Ten fun facts about Sri Lanka

Image of Sri Lanka

Ten fun facts about Sri Lanka

Image of Sri Lanka

1. A Paradise for Travelers

Sri Lanka is a beautiful island nation located in the Indian Ocean, and is often referred to as the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean'. With its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and rich cultural heritage, it's no wonder why Sri Lanka is such a popular tourist destination. From the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura to the colonial architecture of Galle, Sri Lanka has something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a relaxing beach holiday or an adventure-filled exploration of the country's many attractions, Sri Lanka is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

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2. Ondaatje, the Sri Lankan Master

Michael Ondaatje, the world-renowned author of acclaimed works such as The English Patient and Anil's Ghost, hails from the beautiful island nation of Sri Lanka. Born in Colombo in 1943, Ondaatje has gone on to become one of the most celebrated writers of our time, winning the Booker Prize in 1992 for The English Patient and the Governor General's Award for Anil's Ghost in 2000. His works have been translated into over 40 languages, and his influence on literature is undeniable.

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3. Sri Lanka's Tea Production: A History and a Future

Sri Lanka is renowned for its tea production, with the country being the world's largest tea exporter. Tea is a major part of Sri Lanka's economy, with the industry employing over 1 million people and contributing to over 2% of the country's GDP. Sri Lanka produces some of the finest teas in the world, with the country's high-quality Ceylon tea being particularly sought after. The tea industry in Sri Lanka is also renowned for its sustainability, with the country being one of the few tea-producing nations to be certified as a sustainable tea producer.

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4. Sri Lanka's First Female Prime Minister: A History in Pictures

Sri Lanka made history in 1960 when Sirimavo Bandaranaike became the first democratically elected female head of state in the world. Bandaranaike was a member of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and was elected Prime Minister of Sri Lanka in the general election of 1960. She was the widow of a former Prime Minister and was the first female leader of a modern nation. Her election marked a major milestone in the advancement of women's rights and was a major step forward for the country.

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5. The National Flag of Sri Lanka

The national flag of Sri Lanka is a symbol of pride and patriotism for the people of the island nation. It is believed to be one of the oldest flags in the world, with its design dating back to the 4th century BC. The flag is composed of four equal-sized rectangles in saffron, green, and orange, with a maroon-colored bo leaf in the center. The saffron color represents the courage and sacrifice of the people, the green stands for the country's fertility and prosperity, and the orange symbolizes the Buddhist heritage of the nation. The bo leaf in the center is a symbol of Buddhism, which is the major religion in Sri Lanka.

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6. 11 Universities in Sri Lanka Offer a Wide Range of Courses and Degrees

Sri Lanka is home to eleven universities, each offering a wide range of courses and degrees. From the University of Colombo to the University of Jaffna, these universities provide students with the opportunity to pursue a variety of disciplines, from engineering and medicine to the humanities and social sciences. With a rich history and culture, Sri Lanka is an ideal place to study, offering students the chance to explore the country's unique heritage while gaining a world-class education.

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7. The Spice of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is home to the spice cinnamon, which was discovered by the Egyptians thousands of years ago. This spice has been used for centuries in many different cultures, and is still widely used today. It is believed to have originated in Sri Lanka, where it was used for medicinal purposes and as a flavoring agent. Cinnamon is a versatile spice that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, and is a key ingredient in many traditional Sri Lankan dishes.

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8. Sri Lanka's Beautiful Currency: The Sri Lankan Rupee

Sri Lanka is a beautiful island nation located in the Indian Ocean, and its currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee. The Rupee is divided into 100 cents, and is denoted by the symbol Rs. The Rupee is issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, and is available in denominations of Rs. 10, Rs. 20, Rs. 50, Rs. 100, Rs. 500, Rs. 1000, Rs. 2000, and Rs. 5000. The Sri Lankan Rupee is accepted in many countries around the world, making it a convenient currency for travelers.

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9. Sri Lankan Cuisine: A Taste of the Island Nation

In Sri Lanka, the most popular meal is a delicious and spicy curry, served with a generous portion of steamed rice and a side of fresh vegetables. This traditional dish is a staple of the Sri Lankan diet, and is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. The curry is made with a variety of spices, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili, and is often served with a dollop of coconut milk to add a creamy richness. The vegetables are usually cooked in a light sauce, and can include potatoes, carrots, and green beans. This flavorful and nutritious meal is a great way to experience the unique flavors of Sri Lanka.

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10. The History of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, has had a long and storied history. Before 1972, the island nation was known as Ceylon, a name derived from the ancient Sinhalese name for the island, "Serendib". The name Ceylon was used by the British during their colonial rule of the island, and was officially changed to Sri Lanka in 1972 when the country gained independence. Since then, Sri Lanka has become a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant culture.

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Short about Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a country off the southern coast of the Indian subcontinent.

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