 | | | |
|  | SRI LANKA - FORMERLY CEYLON COUNTRY SNAPSHOT AND INTERESTING FACTS | Sri Lanka is an island off the southeast coast of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is separated from India by the Indian Ocean, in which lies the chain of islands called Adam's Bridge. Sri Lanka has an irregular surface with low-lying coastal plains running inland from the northern and eastern shores. The central and southern areas slope into hills and mountains. The highest peak is Pidurutalagala (2524m/8281ft). The Sinhalese arrived in Sri Lanka late in the 6th century B.C., probably from northern India. Buddhism was introduced beginning in about the mid-third century B.C., and a great civilization developed at the cities of Anuradhapura (kingdom from circa 200 B.C. to circa A.D. 1000) and Polonnaruwa (from about 1070 to 1200). In the 14th century, a south Indian dynasty seized power in the north and established a Tamil kingdom. Occupied by the Portuguese in the 16th century and by the Dutch in the 17th century, the island was ceded to the British in 1796, became a crown colony in 1802, and was united under British rule by 1815. As Ceylon, it became independent in 1948; its name was changed to Sri Lanka in 1972. Tensions between the Sinhalese majority and Tamil separatists erupted into war in 1983. Tens of thousands have died in an ethnic conflict that continues to fester. After two decades of fighting, the government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam formalized a cease-fire in February 2002, with Norway brokering peace negotiations. 8 provinces; Central, North Central, North Eastern, North Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Uva, Western; note - North Eastern province may have been divided in two - Northern and Eastern. In 1977, Colombo abandoned statist economic policies and its import substitution trade policy for market-oriented policies and export-oriented trade. Sri Lanka's most dynamic sectors now are food processing, textiles and apparel, food and beverages, telecommunications, and insurance and banking. In 2003, plantation crops made up only 15% of exports (compared with 93% in 1970), while textiles and garments accounted for 63%. GDP grew at an average annual rate of 5.5% in the early 1990s until a drought and a deteriorating security situation lowered growth to 3.8% in 1996. The economy rebounded in 1997-2000 with average growth of 5.3%, but 2001 saw the first contraction in the country's history, -1.4%, due to a combination of power shortages, severe budgetary problems, the global slowdown, and continuing civil strife. Growth recovered to 4.0% in 2002 and to 5.2% in both 2003 and 2004. About 800,000 Sri Lankans work abroad, 90% in the Middle East. They send home about $1 billion a year. The struggle by the Tamil Tigers of the north and east for a largely independent homeland continues to cast a shadow over the economy. In late December 2004, a major tsunami took about 31,000 lives, left more than 6,300 missing and 443,000 displaced, and destroyed an estimated $1.5 billion worth of property. | Open here a detailed map in a new window. Map Server Travel-Island.com. | 
|
| | | RESORTS AND EXCURSIONS | Ancient sites include Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Panduwasnuwara and Yapahuwa. All these places contain the remains of a great civilisation which grew through the centuries under the influence of Buddhism, a gentle faith still preserved in Sri Lanka in its purest form. Vast man-made lakes, large parks, shrines, temples and monasteries speak eloquently of the grandeur of the past and bear testimony to a cultured and imaginative people. The regions in the following guide are used for convenience only and have no administrative significance.
Colombo
Sri Lanka's capital is a fascinating city, blending its older culture with modern Western influences. A palm-fringed drive of 34km (21 miles) leads from the Katunayake (Colombo) International Airport to Colombo.
Fort, so called as it was a military garrison during the Portuguese and Dutch occupation from the 16th to the 18th century, today is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. Pettah, 2km (1 mile) from Fort, is a busy bazaar area.
The Vihara Maha Devi Park, named after the mother of one of Sri Lanka's greatest kings, is noteworthy for its collection of beautiful flowering trees, a blossoming spectacle in March, April and early May. The park is open daily until 2100 and is well illuminated. The Parliament Building is at Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte. Other attractions include the Planetarium, the National Zoological Gardens and several museums and art galleries.
Buddhist temples
Kelani Rajamaha Viharaya, 10km (6 miles) from Fort; the Vajiraramaya at Bambalapitiya, 6km (4 miles) from Fort; Dipaduttaramaya at Kotahena, 5km (3 miles) from Fort; and Gotami Vihare at Borella, 7km (4.5 miles) from Fort. Also worth visiting are Gangaramaya Bhikkhu Training Centre and Sima Malaka at 61 Sri Jinaratana Road, Colombo, 3km (2 miles) from Fort; the Purana Viharaya at Metharamaya, Lauries Road, Colombo 4; and the Purana Viharaya at Hendala, half a mile on the Colombo-Negombo road, en route to the Pegasus Reef Hotel.
Hindu temples
At Kochikade Kotahena, the Pettah and Bambalapitiya, Colombo 4; Sri Siva Subramania Swami Kovil, Gintupitiya - within walking distance of Sea Street, Colombo 11 (Pettah).
Mosques
Davatagaha mosque at Union Place, Colombo 2; Afar Jumma mosque in the Pettah.
Kandy & the Hill Country
Kandy, a picturesque, naturally fortified town 115km (72 miles) from Colombo, was the last stronghold of the Kandyan Kings. It withheld foreign conquest until 1815 when it was ceded by treaty to the British. It is now a cultural sanctuary where age-old customs, arts, crafts, rituals and ways of life are well preserved.
Good sightseeing trips should take in the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa); Embekke Devale; Lankatillaka; Gadaladeniya; Degaldoruwa temples; museums; Royal Botanic Gardens; Peradeniya; Elephants' Bath at Katugastota; the Kandyan Arts Association; Kalapura (Craftsmen's Village) at Nattarampotha (6.5km/4 miles from Kandy); and Henawela Village - famous for its 'Dumbara Mats' (16km/10 miles from Kandy).
Beaches
Sri Lanka has approximately 1600km (1000 miles) of beautiful palm-shaded beaches as well as warm, pure seas and colourful coral reefs.
Southwest Coast
The best time to visit is from November to April.
Mount Lavinia, 11km (7 miles) from Colombo, is a good beach resort close to Colombo and the domestic airport.
Beruwela, 58km (36 miles) from Colombo, has good bathing in the bay all year round.
Bentota, 61km (38 miles) from Colombo, is a pleasant self-contained resort destination, between the sea and the river.
Hikkaduwa, 99km (62 miles) from Colombo, is a beautiful coral reef and beach.
Galle, 115km (72 miles) from Colombo, is famous for its old Dutch fort, and is also a centre for lace-making, ebony-carving and gem-polishing.
Tangale, 195km (122 miles) from Colombo, is a beautiful bay and there is safe swimming all year round.
Negombo, 37km (32 miles) from Colombo near Katunayake International Airport, is Sri Lanka's oldest and best-known fishing village. It stands on a strand separating the sea from a lagoon. The seafood here, particularly the shellfish, is a speciality.
East Coast
Visitors are advised to check with the Tourist Board regarding the situation in these areas prior to departure.
The best time to visit is from April to September.
Trincomalee, 265km (160 miles) from Colombo, is the ideal refuge for the beach addict. It boasts one of the finest natural harbours in the world and excellent beaches. All watersports, including fishing, are available here.
Batticaloa, 312km (195 miles) from Colombo, is famous for its 'singing fish' and the old Dutch fort.
Kalkudah, 32km (20 miles) from Batticaloa, is ideal for bathing as the sea is clear, calm and reef-protected.
Passekudah, close to Kaludah, has a fine bay, clear waters and safe swimming.
Nilaveli, 18km (11 miles) from Trincomalee, is very much a resort centre, all beach and watersports.
Arugam Bay, 314km (196 miles) from Colombo, 3km (2 miles) from Potuvil, has a beautiful bay and good surfing.
Jaffna
Jaffna is 396km (240 miles) from Colombo, at the country's northern tip. It was once noted for its Hindu temples, Dutch forts, the Keerimalai Baths, the tidal well and the Chundikulam Sanctuary. Jaffna has many scenic beaches, the best known of which is Casuarina Beach. Check with the Tourist Board, Embassy or High Commission whether the area is off-limits to foreign visitors. | PASSPORT AND VISA APPLICATION Furthermore, in order to get into many countries on the stay abroad you will require a visa of some type, even if you are just visiting. This is usually an insert, stamp or sticker which is placed in your passport and the duration of its validity varies from place to place. If you do intend to work or study in the country to which you are traveling, however, you should organize your visa even further in advance as this can take longer to process.
As well as your passport you should ensure that you have at least one other form of identification with you. This may be a driver’s license, birth certificate or any other form of ID which is acceptable worldwide. As with passports, bring at least two copies of all forms of identification in case of loss or theft.
Help to Passport and Visa Application Forms. How to find the right one(s)?
A passport is issued to you by your home country as proof of citizenship. Visas are stamped into your passport to allow you entry into other countries. Although there are exceptions, you are usually required to display your passport when entering or leaving a country. Once you arrive at your destination, carry a photocopy of your passport and keep the original in a safe place.
A visa is an endorsement or stamp entered into your passport by a foreign government. It allows you to enter that country for a specific reason and period of time. Start applying for visas as soon as your passport is available so that all your documentation is completed well before your departure date. To receive a visa you need to send your passport to an embassy or consulate of the country you want to visit. Most countries have embassies and consulates worldwide, and travel agents can usually tell you where the nearest ones are located. Keep in mind that your passport may be tied up for days or weeks until the paperwork is done, so plan accordingly. In addition, some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination before they will issue you a visa. The amount of time spent mailing your passport to the various agencies involved can really add up if you are visiting several countries. Plan ahead if possible. If you only have a few weeks to prepare, a commercial visa service can often speed up the process. |
|  More Resources | | | Traveller Forums |  | Travel Forums. First time users check out the Board Rules for instructions on using this travel message board. You have to create an account before you can add and relpy to messages. Please feel freely at any time to write your query or reply to our forum members.
This is a forum which gives people the opportunity to exchange information about travelling, as well as discuss various topics of interest. |
| | Photo Albums |  | Travel Photo Albums. This category contains photo albums and articles that belong to our users and visitors.
Upload and manage their own photos on our website. Rate the pictures and add additional comments. Images and articles are stored in individual user albums. | | 
| |
