Sri Lanka, historically known as Ceylon and officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, is an island country in South Asia. It lies in the Indian Ocean, southwest of the Bay of Bengal, separated from the Indian peninsula by the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait. It shares a maritime border with the Maldives in the southwest and India in the northwest.Sri Lanka has a population of approximately 22 million and is home to many cultures, languages and ethnicities. Sinhala & Tamil is widely spoken throughout Sri Lanka. Currency in use is called Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR).

Sri Lanka, is a free, independent and sovereign nation. Legislative power is exercised by a Parliament, elected by universal franchise on proportional representation basis. A President, who is elected by the people, exercises executive power including defence. Sri Lanka enjoys a multi party system, and the people vote to elect a new government every six years.

Sri Lanka’s Per Capita income is LKR 1,253,785 and it is a lower middle-income economy. Sri Lanka’s economy is projected to see moderate growth in 2024, following severe economic downturn in the recent years. Main economic sectors of the country are tourism, tea export, apparel, textile, rice production and other agricultural products.

Followings are some of the Sri Lankan brands:
a. Ceylon Tea – Ceylon Tea is a geographical indicator and a pillar of Sri Lankan culture, heritage and identity. Dilmah, Island Tea, Mlesna are few such brands which are worldfamous.
b. Biscuits – Sri Lankan biscuit manufacturers are very famous for its unique taste. CBL and Maliban are the most popular brands.
c. Hospitality – Sri Lankan hospitality is part of our culture. Cinnamon Hotels, Citrus, Aitken Spence, Jetwing Hotels are luxury hotel brands that bring Sri Lankan hospitality to the next level.

There are eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka. Six of them are cultural and two are natural heritage sites. Additionally, four properties are listed in the UNESCO’s Tentative List. Following are the descriptions are the respective World Heritage Sites:
a. Ancient City of Polonnaruwa - the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993 AD, and it is renowned for its well-preserved ruins of palaces, temples, and statues, reflecting the grandeur of a bygone era.
b. Ancient City of Sigiriya - known as Lion Rock, is an ancient rock fortress and palace complex with extensive gardens, reservoirs, and frescoes, built by King Kasyapa in the 5th century AD.
c. Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications - The Old Town of Galle, located on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, is a historic city known for its 17th-century Dutch fort, cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and panoramic sea views.
d. Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple - known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is a well-preserved complex of cave temples filled with Buddha statues and ancient murals.
e. Sacred City of Anuradhapura - Anuradhapura, one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, is known for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Lankan civilization, including gigantic stupas, ancient temples, and the sacred Bo Tree.
f. Sacred City of Kandy - the last capital of the ancient kings' era of Sri Lanka, is home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa).
g. Central Highlands of Sri Lanka - A biodiversity hotspot characterized by its montane rainforests, cloud forests, and endemic wildlife, including the Horton Plains National Park, Knuckles Conservation Forest, and the Peak Wilderness Protected Area.
h. Sinharaja Forest Reserve - A biodiverse tropical rainforest that harbors numerous endemic species of flora and fauna, making it a vital conservation area and a haven for naturalists and bird watchers.

Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka, is the center of government and economic activity. It houses the Presidential Secretariat, the Prime Minister's Office, and many important ministries and administrative offices. Colombo's coastal location makes it a key point for international trade and diplomacy. The city's infrastructure, including the busy Port of Colombo and Bandaranaike International Airport, supports its role in commerce and tourism. With a diverse population and a blend of historical and modern features, Colombo is crucial for the administration and governance of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka boasts a wide array of tourist destinations, including cultural and historical sites, natural attractions, and beautiful beaches. Visitors can also explore the picturesque hill country, enjoy unique experiences, and discover vibrant urban highlights.
a. Sigiriya - the ancient rock fortress
b. Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa - Ancient cities with well-preserved ruins of palaces, ancient stupas and archaeological sites.
c. the Temple of the Tooth, Kandy - home to the sacred relic of the tooth of Buddha.
d. National Parks: Yala National Park, Udawalawe National Park, Horton Plains National Park - Known for their wildlife and stunning landscapes.
e. Sinharaja Forest Reserve - tropical rainforest, rich in biodiversity.
b. Beaches and Coastal Areas: Unawatuna, Mirissa, Bentota, Arugam Bay
c. Nuwara Eliya - Known as "Little England" for its cool climate and colonial-era buildings
d. Ella - Famous for its scenic beauty of Ella Rock and the Nine Arches Bridge.
e. Galle Fort - A historic fort built by the Portuguese
f. Adam's Peak - A sacred mountain with a pilgrimage route, known for the "Sri Pada"
g. Dambulla Cave Temple - A complex of cave temples with ancient Buddhist artifacts
h. Jaffna – famous for unique Tamil culture, historic temples, and beautiful beaches.
i. Trincomalee– An Unmissable Beach Getaway
j. Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage

Colombo offers a vibrant shopping experience with a mix of modern retail centres, traditional markets, and boutique stores. you can buy unique items like Ceylon tea, traditional masks, gems, sarees and sarongs, porcelain tableware, elephant and Buddha figurines, spices, Dumbara mats and cane boxes, antiques, and moonstone carvings.
a. Shopping Malls

Discover Port City Colombo's new duty-free mall, a premier shopping destination for international travellers in Sri Lanka. This luxury shopping spot offers tax-free access to top brands, electronics, and more. Simply collect your items at the airport when departing, making it a convenient and exclusive experience for all visitors.

Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka is a stunning integrated resort that redefines luxury in Colombo. Designed by celebrated architect Cecil Balmond, this landmark destination combines elegant residences, high-end shopping, fine dining, and world-class entertainment - all in one vibrant complex. With a luxury hotel, exclusive gaming facilities operated by Melco Resorts, and unparalleled views, City of Dreams offers visitors an unforgettable Sri Lankan experience in the heart of the city.

Colombo provides a range of transportation options for visitors, including public transport, taxis and ride-sharing services, tuk-tuks, car rentals, and convenient airport transfers.

Public Transport – Buses: An extensive network of buses covers Colombo and its suburbs. The Colombo Fort Railway Station is a major hub with trains connecting to various parts of Sri Lanka.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing - Metered taxis are widely available in Colombo. People can use reputable taxi services or apps to ensure fair pricing and safety. Ride-Sharing Apps like Uber and PickMe are popular and convenient options for getting around the city.

Tuk-Tuks/ Three-Wheeled Auto-Rickshaws - Tuk-tuks are a common and colorful way to travel short distances in Colombo.

Rental Services - Several companies offer car rentals in Colombo, providing options for both self-drive and chauffeur-driven vehicles.

Airport Transfers - Special taxi services are available for transfers between Bandaranaike International Airport and Colombo. These taxis can be booked in advance or upon arrival at the airport. Some hotels offer airport shuttle services to and from the airport, which can be a convenient option for travelers.

Sri Lanka has a tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F) and high humidity. The island experiences two main monsoon seasons: the southwest monsoon from May to September, bringing heavy rains to the southwestern regions, and the northeast monsoon from November to February, affecting the northeast. Additionally, there are two inter-monsoon periods, with potential for sudden rains and thunderstorms.

Sri Lanka is a multicultural island with a rich tapestry of languages and religions. The official languages are Sinhala (spoken by the majority Sinhalese population) and Tamil (used primarily by the Tamil community). English is also widely spoken and serves as a link language in government and business.

Religiously, Sri Lanka is predominantly Buddhist, with Theravada Buddhism being the largest faith. Hinduism is practiced mainly by the Tamil community, while Islam and Christianity also have significant followings. This diverse blend of languages and religions contributes to the island's vibrant cultural landscape.

The currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee, abbreviated as LKR and symbolized as Rs. Banknotes are available in denominations of Rs. 10, Rs. 20, Rs. 50, Rs. 100, Rs. 500, Rs. 1,000, and Rs. 5,000, while coins come in denominations of Rs. 1, Rs. 2, Rs. 5, and Rs. 10. As of recent rates, 1 US Dollar (USD) is around 300 Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR). Currency exchange services are widely available at banks, exchange bureaus, and airports, and major credit and debit cards are commonly accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops across the country.

In Sri Lanka, the standard voltage is 230V with a frequency of 50Hz. The country uses a variety of plug types, including Type D, Type G, and Type M.

Sri Lanka operates on Sri Lanka Standard Time (SLST), which is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+5:30). The country does not observe Daylight Saving Time, so this time difference remains consistent throughout the year.