduism. The history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, especially its extended period of glory, is for many Sinhalese a potent symbol that links the past with the present. An enduring ideology defined by two distinct elements--sinhaladipa (unity of the island with the Sinhalese) and dhammadipa (island of Buddhism)-- designates the Sinhalese as custodians of Sri Lankan society. This theme finds recurrent expression in the historical chronicles composed by Buddish monks over the centuries, from the mythological founding of the Sinhalese "lion" race around 300 B.C. to the capitulation of the Kingdom of Kandy, the last independent Sinhalese polity in the early nineteenth century. The institutions of Buddhist-Sinhalese civilization in Sri Lanka came under attack during the colonial eras of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British. During these centuries of colonialization, the state encouraged and supported Christianity- -first Roman Catholicism, then Protestantism. Most Sinhalese regard the entire period of European dominance as an unfortunate era, but most historians--Sri Lankan or otherwise--concede that British rule was relatively benign and progressive compared to that of the Dutch and Portuguese. Influenced by the ascendant philosophy of liberal reformism, the British were determined to anglicize the island, and in 1802, Sri Lanka (then called Ceylon) became Britain’s first crown colony. The British gradually permitted native participation in the governmental process; and under the Donoughmore Constitution of 1931 and then the Soulbury Constitution of 1946, the franchise was dramatically extended, preparing the island for independence two years later. Under the statesmanship of Sri Lanka’s first postindependence leader, Don Stephen (D.S.) Senanayake, the country managed to rise above the bitterly divisive communal and religious emotions that later complicated the political agenda. Senanayake envisioned his country as a pluralist, multiethnic, secular state, in which minorities would be able to participate fully in government affairs. His vision for his nation soon faltered, however, and communal rivalry and confrontation appeared within the first decade of independence. Sinhalese nationalists aspired to recover the dominance in society they had lost during European rule, while Sri Lankan Tamils wanted to protect their minori

Timeline of Key Events

  1. 161 BCE – 137

    The legendary King Duthagamani ruled Sri Lanka.

    The legendary King Duthagamani ruled Sri Lanka.

  2. 993

    The south Indian Cola Empire captured Anuradhapura (Sri Lanka).

    The south Indian Cola Empire captured Anuradhapura (Sri Lanka).

  3. 1505

    Portuguese arrive in Colombo, marking beginning of European interest.

    Portuguese arrive in Colombo, marking beginning of European interest.

  4. 1658

    Dutch force out Portuguese.

    Dutch force out Portuguese and establish control over whole island except central kingdom of Kandy.

  5. 1796

    Britain begins to take over island.

    Britain begins to take over island.

  6. 1800 – 1900

    Tamil people of southern India were taken by the British.

    Tamil people of southern India were taken by the British to Ceylon to clear the jungles and work plantations.

  7. 1931

    British grant the right to vote and introduce power sharing with Sinhalese-run cabinet.

    British grant the right to vote and introduce power sharing with Sinhalese-run cabinet.

View full timeline (21 events)
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Interesting Facts

  • When a child loses a tooth they close their eyes and say “Squirrel, squirrel, take this tooth and give me a new one.” Then they throw it on the roof and run into the house without looking.

  • Sri Lanka has the world's highest rate of suicide with 47 per 1,000 people.

  • The oldest Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike was 78 years old when he was elected.

  • Elephants are an important part of Sri Lankan culture. They are decorated for religious processions called peraheras, and their images appear in temples and palaces. Some elephants are still used for work. Others are in danger of extinction due to uncontrolled expansion of agriculture and development.

  • In 1960, Sirimavo Bandaranaike became the world's first female prime minister in Sri Lanka.

  • Buddhist weddings are held on a square platform called a poruwa. After rings are exchanged, the couple feed each other kiri bath (rice cooked in milk) or rice milk. When the couple descends from the poruwa a coconut is broken to wish them happiness and prosperity.

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Geography and Environment

A pear-shaped island in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka lies 18 miles from India at its closest point. It has an area of 25,332 square miles, a length of 268 miles, a width of 139 miles. Located in the tropical zone between 5 N and 9 N and between 80 E and 82 E. Sri Lanka has many areas of scenic beauty and historic interest. The island consists of two main topographical sections: the mountainous south-central region which rises to 8,281 feet above sea level and the low-lying northern, eastern, and southwestern coastal plains. Dense vegetation covers a large part of Sri Lanka, particularly the southern and western coasts. Rubber and coconut trees grow in the midlands and lowlands, and the highlands have vast tea estates. In Colombo, temperatures rarely rise above 90 F or drop below 70 F; relative humidity varies from 70% during the day to 90% at night. The mountainous districts have an average day temperature of about 60 F, but at night it drops rapidly, sometimes to near freezing in winter in places such as Nuwara Eliya (altitude of 5,905 feet).
Terrain
mostly low, flat to rolling plain; mountains in south-central interior
Climate
Monsoons produce two rainy seasons. The southwest monsoon lasts roughly from May to September. During this period, the southwestern part of the island, including Colombo, receives much of its average annual rainfall of 100 inches. The northeast monsoon, from about October or November through February, provides the northern and eastern parts of the island virtually all their average annual rainfall of 60 inches. Monsoon showers can become torrential in the Colombo area. December through March generally proves the driest period.
Natural Hazards
occasional cyclones and tornadoes
Current Environmental Issues
deforestation; soil erosion; wildlife populations threatened by poaching and urbanization; coastal degradation from mining activities and increased pollution; freshwater resources being polluted by industrial wastes and sewage runoff; waste disposal; air pollution in Colombo
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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

Sinhala (official) 74%, Tamil (national language) 18%, other 8%. English is widely understood.

  • Sinhala
  • Sinhala
  • Tamil

Population

Population
21,513,990
Population in Major Urban Areas
COLOMBO (capital) 693,000; Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte (legislative capital) 126,000
Nationality Noun
Sri Lankan(s)
Ethnic Groups
Sinhalese 74%, Tamil 18%, Moor 7%, Burgher, Malay, and Vedda 1%

Education

Literacy Definition
age 15 and over can read and write

Health Information

Major Infectious Diseases — degree of risk
high
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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
SriLanka
Full Country Name
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Former Name
Serendib, Ceylon

Government Structure

Government Type
republic
Legal System
a highly complex mixture of English common law, Roman-Dutch, Muslim, Sinhalese, and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive Branch
chief of state: President Anura Kumara DISSANAYAKE (since 23 September 2024); the president is considered both the chief of state and head of government head of government: President Anura Kumara DISSANAYAKE (since 23 September 2024); the president is considered both the chief of state and head of government cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president in consultation with the prime minister elections: President elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held on 21 September 2024 (next to be held in 2029) election results: Anura Kumara DISSANAYAKE elected president in the first election conducted under a preferential voting system; percent of first-preference vote - Anura Kumara DISSANAYAKE 42.3%, Sajith PREMADASA 32.8%, Ranil WICKREMESINGHE 17.3%, other 7.6%
Legislative Branch
unicameral Parliament (225 seats; members elected by popular vote on the basis of a modified proportional representation system by district to serve six-year terms) elections: last held 2 April 2004 (next to be held by 2010) election results: percent of vote by party or electoral alliance - SLFP and JVP (no longer in formal UPFA alliance) 45.6%, UNP 37.83%, TNA 6.84%, JHU 5.97%, SLMC 2.02%, UPF 0.54%, EPDP 0.27%, others 0.93%; seats by party - UNP 68, SLFP 57, JVP 39, UNP dissident 1, TNA 22, CWC 8, JHU 7, JHU dissidents 2, SLMC 6, SLMC dissidents 4, Communist Party 2, LSSP 2, MEP 2, NUA 2, UPF 2, EPDP 1
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court; Court of Appeals; judges for both courts are appointed by the president
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Constitution
adopted 16 August 1978
Independence
4 February 1948 (from UK)
National Holiday
Independence Day, 4 February (1948)

Capital City

Capital Name
Colombo (commercial capital); Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte (legislative capital)
Capital - geographic coordinate
6 55 N, 79 50 E
Capital Time Difference
UTC+5.5 (10.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Colombo may derive from the Sinhala "kolon thota," meaning "port on the river" (referring to the Kelani River that empties into the Indian Ocean at Colombo); alternatively, the name may derive from the Sinhala "kola amba thota" meaning "harbor with mango trees"; it is also possible that the Portuguese named the city after Christopher COLUMBUS, who lived in Portugal for many years (as Cristovao COLOMBO) before discovering the Americas for the Spanish crown in 1492 - not long before the Portuguese made their way to Sri Lanka in 1505; Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte translates as "Resplendent City of Growing Victory" in Sinhala

Military

Branches: Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

U.S. Embassy Colombo

210 Galle Road

Colombo 03

Sri Lanka

Telephone: 94 11 249 8500

Emergency after-hours telephone: 94 77 725 6307

Facsimile: 94 11 249 8590

Email for American Citizens Services issues: ColomboACS@state.gov

Please note that the U.S. Embassy’s normal business hours in Colombo are Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon. The Embassy in Colombo also covers the Republic of Maldives.

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Economy

In 1977, Sri Lanka abandoned statist economic policies and import substitution in favor of market-oriented reforms and export-led growth. Today, the country's most dynamic sectors include textiles and apparel, tourism, food and beverage processing, telecommunications, financial services, and information technology. Plantation crops such as tea, rubber, and coconut, which once dominated exports, now account for a much smaller share, while textiles and garments remain the largest single export category at roughly 45% of merchandise exports. Remittances from approximately 1.5 million Sri Lankans working abroad, primarily in the Middle East, continue to be a vital source of foreign exchange, generating around $6 billion annually.

After the end of the nearly three-decade civil war in 2009, Sri Lanka enjoyed several years of strong growth averaging over 6%, driven by post-war reconstruction, tourism, and services. However, the economy has since faced serious challenges, including the 2019 Easter bombings, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a severe foreign exchange and debt crisis that culminated in the country's first-ever sovereign default in 2022. The crisis triggered sharp contractions in GDP, runaway inflation that peaked above 70%, fuel and medicine shortages, and widespread political unrest.

In response, Sri Lanka secured a $3 billion Extended Fund Facility from the International Monetary Fund in 2023 and began restructuring its external debt, reaching agreements with bilateral creditors and bondholders. The economy returned to modest growth in 2024, inflation eased significantly, and tourism rebounded strongly. Nevertheless, the country continues to grapple with high public debt, structural reforms, poverty reduction, and the need to rebuild investor confidence.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR)
GDP — official exchange rate
$21,620,000,000 (USD)
GDP Real Growth Rate
5.6%
Gini Index
34.4

Banknotes

Sri Lanka Money - Front
Sri Lanka Money - Front
Sri Lanka Money - Back
Sri Lanka Money - Back

Budget & Public Finance

Fiscal Year
calendar year
Annual Budget
$5,469,000,000 (USD)
Public Debt (% of GDP)
98.5%
External Debt
$11,590,000,000 (USD)
Investment (% of GDP)
27%
Economic Aid
$577,000,000 (USD)
Current Account Balance
-$388,000,000 (USD)
Reserves of Foreign Exchange
$2,147,483,647 (USD)

Labor, Industry & Trade

Labor Force by Occupation
services 45%; agriculture 38%; industry 17%
Household Income — highest 10%
28%
Industries
rubber processing, tea, coconuts, and other agricultural commodities; clothing, cement, petroleum refining, textiles, tobacco
Agriculture Products
rice, sugarcane, grains, pulses, oilseed, spices, tea, rubber, coconuts; milk, eggs, hides, beef
Export Commodities
textiles and apparel, tea, diamonds, coconut products, petroleum products
Export Partners
US 37.7%, UK 12.6%, Germany 4.3%
Import Commodities
textiles, mineral products, petroleum, foodstuffs, machinery and equipment
Import Partners
India 13.8%, Hong Kong 8.1%, Singapore 7.2%, Japan 5.9%, South Korea 5%, Taiwan 4.8%, UAE 4.5%, UK 4.3%, China 4.3%

Energy

Oil Production
0 bbl/day
Oil Consumption
79,000 bbl/day
Oil Reserves
0 bbl/day
Natural Gas Production
0 cu m
Natural Gas Consumption
0 cu m
Natural Gas Imports
0 cu m
Natural Gas Exports
0 cu m
Natural Gas Reserves
0 cu m

Communications

Telephone System
general assessment: telephone services have improved significantly and are available in most parts of the country domestic: national trunk network consists mostly of digital microwave radio relay; fiber-optic links now in use in Colombo area and fixed wireless local loops have been installed; competition is strong in mobile cellular systems and mobile cellular subscribership is increasing international: country code - 94; the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cables provide connectivity to Asia, Australia, Middle East, Europe, US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)
Internet Country Code
.lk

News & Weather

Current Weather

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Latest News

News via Google News

Climate Overview

Monsoons produce two rainy seasons. The southwest monsoon lasts roughly from May to September. During this period, the southwestern part of the island, including Colombo, receives much of its average annual rainfall of 100 inches.

The northeast monsoon, from about October or November through February, provides the northern and eastern parts of the island virtually all their average annual rainfall of 60 inches. Monsoon showers can become torrential in the Colombo area. December through March generally proves the driest period.

Videos

2 curated YouTube videos.

  • Source: YouTube

  • Source: YouTube

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Sri Lanka?
The population of Sri Lanka is approximately 21.5M.
How do people greet each other in Sri Lanka?
The traditional greeting is placing the palms together under the chin with a slight bow of the head, though a Western handshake is also acceptable. Do: Address acquaintances by their titles, which are important Use the palms-together gesture with a slight head bow Different ethnic groups may greet each other in different ways
What are the dining and food customs in Sri Lanka?
Rice is the staple at all meals, accompanied by a variety of curries ranging from mild to very spicy, with tea served at most meals. Religion strongly shapes what people eat. Do: Accept refreshments offered by hosts Expect tea served with meals and as refreshment Don't: Don't refuse refreshments offered by hosts, as it is impolite Strict Buddhists eat no flesh; some include fish or eggs Hindus avoid beef and pork; Muslims avoid pork Sri Lankans eat little meat but many pulses and nuts
What etiquette should I follow when visiting Sri Lankans?
Sri Lankans are very hospitable and welcome even unexpected visits; when visiting, men and women often split into separate groups. Do: Remove your shoes when entering some homes and always at Buddhist temples Men may play bridge while women chat, sing, and weave outside A caste system still exists, so someone you invite to sit may be reluctant to do so
How should I dress in Sri Lanka?
Western-style clothing is popular alongside traditional dress, with two basic styles for men and women. Women may wear a saree with a tight blouse Men may wear loose-fitting pants with a long shirt, or a sarong (lunghi) wrapped at the waist
What gestures are important to know in Sri Lanka?
The head is considered the most sacred part of the body, and images of Buddha are sacred, so certain gestures must be respected. Do: Pass objects with the right hand or both hands Beckon by waving all fingers with the palm facing down Don't: Don't touch a person's head Don't point with your foot or your index finger Don't touch, lean on, or sit on any image of Buddha People often smile instead of saying thank you Women are forbidden to touch a Buddhist monk Western women should avoid smiling too much, as it may be seen as flirtation
What is family life like in Sri Lanka?
The family is the central social unit; the wife manages the household and has influence in all family matters, and the elderly receive deep respect. Do: Show deep respect to the elderly and yield to their counsel Children expect to care for their elderly parents if needed Arranged marriages still prevail, though individual choice occurs in Westernized circles The minimum marriage age for women is 18, except among Muslims who follow customary practices
What do people do for recreation in Sri Lanka?
Cricket is the country's most popular sport, and people commonly spend leisure time with family, at school events, or in religious observances. "Elle" is Sri Lanka's version of baseball, played with a bamboo stick Women enjoy badminton and netball Children play soccer, volleyball, cricket, hide-and-seek, dice, and string games Families near the ocean enjoy going to the beach
What is the capital of Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka has two capital cities serving distinct functions. Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte serves as the legislative capital and the seat of parliament, while Colombo functions as the commercial capital and largest city, housing the majority of government ministries, foreign embassies, and the country's primary port. This dual-capital arrangement reflects the administrative restructuring that followed independence, with Colombo remaining the practical hub of national and international affairs.
Where is Sri Lanka located?
Sri Lanka is an island nation situated in South Asia, lying in the Indian Ocean just off the southeastern tip of the Indian subcontinent. Separated from India by the shallow Palk Strait, it occupies a strategically significant position along major maritime trade routes connecting East Asia with the Middle East and Europe. The island sits roughly between latitudes 6° and 10° North, giving it a predominantly tropical climate year-round.
What are the ocean and sea borders of Sri Lanka?
As an island nation, Sri Lanka shares no land borders. It is surrounded by the Indian Ocean, with the Bay of Bengal lying to its northeast and the Laccadive Sea to its northwest. The narrow Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar separate the island from the southern coast of India. These surrounding waters have historically shaped Sri Lanka's role as a vital crossroads of Indian Ocean trade and cultural exchange.
What is the main religion of Sri Lanka?
Buddhism is the predominant religion, practiced by approximately 70% of the population, predominantly among the Sinhalese ethnic majority. Hinduism accounts for roughly 15%, observed mainly within the Tamil community, while Christianity represents about 8% of the population, a legacy of Portuguese and Dutch colonial influence. Buddhism has been central to Sri Lankan civilization since approximately the mid-third century B.C. and continues to shape law, culture, and national identity.
What currency is used in Sri Lanka?
The official currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lanka Rupee, with the ISO code LKR. The rupee is subdivided into 100 cents and is issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, which was established following independence. The currency has experienced periods of significant volatility, particularly during the economic crisis of the early 2020s, which brought international attention to the country's fiscal challenges and led to major political and monetary policy reforms.
What languages are spoken in Sri Lanka?
Sinhala is the official language, spoken by approximately 74% of the population and closely tied to the Buddhist Sinhalese majority. Tamil holds national language status and is spoken by roughly 18% of the population, primarily by Tamil Hindus in the north and east. English, introduced during British colonial rule, is widely understood among educated urban populations and functions as a common language in government, commerce, and higher education.
What is the geography of Sri Lanka like?
Sri Lanka is a relatively compact island with a varied terrain that includes a central highland massif, fertile coastal lowlands, and an extensive coastline of beaches and lagoons. The central highlands, which include Adam's Peak and Pidurutalagala — the island's highest point at 2,524 metres — give way to broad plains used extensively for rice cultivation and tea plantations. The climate is tropical, moderated by two monsoon seasons, and the island's biodiversity is exceptional relative to its size.
What is Sri Lanka known for?
Sri Lanka is internationally recognized for its production of Ceylon tea, one of the world's most celebrated export crops, as well as for high-quality cinnamon, sapphires, and other precious gemstones. The ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, draw scholars and travelers for their remarkable Buddhist ruins and reservoirs dating back over two millennia. The island is also noted for its distinct cuisine featuring coconut-based curries, and for its traditional masked dance forms and vibrant Vesak festival celebrations.

Last reviewed 2026

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