Present
Facts for Kids
Sri Lankan societies are rich in diversity, characterized by a blend of ethnicities, cultures, and religions that shape their traditions and way of life.
Explore the internet with AstroSafe
Search safely, manage screen time, and remove ads and inappropriate content with the AstroSafe Browser.
Download
Inside this Article
Portuguese
Sri Lanka
Mountains
Swimming
English
Kandy
Earth
Mask
Did you know?
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka is home to around 22 million people, representing a rich tapestry of ethnicities and cultures.
🕉️ The majority of Sri Lankans practice Buddhism, specifically Theravada Buddhism, which deeply influences their society.
🎉 Sri Lankan festivals, such as Sinhala and Tamil New Year, showcase the vibrant cultural heritage and communal spirit.
🌳 The island is renowned for its diverse ecosystems and wildlife, contributing to a unique relationship between society and nature.
🏘️ Traditional village life in Sri Lanka emphasizes community living, with strong ties among residents.
🏖️ Coastal areas play a crucial role in the economy, with fishing and tourism being major sources of income.
🍛 Sri Lankan cuisine is famous for its use of spices, with rice and curry being staple dishes in every household.
📚 Education is highly valued in Sri Lankan society, resulting in a relatively high literacy rate of over 90%.
🤝 The practice of hospitality is deeply ingrained in Sri Lankan culture, where sharing food and welcoming guests is customary.
⚖️ Sri Lanka's society has been shaped by a complex history of colonialism, civil conflict, and a quest for social justice.
Show Less
Become a Creator with DIY.org
A safe online space featuring over 5,000 challenges to create, explore and learn in.
Learn more
Overview
Sri Lanka is a beautiful island country located in South Asia, surrounded by the Indian Ocean. 🌊
It is famous for its stunning beaches, lush greenery, and rich history. This small island is often called the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean" because of its beauty. The capital city is Colombo, where many people live and work. Sri Lanka has a diverse culture with many languages spoken, including Sinhala and Tamil. 🗣
️ The population is around 21 million people, making it a vibrant place full of life and activity!
It is famous for its stunning beaches, lush greenery, and rich history. This small island is often called the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean" because of its beauty. The capital city is Colombo, where many people live and work. Sri Lanka has a diverse culture with many languages spoken, including Sinhala and Tamil. 🗣
️ The population is around 21 million people, making it a vibrant place full of life and activity!
Read Less
Cuisine of Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan food is delicious and spicy! 🌶
️ Rice and curry is the most popular meal, often served with various side dishes. One famous dish is "Kottu Roti," a stir-fried mix of roti bread, meat, and vegetables! 🍽
️ Sri Lankans also love sweets, like "Kewum" (oil cakes) and "Watalappam," a coconut custard dessert. Coconuts are a big part of the cuisine, used in curries and sweets. 🍛
Don’t forget to try the famous Ceylon tea when visiting!
️ Rice and curry is the most popular meal, often served with various side dishes. One famous dish is "Kottu Roti," a stir-fried mix of roti bread, meat, and vegetables! 🍽
️ Sri Lankans also love sweets, like "Kewum" (oil cakes) and "Watalappam," a coconut custard dessert. Coconuts are a big part of the cuisine, used in curries and sweets. 🍛
Don’t forget to try the famous Ceylon tea when visiting!
Read Less
Economy and Industry
Sri Lanka has a growing economy, heavily relying on agriculture. 🌾
The country is famous for producing high-quality tea, especially from the hill country region, which is known as Ceylon tea. ☕
Other important crops include rubber and coconuts. Sri Lanka also has a manufacturing industry, producing clothing and textiles. 🌟
Tourism plays a big role in the economy, as many people visit the island for its stunning beaches, wildlife, and cultural sites.
The country is famous for producing high-quality tea, especially from the hill country region, which is known as Ceylon tea. ☕
Other important crops include rubber and coconuts. Sri Lanka also has a manufacturing industry, producing clothing and textiles. 🌟
Tourism plays a big role in the economy, as many people visit the island for its stunning beaches, wildlife, and cultural sites.
Read Less
History of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has a long history, dating back over 2,500 years! 📜
The island was once home to ancient kings and kingdoms, like the Anuradhapura Kingdom, which was founded around 377 BC. Famous figures like King Dutugemunu, who united the island, are celebrated in Sri Lankan history. 👑
In 1505, the Portuguese arrived and later the Dutch and British, leading to colonization. Sri Lanka gained independence from British rule on February 4, 1948, which is now celebrated as Sri Lankan Independence Day! 🎉
The island was once home to ancient kings and kingdoms, like the Anuradhapura Kingdom, which was founded around 377 BC. Famous figures like King Dutugemunu, who united the island, are celebrated in Sri Lankan history. 👑
In 1505, the Portuguese arrived and later the Dutch and British, leading to colonization. Sri Lanka gained independence from British rule on February 4, 1948, which is now celebrated as Sri Lankan Independence Day! 🎉
Read Less
Culture and Traditions
Sri Lankan culture is colorful and diverse! 🎨
People celebrate various festivals, wear traditional clothes like saris and sarongs, and perform traditional dances like the Kandyan dance. One of the most famous festivals is Vesak, which celebrates the birth of Buddha with lanterns and decorations. 🏮
The country is known for its traditional arts and crafts, such as pottery, weaving, and Mask-making. Sri Lankans are friendly and love sharing their customs and stories with visitors! 🤗
People celebrate various festivals, wear traditional clothes like saris and sarongs, and perform traditional dances like the Kandyan dance. One of the most famous festivals is Vesak, which celebrates the birth of Buddha with lanterns and decorations. 🏮
The country is known for its traditional arts and crafts, such as pottery, weaving, and Mask-making. Sri Lankans are friendly and love sharing their customs and stories with visitors! 🤗
Read Less
Geography of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is shaped like a teardrop and is about the size of the state of West Virginia in the USA. 🌍
It has many mountains, the highest being Pidurutalagala, which peaks at 2,524 meters (8,281 feet). There are also lush forests, including Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site! 🌳
The island is surrounded by beautiful beaches, like those found in Galle and Mirissa. Sri Lanka experiences two monsoon seasons, making it a tropical paradise with lots of rain and sunshine! ☔🌞
It has many mountains, the highest being Pidurutalagala, which peaks at 2,524 meters (8,281 feet). There are also lush forests, including Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site! 🌳
The island is surrounded by beautiful beaches, like those found in Galle and Mirissa. Sri Lanka experiences two monsoon seasons, making it a tropical paradise with lots of rain and sunshine! ☔🌞
Read Less
Biodiversity and Wildlife
Sri Lanka is home to amazing biodiversity! 🐘
It has some of the most unique animals and plants in the world. The island has several national parks, like Yala and Udawalawe, where you can see elephants, leopards, and various birds. 🦜
In fact, Sri Lanka is home to over 400 bird species. The country has many endemic species too, meaning they are found nowhere else on Earth! Sri Lanka has beautiful marine life, including coral reefs and colorful fish in its coastal waters. 🌊
It has some of the most unique animals and plants in the world. The island has several national parks, like Yala and Udawalawe, where you can see elephants, leopards, and various birds. 🦜
In fact, Sri Lanka is home to over 400 bird species. The country has many endemic species too, meaning they are found nowhere else on Earth! Sri Lanka has beautiful marine life, including coral reefs and colorful fish in its coastal waters. 🌊
Read Less
Festivals and Celebrations
Festivals in Sri Lanka are lively and full of excitement! 🎊
One of the biggest events is the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, which usually falls in April. People celebrate with traditional foods, games, and cultural performances. Another grand festival is the Kandy Esala Perahera, which features a colorful parade with decorated elephants and dancers. 🐘
The festival honors the sacred tooth relic of Buddha. Other important celebrations include Christmas and Deepavali, showing the country’s rich cultural blend! 🌈
One of the biggest events is the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, which usually falls in April. People celebrate with traditional foods, games, and cultural performances. Another grand festival is the Kandy Esala Perahera, which features a colorful parade with decorated elephants and dancers. 🐘
The festival honors the sacred tooth relic of Buddha. Other important celebrations include Christmas and Deepavali, showing the country’s rich cultural blend! 🌈
Read Less
Education System in Sri Lanka
Education in Sri Lanka is important and free for children up to age 16! 🎓
Kids usually start school at age 5 and attend primary school for 5 years, then secondary school for another 5 years. The education system is divided into public and private schools. English is taught from an early age, helping students communicate better. 📚
Higher education institutions, such as universities, offer various courses for students to advance their studies. With a literacy rate of over 90%, education is a key priority for the country!
Kids usually start school at age 5 and attend primary school for 5 years, then secondary school for another 5 years. The education system is divided into public and private schools. English is taught from an early age, helping students communicate better. 📚
Higher education institutions, such as universities, offer various courses for students to advance their studies. With a literacy rate of over 90%, education is a key priority for the country!
Read Less
Tourism and Major Attractions
Sri Lanka has many exciting places for tourists to explore! 🗺
️ One of the most popular spots is Sigiriya, known for its ancient rock fortress. Another beautiful place is the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, where you can see old temples and statues. 🏯
The beaches in Galle and Unawatuna are perfect for swimming and relaxing! 🌅
Tourists also enjoy wildlife safaris in national parks, like Yala, to see elephants and leopards in their natural habitat.
️ One of the most popular spots is Sigiriya, known for its ancient rock fortress. Another beautiful place is the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, where you can see old temples and statues. 🏯
The beaches in Galle and Unawatuna are perfect for swimming and relaxing! 🌅
Tourists also enjoy wildlife safaris in national parks, like Yala, to see elephants and leopards in their natural habitat.
Read Less
Try your luck with the Sri Lankan Quiz.
Try this Sri Lankan quiz and see how many you score!
Q1
Question 1 of 10
Next
Explore More