* Nation of Sri Lanka

• Location: South Asia, island in the Indian Ocean, just below India.

• Capital Cities:

  • Colombo (commercial capital)

  • Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (official capital, where the parliament is)

• Language:

  • Sinhala and Tamil (official languages)

  • English is also widely used.

• Religion:

  • Buddhism (majority)

  • Others include Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity.

• Flag: Golden lion holding a sword  with four leaves and orange & green stripes.

• National Flower: Blue Water Lily

• National Bird: Sri Lankan Junglefowl

• Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

* People of Sri Lanka

1. Major Ethnic Groups:

   • Sinhalese (majority, about 75%)

   • Tamils (mostly in the north and east)

   • Moors (mostly Muslims)

   • Burghers, Malays, and Vedda (indigenous group)

2. Culture:

   • Rich in traditions, festivals, music, dance, and art.

   • Family values are important. People are often very friendly and hospitable.

3. Famous Festivals:

   • Sinhala and Tamil New Year (Avurudu) – April

   • Vesak – Celebrating Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death

   • Deepavali, Eid, and Christmas – Celebrated by different religious groups

4. Popular Foods:

   • Rice and curry, hoppers, kottu, string hoppers, and coconut sambol

5. Clothing:

   • Traditional wear: Saree (women), Sarong or National dress (men)

   • Many also wear modern western clothes

"Sri Lanka – One Nation, Many Faces"