The official name is the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (Sri Lanka Prajatantrika Samajawadi Janarajaya). Located in the southern part of Asia, island of the same name in the Indian Ocean, southeast of the Indian subcontinent. The area is 65610 km2, the population is 19.58 million people. (2002). State languages- Sinhalese and Tamil; English is the language of international communication. The capital is Colombo (642 thousand people, 2001). The administrative capital is Sri Jayewardenepura Kote (seat of Parliament). Public holiday - Independence Day February 4 (since 1948). The monetary unit is the rupee.

Member of the British Commonwealth of Nations (since 1948), WTO (since 1948), UN (since 1955), SAARC (since 1985), etc.

Sights of Sri Lanka

Geography of Sri Lanka

It is located between 79°50' and 82°00' East longitude and 6°00' and 9°50' North latitude. Washed by the Indian Ocean. The length of the coastline is 1340 km. OK. 80% of the territory is occupied by low and sometimes hilly plains (30-200 m above sea level). In the central and southern parts there is a stepped upland. The average height of the mountains is 1000-2000 m above sea level. The most high point islands - Mount Pidurutalagala (2524 m).

Main minerals: limestone, graphite, precious and semi-precious stones, coastal-marine "black" sands (with ilmenite, rutile, zircon and monazite), phosphates, kaolin and other clays. The soils are red earth and lateritic, along the river valleys and along the coasts there are strips of alluvial soils.

The climate is tropical monsoon. The average annual temperature in the country is +27°C. Temperature changes throughout the year are insignificant. The two main monsoon periods are summer and winter. On the southwestern slopes of the highlands, precipitation falls from 2500 to 5000 mm per year, on the southeastern slopes - from 1200 to 2000 mm. The rivers start in the central highlands. The longest are Mahaweli Ganga (335 km) and Aruvi Aru (170 km).

OK. 1/3 of the territory is covered with forests. Natural forests of the humid zone have survived only in the interior of the southwest. Secondary deciduous forests are located in the north and east. Fauna of the Indomalayan type, with an admixture of Madagascar species.

Population of Sri Lanka

Natural population growth in 1991-2002 decreased from 1.5 to 0.85%. The birth rate dropped sharply (16.4%). Mortality 6.5‰, infant mortality 15.7 pers. per 1000 newborns. The average life expectancy is 72.4 years. Because of civil war a negative balance of migration (more than 200 thousand Tamils ​​left for Western countries, more than 100 thousand - for India).

Women make up 50.8% of the population. The share of young people (up to 15 years of age) is 25.6%. Urban population 22.8% (2000). Among the population over 15 years of age, St. 91.6% (2000).

74% of the population are Sinhalese, 18% are Tamils. Sinhalese speakers of the Sinhala language (belonging to the Indo-Aryan group of Indo-European languages) inhabit the western, central and southern regions countries, and Tamils ​​speaking the Ceylonese dialect of the Tamil language (belongs to the southern group of Dravidian languages) - the northern and eastern regions (a small part of the "Indian" Tamils ​​lives in the central regions). OK. 7% of the population are so-called. Ceylon Moors (Muslims claiming to be of Arab origin, but apparently coming from South India). There are also burghers (descendants of Dutch settlers), Malays and other ethnic groups. The most ancient population are extremely small Veddas.

OK. 70% of the population (Singhals) are Buddhists, 15% (Tamils) are Hindus, 8% (burghers, part of the Tamils, etc.) are Christians, 7% (Moors, Malays) are Muslims (2000).

History of Sri Lanka

The oldest population were hunting tribes, the ancestors of the Veddas. The first Indo-Aryans appeared in the north of the island in the 5th century. BC. The city of Anuradhapura was founded, which later became the capital of the first major Sinhalese state association. King Devanampiya Tissa (250-207 BC) played a key role in these processes. Anuradhapura sought to extend its power over the territory of the entire island.

In the 9th century the Buddhist state was attacked by the Pandyas, in the 10th century. - The Chols, who turned the island into their province for 75 years, the capital of which was Polonnaruwa. The Cholas were expelled (1070) by King Vijayabahu I, who ruled until 1110. Economic prosperity in the 2nd half. 12th c. It was replaced by constant civil strife in the 13th century. and raids of conquerors from India. The resettlement of the Sinhalese began in the central and southwestern regions of the island. In the north, a Tamil state appeared - Jaffna. In the 15th century King Parakramabahu VI (1412-67) reunited the island, but after his death, the country plunged into an abyss of civil strife.

To the beginning 16th century refers to the penetration of Portugal, in the 17th century. only the territory of the kingdom of Kandy remained uncontrolled by it. In 1658, the Dutch defeated the Portuguese after a twenty-year war, after which they began to gradually seize more and more new territories, waging war against Kandy. The Dutch East India Company monopolized the trade in a number of goods. The legislation and the legal system were reformed.

In 1802 Ceylon became a British colony. To the beginning 1830s British authority was firmly established throughout the island. A plantation economy appeared, originally coffee, which became a catalyst for economic development. The country's socio-economic development accelerated sharply, and capitalist development, albeit one-sided, began. In 1864, the first national socio-political organization, the Ceylon League, was created, advocating the expansion of the participation of local residents in the government of the country. The first major political party, the Ceylon National Congress, appeared in 1919. The constitution of 1931, which provided for the creation of an elected parliament, the Council of State, and the introduction of universal suffrage, led to the appearance in the country of the beginnings of representative government. At the same time, the country was turned into an agrarian appendage of the metropolis, and the living conditions of the local residents worsened.

In accordance with the Ceylon Independence Law of 1947, elections were held in the country, in which the overwhelming majority of seats were won by the United National Party (UNP), created in 1946 from a number of organizations, including the Ceylon National Congress. Party leader D. S. Senanayake (1884-1952) was proclaimed prime minister. On February 4, 1948, a new constitution came into force, granting independence to Ceylon as a dominion.

The first government did not seek a radical elimination of the colonial legacy. In the sphere of foreign policy, it was largely oriented towards Great Britain. In 1951, the center-left led by Solomon Bandaranaike left the UNP and created the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (PSFL), which won the 1956 parliamentary elections. In 1958, agrarian reform began, the development of the public sector and industry, and important socio-economic transformations were carried out. A course was taken to strengthen relations with India, establish diplomatic relations with the socialist countries, and pursue a policy of non-alignment (already in 1957, Great Britain was forced to close its military bases in Ceylon). In the spheres of economy and culture, discriminatory measures against Tamils ​​have intensified. In September 1959 Bandaranaike was killed. His widow Sirimavo Bandaranaike (1916-2000) won the 1960 elections and became the world's first female leader of the country. Sufficiently radical socio-economic transformations, including the nationalization of a number of facilities owned by Western companies, an alliance with left-wing forces led to a government crisis. In 1965, the UNP returned to power (in alliance with other parties), which failed to resolve complex economic problems. In 1970, S. Bandaranaike returned to power in alliance with the communists and socialists. In 1971, ultra-left forces raised an armed uprising, which was suppressed with difficulty by the authorities. In 1972 a new constitution was adopted, according to which a republic was proclaimed. Many provisions protecting the rights of minorities were removed. The government failed to cope with inflation, rising unemployment and the deepening economic crisis. In 1977, the UNP, headed by J.R. Jayawardene. A course was pursued towards economic liberalization, partial denationalization, and encouragement of private and foreign capital. A pro-Western foreign policy was pursued. In 1978, a new constitution came into force, introducing a presidential form of government. Jayawardene became the country's first president. Re-elected in 1982.

Despite small concessions to minorities, extremist and terrorist Tamil organizations emerged. In July 1983, the Sinhalese-Tamil conflict escalated into a civil war, which by 2003 had claimed the lives of approx. 70 thousand people The deployment of an Indian peacekeeping contingent to the island (1987-90) ended in failure. R. Gandhi and the President of Sri Lanka, Ranasinghe Premadas, were killed at the hands of Tamil militants.

In 1994, the UNP's 17-year stay in power ended. SLFL leader Chandrika Kumaratunga became president. The post of prime minister was given to her mother, S. Bandaranaike. The 2001 parliamentary elections were won by the UNP, headed by the president's main political rival, R. Wickremasinghe, who became prime minister. In February 2002, he signed a ceasefire agreement with Tamil militant leaders through Norway's mediation.

State structure and political system of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a free, sovereign, independent and democratic socialist republic, which is a unitary state.

Administratively divided into 10 provinces: Central, North Central, North East, North West, Sabaragamuwa, South, Uva, West, North and East. The last two provinces were merged into the North Eastern province in 1988, but in 1993 the provinces were again de jure separated. The provinces are divided into 25 districts.

Most big cities(2001, thousand people): Colombo, Dehiwala (210), Moratuwa (177), Negombo (122), Kotte (116), Jaffna (120, 1981), Kandy (110).

The form of government is a presidential republic. The highest body of legislative power is the unicameral parliament (National State Assembly). 225 deputies are elected for 6 years. The head of state is the president, who, according to the constitution, is also the head of the executive branch, head of government, and commander-in-chief of the armed forces. Has the right to dissolve parliament, appoints the prime minister (with the approval of parliament) and ministers from among members of parliament, determines their functions. The term of office of the president is 6 years. Can only be elected to this post twice. The head of the highest legislative body is the Speaker, who presides over the meetings of Parliament. His powers are very limited. The government (cabinet of ministers) is headed by the prime minister. There is a collective responsibility of the Cabinet to Parliament.

The right to vote is granted to all citizens who have reached the age of 18, who have not committed serious crimes and who have not been recognized as incompetent. The president and members of parliament are elected on the basis of universal, equal and direct suffrage by secret ballot.

The province is headed by a governor appointed by the president for a term of 5 years. He has the right to dissolve the provincial council, which is elected by the people for 5 years. There are development councils at the district level. A number of council members are appointed by the central government, some are elected for a term of 4 years. Local authorities are city councils and village committees.

Elements of a two-party system developed, and for half a century the main electoral struggle was between the UNP and the SLFP (and their allies).

The main business organization is the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka, which is a member of the chambers of commerce and industry of the SAARC member countries and the Asia-Pacific Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In 2000 there were 707 public organizations.

Sri Lanka is one of the organizers of the Non-Aligned Movement and a participant in all conferences of non-aligned countries. During the bipolar period, UNP governments maintained closer relations with Western countries, the governments of the SLSL, while maintaining these ties, actively developed relations with the socialist camp. Neighboring countries are of particular importance. Since 1985, Sri Lanka has been actively involved in the activities of SAARC. Economic ties with developed countries play an important role. After the start of the civil war, the main direction of foreign policy is the desire to end support for Tamil militants from outside.

The armed forces (total strength 125,000) are recruited. They consist of the Ground Forces (about 90 thousand people), the Air Force and the Navy. Defense spending amounted to approx. 56 billion rupees (2001).

Sri Lanka has diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation (established with the USSR in 1957).

Economy of Sri Lanka

In 1997-2000, the annual GDP growth rate was 5.3%, in 2001 1.4%, in 2002 4%. GDP is $16.2 billion (or $68 billion in PPP) and per capita income is $3,530 (PPP). The share of Sri Lanka in the world economy is small (0.15%).

In 2002, the economically active population included 5982.8 thousand people. (the proportion of men - 68.3%). Unemployed 12.4% (approx. 750 thousand). The unemployment rate among women and youth is high. The exploitation of child labor continues. The number of people employed in the public sector 910 thousand people. In 2001 inflation was 13%, in 2002 - 8.1%.

In 2002, the manufacturing industry accounted for 18.1% of GDP, agriculture - 16.2%, transport and communications - 10.8%. In terms of employment, agriculture continues to occupy the main position (34% of the economically active population), in the manufacturing industry - 16.4%, in trade - 12.7%.

Main industries: processing of agricultural products, production of textiles and clothing, cement production, oil refining, tobacco industry.

Agriculture in Sri Lanka throughout history has been associated with the cultivation of rice (collection in 2001 - 2695 thousand tons). During the British colonial rule, plantation production of tea (295,000 tons), coconuts (2,905,000 tons) and rubber (86,000 tons) began to play a special role. The area under crops does not increase. Animal husbandry is less developed, and the fish catch (more than 300 thousand tons) amounted to 12.2% of the total agricultural production (2002).

The length of highways (public) - St. 11.3 thousand km, railways- 1463 km, of which 1346 km are single-track (2000). Over 1.7 million vehicles registered (2000). More than 43 million people were transported by rail, and 1.2 million tons of cargo (2000). More than 78 million tons of cargo were transported by ships. Main ports: Colombo, Galle and Trincomalee. 15 airports. International Airport - Katunayaka.

The main share in GDP falls on trade, restaurant and hotel business (25.1%, 2002). In 2002, the growth in trade was 5.2%, banking, insurance and real estate 11%, private services 4.2%. The number of tourists has fallen (in 2001 - 336.8 thousand people). They left more than $210 million in the country.

Since 1977, the introduction of elements of a market economy began in Sri Lanka, and local and foreign capital was encouraged. Recently, the state has been reducing spending on subsidies to the population and increasing the share of funds allocated for infrastructure investments. Foreign trade has been liberalized and export-oriented production has been encouraged. Free trade zones have been created. A program of partial denationalization was carried out. Private banks began to replace state banks. The most dynamically developing sectors of the economy were the food industry, the production of fabrics and clothing, telecommunications, insurance and banking.

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka was established in 1950 and is a semi-autonomous entity. Responsible for economic, financial and price stability, acts as an adviser to the government on economic issues, acts as its banker, provides funds to commercial banks, establishes control over the exchange rate. It also acts as a catalyst for development, incl. rural areas.

Private consumption is 71% of GDP, public spending 13%. In 2001, education, health and welfare accounted for 15.5%, 9.5% and 16% of government spending, respectively. The main part of state revenues is generated by income taxes - almost 70%, and the next most important source was taxes on production and expenditures. Sri Lanka's external debt was estimated at $9.9 billion (2000). Debt servicing accounted for 4.5% of GDP and 9.6% of exports.

In 2002, the incomes of the 10% high-income group of the population (38.6% of all incomes of the population) were 22.7 times higher than the incomes of the 10% low-income group (1.7%). The incomes of the population differ greatly in terms of employment, gender, age and educational principles, among residents of rural and urban areas. Food costs account for 43.8% of all household expenses, 15% is spent on housing, including utilities, and 7% on transport and communications. In 2000, 6.6% of the population had an income of less than $1 a day (in 1993 prices, based on PPP), 45.4% - less than $2. According to the national methodology, the proportion of the poor is 25%.

The volume of foreign trade is 905,848 million rupees (65% of GDP) (2001). Exports are significantly inferior to imports. The main export items are ready-made clothes (in 2001 - 49% of exports), tea and other agricultural products, precious stones. The main imports are textiles, engineering products, foodstuffs, oil. The main exporters to Sri Lanka are China, Japan, India and Singapore. The main importers from Sri Lanka are the USA and the UK.

Science and culture of Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, lower secondary education is compulsory for children. In 2001, there were over 4.3 million students with over 200,000 teachers. There were 13 universities with over 48,000 students. The largest universities in Peradeniya, Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, Colombo.

Scientific activities are coordinated by the National Science Foundation under the Ministry of Economic Reforms, Science and Technology. There are many research institutes involved in fundamental research, problems of agriculture, and medicine. The universities of Sri Lanka are important scientific centers.

Art in the classical period (3rd century BC - 12th century) developed primarily in the capitals - Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. Architecture and painting were primarily associated with Buddhism. Until now, giant stupas over 100 m high, built in Anuradhapura in the 3rd-5th centuries, have survived. Famous frescoes in Sigiriya depicting Apsaras (5th century). From the 8th c. Buddhist temples become less monumental, acquiring complete harmony in Polonnaruwa. The construction of giant Buddha statues continued. Many secular sculptural images, buildings of royal palaces, Hindu temples. The most outstanding work of painting of the Middle Ages are the wall paintings in the Jetavana monastery (Polonnaruwa, 12th-13th centuries). From Ser. 13th c. cultural decline begins. The religious revival brought about the emergence of the Kandyan style of painting (18th-19th centuries). From con. 19th century the emergence of professional easel art.

Since 1948, painting and architecture have been actively developing, combining national traditional and modern European cultures. Along with the preservation of the folk theater, modern views theatrical art.

The most ancient works of literature - "Dipavansa" (4th century AD) and "Mahavansa" (5th century) - were written in Pali. Along with myths and legends, they contain historical facts. In the 5th-6th centuries. there is a huge commentary literature in Pali. The most famous authors are Buddhaghoshi, the author of the encyclopedia of Buddhism "Visuddhimagga"; Buddhadatta, author of five manuals to the canon; Dhammapala. A new flowering of literature in Pali came in the 12th century.

The oldest literary works in the Sinhala language date back to the turn of the 9th-10th centuries. From this period, literature developed predominantly in this language. The 13th century is considered the golden age. (“The Sea of ​​Nectar” and “The Lamp of the Buddhist Teachings” by Gurulugomi; “The Refuge of the Buddha” by Vidyachakravarthy and especially the “Garland of Gems of the True Faith” by Dharmasena). One of the best works of Sinhalese poetry, "The Pearl of Poetry", written by King Parakramabahu II (1236-70), appeared. A particularly significant work of the 14th century. is the Ornament of True Religion by Jayabahu Dharmakirti. From the 15th century the gradual decline of Sinhala prose begins, but poetry flourishes. Allocate "The Diadem of Poetry" (1450) by Sri Rahul, the author and a number of other relatively secular poetic works; "Poem about Guttila" by Vettev. From the beginning 17th century there is a decline and Sinhalese poetry.

From con. 19th century the development of Sinhalese non-religious prose begins ("Vimala" and "Love Letter" by Albert Silva, "Mina" by Simon Silva). Martin Wickremasinghe (1891-1976), author of the famous trilogy The Changing Village, The Last Century and The End of the Century, is recognized as the greatest writer. Significant works were created by Gunadedasa Amarasekara ("Born Again" and "Legsless"), Ediriwira Sarachandra ("Tired Sees No Way", "All Souls' Day"), K. Jayatilleke ("Unpleasant Story") and Siri Gunna-singhe ("Shadow ").

From con. 19th century as an independent Sri Lankan literature in Tamil and English begins to develop.

Sri Lanka- a state in South Asia, on the island of the same name off the southeastern coast of Hindustan, washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean and its Bay of Bengal.

It is separated from Hindustan by the Gulf of Manar and the Strait of Polk. The so-called Adam's Bridge - a sandbank in the Strait of Polk - once completely connected Sri Lanka with the mainland, but, according to the annals, was destroyed by an earthquake around 1481.

The island is 350 km long, 180 km wide at its widest point, and about the same size as Tasmania or Ireland.

Most of the territory is occupied by coastal lowlands. The mountains are located in the central part of the country; the highest peak is Mount Pidurutalagala (2524 m), another famous peak is Adam's Peak.

Climate in Sri Lanka

The climate of Sri Lanka is tropical, warm and humid. Seasonal weather changes are small. Rain falls mainly at night.

The air temperature on the island practically does not change and is 28-30 ºС all year round, with the exception of mountainous areas, where the average annual temperature is +23 - +25 ºС. In the high mountain resort of Nuwara Eliya, the temperature during the day is + 18ºС, at night it drops to + 10ºС.

Almost 95% of all precipitation falls during the rainy summer season (from May to the end of October). The rest of the months are quite dry, so the period from November to the end of April is the most favorable for a holiday in Sri Lanka.

The water temperature in the Indian Ocean is about +26ºС.

North winds blow from November to March, so you should look for a calm sea and comfortable weather on the western and southern coasts of the island. From April to October, the western monsoon blows, so for calm water and cloudless weather you need to go to the east coast.

Population

Population - 20,238,000 people (2009). The average life expectancy is 73 years for men, 77 years for women.

Sinhalese make up about 75%, Tamils ​​- about 18% of the population, mainly in the northern and eastern regions. There are also Sri Lankan Moors (larakalla - descendants of Arabs) - about 7%, burghers (descendants from mixed marriages with Europeans) - about 0.3%, Veddas (descendants of the ancient population of the island) - about 1 thousand people.

About 70% of the population (mostly Sinhalese) profess Buddhism, 15% - Hinduism (Tamils), 8% - Christianity, 7% - Islam (Sri Lankan Moors).

official languages- Sinhalese, Tamil. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Currency

The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) is the currency of Sri Lanka. 1 LKR = 100 cents.

In monetary circulation there are banknotes of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000 and 2000 Sri Lankan rupees, as well as coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50 cents and 1, 2, 5 Sri Lankan rupees.

It is better to exchange currency at Colombo airport. It makes sense to keep the check received at the same time until the end of the trip: in this case, when departing from Colombo, it will be possible to convert back unspent local money at the airport bank at the purchase rate. In addition, currency can be exchanged at any hotel and bank. Banks are open from 9:00 to 13:00 from Monday to Friday.

Larger hotels and shops accept international credit cards.

Communication and communications

Phone code: 94

Internet domain: .lk

Police: 133, ambulance: 144, fire department: 122

Telephone codes cities

Colombo - 1, Kandy - 8, Galle - 9, Bentota - 34, Negombo - 31, Nuwara Eliya - 52, Trincomalee - 26

How to call

To call from Russia to Sri Lanka, you need to dial: 8 - beep - 10 - 94 - area code - subscriber number.

To call from Sri Lanka to Russia, you need to dial: 00 - 7 - area code - subscriber number.

Fixed line

Tritel pay phones (blue) are installed on city streets. The machines can be used with both coins and cards. Phone cards are usually sold in nearby stores.

mobile connection

Colombo International Airport sells local operator SIM cards mobile communications- Mobitel (National Mobile Provider of Sri Lanka). The cost of the card is 1000 rupees, half of which is transferred to the account. One minute of conversation with Russia will cost about 11 rupees, calls within the country - 8 rupees per minute.

All questions related to the use of roaming, it is recommended to check with your provider.

Shopping in Sri Lanka

The best purchases that can be made on this island are blue sapphire jewelry, which is mined only here, as well as amethyst, garnet and moonstone. It is better to buy jewelry in specialized stores (you can buy a fake on the street), and do not forget about a receipt or export certificate so as not to suddenly say goodbye to the paid jewelry at the border.

You should definitely buy tea, bottles of arat - local coconut vodka, exclusive batik products painted in white-blue, sunny-golden and red-ocher tones, spices, aromatic oils and products made of ceramics and leather are also popular with tourists.

Ceylon spices and handicrafts are also popular among tourists: masks, batik, leather things. You can also buy inexpensive textiles in the cities.

Usually on weekdays, shops are open from 9:30 to 17:00, and on Saturdays from 9:30 to 13:00. In the markets and in private shops it is worth haggling (you can reduce the price by about 30% compared to the initial one). But in state-owned stores, supermarkets, shopping centers and duty-free shops at the airport, all prices are fixed.

Where to stay

Hotels in Sri Lanka are usually small and stand right on the beach. Each is made in its own unique style, but they all reflect the customs and traditions of the local culture and organically fit into the natural landscape. Any hotel has its own programs for entertaining guests: theme nights, ethnic and cultural performances, fashion shows, moonlight barbecues, organizing fishing, picnics, excursions and much more.

Service in hotels varies greatly: in the "five" it is at a high level, and in establishments of the category of four "stars" and below, you need to make allowances for the fact that the service staff are "oriental people", and it would be desirable to give a "tip" so that they moved faster.

In accordance with international rules, check-out time in hotels is 12:00 local time. On the day of arrival, check-in to the room is carried out after 14:00.

History of Sri Lanka

Ancient inhabitants the islands of Sri Lanka - the ancestors of the Veddas - belonged to the mixed Australoid-Negroid race.

The Sinhalese arrived on the island around the 6th century. BC e. from northern India.

In the III century. BC e. Buddhism comes to the island.

In the III-XIII centuries. n. e. there were large Sinhalese kingdoms on the island with capitals first in Anuradhapura, then in Polonnaruwa. The frescoes of the rock of Sigiriya (Lion Rock) in the central part of the island also belong to this period.

Tamils ​​penetrated the island gradually, and by the 13th century. already formed a large community in the north and east of the island.

After the fall of the Polonnaruva dynasty of Sinhalese monarchs, the capital was transferred several times. By the time the coast of the island was occupied by the Portuguese in the 16th century. she was in Kotta.

In the 17th century The Portuguese were replaced by the Dutch. However, even during the period of Dutch domination, the hinterland retained its independence. The last Sinhalese kingdom, with its capital in Kandy, was liquidated by the British in 1796; in 1802 the entire island became a colony of the British Empire.

In 1948, the country gained independence under the name of Ceylon, remaining a dominion of Great Britain.

In 1972, the country was renamed Sri Lanka and ceased to be a dominion, remaining a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.

The next 20 years of the country's history are overshadowed by armed conflict with the rebel organization Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The armed struggle of the LTTE for the creation of an independent Tamil state of Tamil Eelama in the north-east of the island, inhabited mainly by Tamils, began in 1983. Since then, more than 65 thousand people have become victims of the Sinhalese-Tamil interethnic conflict, hundreds of thousands were forced to leave their homes.

In 1991, Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was killed by Tamil terrorists (as revenge for sending Indian troops to the island to help the Sri Lankan government troops in the mid-1980s), in 1993 - Sri Lankan President Ranasinghe Premadasa.

Numerous Tamil diaspora provides active assistance to the rebels. Starting the armed struggle, the LTTE movement aimed at winning full independence. However, later its leaders agreed to consider a proposal to grant the northeastern part of the island broad autonomy within a single state. In 2002, with the mediation of Norway, an agreement was signed on a temporary ceasefire. However, after hardliner Mahinda Rajapakse was elected president of Sri Lanka in the fall of 2005, proclaiming the slogan "No negotiations with terrorists", the negotiation process stalled.

In December 2004, the country was hit hard by a tsunami caused by an earthquake off the coast of Sumatra. More than 38 thousand people died, 6 thousand went missing, hundreds of thousands lost their homes. Sri Lanka received substantial financial assistance. The program for economic recovery is being actively implemented; it is planned to recreate 19 cities destroyed by the tsunami.

On May 18, 2009, a 50,000-strong grouping of Sri Lankan government troops completed an operation in a war that had been waged with brief interruptions since 1983. In the north of the country, on the Jaffna Peninsula, after the capture of Mullaittivu, the main forces of the Tamil separatists from the LTTE movement were surrounded and eliminated (“ Tigers of Liberation of Tamil Eelam). Throughout the week, separate clashes continued with disparate detachments of separatists hiding in the selva, but the outcome of the operation and the war could no longer be changed. Regular forces established firm control over the last pocket of resistance, during the operation the permanent leader of the separatists, Velupillai Prabahakarana, was killed.

On February 9, 2010, President Mahinda Rajapakse issued a decree dissolving parliament and ordered the arrest of opposition leader Sarath Fonseca, thus embarking on a sharp move away from democracy towards authoritarianism.

Ayurveda

The word "Ayurveda" means "science of life". Ayurvedic treatment in Sri Lanka not only prevents and cures diseases, but also daily controls the behavior and psychological state of a particular person. Ayurveda is not limited to the treatment of individual parts of the body, but basically affects the entire body. The biggest advantage of this system is that it does not have any side effects. "Do no harm!" - the main motto of traditional medicine.

All raw materials that are used in the manufacture of medicines consist of natural ingredients. The leaves of medicinal herbs are used in the manufacture of herbal baths, and the roots are ground into a healing powder for aromatherapy, the oils necessary for massage are squeezed out of the seeds and fruits. Ayurvedic medicines are available in various forms: tablets, massage oils, pastes, drops, inhalers, herbal infusions, decoctions.

The most effective and unique treatment method is "Pancha Karma": a comprehensive treatment that includes all forms of Ayurveda, such as massage, herbal saunas (aromatherapy), meditation and other types of psychotherapy, various diets, decoctions and pills (oral therapy). "Pancha Karma" not only treats diseases, but also prevents their development, as it enhances the immunity of the human body. Modern Ayurveda includes all the secrets of traditional medicine, time-tested and improved by modern technologies. The most important treatments that Ayurveda offers are herbal baths and massages, as well as diets.

Even a small wellness course gives positive results: it improves well-being, relieves stress, fatigue and discomfort, and increases the body's resistance to disease. However, in case of serious diseases, a long course of treatment is necessary, under the supervision of specialists. It is known that the course of Ayurveda gives a strong rejuvenating effect.

Diving, surfing and entertainment

Sri Lanka attracts divers from all over the world with a variety of corals, marine life with unusual names and species (angel fish, Moorish idols, parrot fish), dolphins and whale sharks, which can be seen from March to April. But the main feature of diving in Sri Lanka is visiting underwater rocks, grottoes and sunken ships. About 20 sunken ships of the 19th and 20th centuries are open for inspection at depths of 8 to 30 meters. These are tankers, steamships, bulk carriers, merchant ships and even a modern cargo ship. Many of them are well preserved, and you can even swim inside them.

The abundance of fish in the coastal waters of Sri Lanka attracts fishing enthusiasts here. The coastal reefs of Sri Lanka are characterized by an abundance of plankton, which attracts tuna, Spanish mackerel, marlin and some species of sharks.

The variety of seafood in the fish markets in Colombo or Negombo is striking. A visit to the fish market in the early morning is already an exciting excursion, but it is much more interesting to take part in fishing yourself.

lovers extreme recreation in Sri Lanka they can offer rafting on the mountain river Kelani. The duration of rafting is determined by the tourist himself - the choice of programs here is very large.

Also popular with tourists are 2-3 hour river safari. The most interesting in this regard is the Bentota River (although other rivers are also of considerable interest, such as the Kalu Ganga). There are quite a lot of various living creatures in the river and on its banks - monitor lizards, crocodiles, small species of monkeys, many birds. The banks of the river are covered with mangroves.

The island has several excellent international standard golf courses where you can take a training course.

On the coast of the country, both in the west and in the east, there are many places suitable for surfing, but the most popular of them is the coast of Hikkaduwa. Wide shores, crystal clear water, scorching sun and great surf have made Hikkaduwa a top destination for surfers. From October to April, the wave size here is from 1 to 3.5 meters, and the structure of the waves allows the surfer to move in both directions. In the Hikkaduwa area and further south, there are about 12 points for good surfing, the most popular are Mirissa, Midigama, Kabalana (surfer hangout place - Kabalana Hotel).

Between April and October, the best place for surfing is located on the east coast, in Arugam Bay, near the town of Pottuvil. Arugam bay Surfing Beach - the most popular place parties of all surfers in the summer. There are at least 6-7 excellent surf spots in Arugam Bay, some of them up to 1 km in length. The average wave size here is from 1.5 to 3.7 meters. For the most part, these places are not as crowded as on the west coast. The most popular points are Arugam Bay Main, Pottuvil, Okanda, Crocodile Rock.

Useful and interesting information

Markets, private shops, etc. you can bargain about the price. You can reduce the price by 30% from the starting price. However, this is not allowed in government stores, supermarkets, shopping centers and airport duty free shops.

Despite the small likelihood of theft on the island, luggage should not be left unattended, as local residents may suspect that it contains explosives.

If you do not want to be detained, searched or interrogated, do not photograph power plants, port facilities, airports, military units and railway stations.

Sri Lanka is a country with a hot climate, therefore, in order to avoid stomach infections and poisoning, it is necessary to thoroughly wash your hands before eating, as well as vegetables and fruits bought at the market. Tap water is not recommended for drinking: it is better to use mineral water and other factory-bottled drinks.

In the evening and when visiting national parks and reserves, it is recommended to use repellents. Before making a trip to the jungle with an overnight stay, tourists should take antimalarial pills in advance. You should not visit temples in shorts, in clothes with an open back and shoulders. Also, when entering the temple, you need to take off your shoes.

Be careful of monkeys! Numerous flocks of which have become something of a natural disaster in Sri Lanka. They scurry around and are very intrusive. They can snatch food or things out of their hands, up to a camera or camcorder. Moreover, monkeys can climb into hotel room and arrange a uniform pogrom there. Therefore, before leaving, always tightly close windows or special mosquito netting frames.

Outside the center of Colombo, there is no "nightlife", basically any activity on the streets (trade, work of institutions) stops at sunset at 19 pm.

You should be careful when using gestures familiar in Russia: an analogue of the middle finger gesture is a gesture that is performed by squeezing the palm turned up into a fist and sticking out the index finger up.

We recommend wearing light cotton or linen clothing, sandals and a hat. Holidays in Sri Lanka are quite democratic and do not impose strict requirements on clothing, however, out of respect for holy places, you should visit temples in clothes that cover your knees, shoulders and back, and you must take off your shoes and hat when entering any temple. Women are not allowed to sunbathe on the beach in topless.

Ceylon spices

Since ancient times, Sri Lanka has been world famous for its spices, especially during the Silk Road era, when spices played a big role in cooking. Until the 15th century, the spice trade was in the hands of Arab merchants, but when European navigators discovered sea routes to the east, this monopoly was broken. Now cinnamon, cloves, pepper, vanilla, cardamom and other spices are grown in small private farms in the areas of Kegalle, Mawanella, Kandy and Matale, where the climate is quite humid and cool. Most of the products are exported. Spices are used not only in food, but in medicine and in the production of cosmetics.

Spice gardens are scattered throughout the country, where tourists can see how spices grow, listen to a short story about their use, and, of course, buy. Here you will see the most "expensive" tree in the world - a sandalwood tree with a brown-gray trunk, a lot of smooth and flexible branches and leathery leaves of purple-pink color. Trees older than thirty years are used to obtain aromatic oils.

It also sells a wide variety of oils, masks, creams and Ayurvedic preparations for the treatment of any ailments made from these plants. Women are given a unique opportunity to purchase real sandalwood and coconut oil here to prolong their youth. In the spice garden, tourists will be shown the preparation of various preparations.

Ceylon tea

For the first time tea was brought to the island in 1824 from China, and in 1839 from Assam (India) and was tested in the Botanical Garden of Peradeniya. It turned out that the Chinese variety adapted better to the highlands of Nuwara Eliya, while the Indian variety adapted well to the plains of the island. In 1867, Scottish planter James Taylor began commercial tea cultivation for the first time, planting 80 hectares of seedlings in the Nuwara Eliya region.

Now Sri Lanka ranks third in the world in tea production and first in export, providing about 25% of world demand. For its unique characteristics, Ceylon tea is recognized as the best in the world. Due to climatic conditions, local tea has a delicate taste and aroma. Tea is cultivated all year round and grown at three levels: up to 600 m above sea level in the regions of Balangoda, Ratnapura, the Kelaniya river valley and Galle; from 600 to 1200 m and above 1200 m in areas around Nuwara Eliya.

It is better to buy tea during an excursion to a tea factory: the prices here are much lower, and the assortment is larger. In addition, most of the tea bags are decorated in a very beautiful and original way.

How to get to Sri Lanka

Direct regular flights from Russian capital Sri Lanka is operated only by the Sri Lankan national airline Srilankan Airlines. Travel time - 8 hours 30 minutes. Airbus A-330 flies. Departs from Moscow at 20:15 Moscow time on Tue, Fri, Sat (arrives in Colombo early in the morning - at 6:15 local time).

In addition to it, you can fly from Moscow to Ceylon with a landing or transfer at one of the airports in the Middle East, for example, with Emirates Airlines (Dubai), Qatar Airways (Doha) and Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi). Flight time is on average from 11 to 15 hours (including connections).

In addition to these four options described above, many other Asian airlines fly to the island - from India, Singapore and Thailand.

Sri Lanka is an island with coordinates 7°0" north latitude and 80°0" east longitude. Cartographers and travelers have always compared its shape to a drop of tea or a pearl.

Sri Lanka is separated from India by about 48 km. There is evidence that in ancient times the island was connected to the mainland by a strip of land - the Adam's Bridge. The area of ​​Sri Lanka is 65,610 km², this is Holland and Belgium combined. The length of the coastline is 1600 km. The coast is one of the most attractive areas of Sri Lanka. But no less beautiful - and also fertile - are its interior lands, especially the southern ones.

Once the entire island was covered with dense jungle, but in the XIX-XX centuries. most of the forests were cut down, their place was taken by plantations of coffee, tea, palm trees and rubber trees. The main food of the islanders is rice, coconuts play an equally important role. However, this is not what Sri Lanka is famous for. Her "visiting cards" are the most valuable spices, wonderful Ceylon tea and, of course, precious stones, the capital of which is Ratnapura, the "city of jewels".

In the central part of the island, in the area of ​​the former colonial resort of Nuwara Eliya, there is the highest mountain in Sri Lanka - Pidurutalagala (2524 m). But much more famous and universally revered is the less high peak of Adam. locals They call it Sri Pada, which means “noble footprint”. It is a place of pilgrimage for adherents of all major religions in the country.

Due to seasonal rainfall, Sri Lanka is geographically divided into wet and dry zones, the latter occupies approximately 3/4 of the country's area. The wet zone is located in the southwestern, western, central and southern parts of the island, and the dry zone, respectively, in the southeast, east and north. However, the term "dry" is very relative. During the monsoon season, there are also heavy rains here, only they do not go continuously, as in the humid zone. There are two monsoon seasons in Sri Lanka. One lasts from May to November and covers mainly the western and southern regions (southwest monsoon), and the other - from November to January, the northern and eastern regions of the country are affected (northeast monsoon). This means that the most the best time to relax on the popular southwestern beaches of Sri Lanka - from November to February, that is, when winter reigns in the Northern Hemisphere. But tourists should remember that although they go to the tropics, almost to the very equator, in mountainous areas the center of the country in the evening and at night it can be quite cold, especially on the windswept Horton Plateau. Off the northern coast of Sri Lanka, in the Jaffna region, there are several small islands. From the south, the vast expanses of the Indian Ocean open up: apart from a few coral islands, there is no more land to Antarctica itself.

Geographic location of Sri Lanka.

SRI LANKA, Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (until 1972 Ceylon), a state in South Asia, on about. Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean, at the southern tip of the Hindustan peninsula, which is separated by the Gulf of Manar and the Strait of Polk, between which there is a chain of islands of the Adam's Bridge. The area is 65.6 thousand km2. Population 20.482 million (2004).

Administrative-territorial division of Sri Lanka.

The territory of Sri Lanka is divided into 8 administrative provinces (Western, Sabaragamuwa, North East, North West, Uva, North Central and South), which consist of 25 districts.

The people of Sri Lanka.

About 74% of the population are Sinhalese (inhabit the western, central and southern regions of the country), 18% are Tamils ​​[two separate branches: Sri Lankan (in the northern and eastern regions) and Indian (in the central regions)], 8% are so-called. Sri Lankan Moors (descendants of Arabs); there are also several thousand Veddas (descendants of the ancient population of the island), Sri Lankan burghers (descendants of the Portuguese, Dutch and British), as well as Malays.

The official languages ​​are Sinhalese and Tamil, and English is widely spoken.

The religious affiliation of the population basically corresponds to the national-ethnic composition: Buddhism is practiced by about 70% (mainly Sinhalese), Hinduism - more than 17% (mainly Tamils), Islam and Christianity - approximately 8% each (Moors, burghers, etc.) .

Largest cities: Colombo, Moratuwa, Galle, Trincomalee, Jaffna, Kandy.

Climate of Sri Lanka.

The climate is monsoonal, subequatorial in the north and east, equatorial in the south and west. The air temperature on the plains is +26-30 °C, in the mountains it drops to +15-20 °C, and changes slightly throughout the year. One of the coldest places on the island - mountain resort Nuwara Eliya (1881 m above sea level), the average January temperature is +14 ° C, May +17 ° C.

The greatest amount of precipitation (up to 5000 mm per year) falls on the southwestern slopes of the highlands (mainly during the summer southwestern monsoon); at the foot of the mountains - up to 2000 mm per year. On the northeastern slopes of the highlands and adjacent plains, most of the precipitation falls during the winter northeastern monsoon, their annual amount drops to 1000-2000 mm; the dry season is observed for 8-9 months. The least amount of precipitation (less than 1000 mm per year) is on the northwestern and southeastern coasts. In spring and autumn, abundant convective afternoon (so-called zenithal) rains fall in many areas. Air humidity is about 75%.

Natural resources of Sri Lanka.

The length of the island of Sri Lanka from north to south is 445 km, from west to east - 225 km. The shores of the island are predominantly low-lying, often lagoonal, bordered by coral reefs, slightly indented, with separate ingressive bays.

Over 80% of the territory is occupied by low-lying plains (100 m above sea level), above which individual rock remains (up to 700 m high) rise, often of a bizarre shape (resembling either a huge animal, or a giant book, or the ruins of an ancient temple). In the central and southern parts of the island there is a stepped highland (average height 1000-2000 m) with leveled surfaces, dissected faults, and steep fault ledges. The upper tier of the highlands is formed by table surfaces and steep peaks - Mt. Pidurutalagala (2524 m), Adamov Peak (2243 m), etc. One of the faults consists of disparate links, generally having a meridional orientation; the other has an arcuate shape and a latitudinal strike; in general, they look like an anchor, the rod of which is extended from north to south.
Sri Lanka occupies part of the Hindustan Shield of the Indian Platform, the foundation of which is composed of gneisses, granite-gneisses, scoopites, amphibolites, schists, quartzites, marbles with intrusions of Upper Proterozoic granites (about 1 billion years ago), dolerite and pegmatite dikes; carbonatites are known. Basement rocks come to the surface in 9/10 of the territory of Sri Lanka; in the north, the foundation is hidden under a cover of sedimentary rocks (sandstones, siltstones, mudstones, limestones, sands, clays) of Jurassic and Miocene ages. Coastal-marine Quaternary deposits (pebbles, gravel, sand, clay) are widespread along the coast of the Indian Ocean. Laterites are developed on crystalline rocks.

Main minerals: graphite, precious and semi-precious stones (sapphire, ruby, aquamarine, topaz, moonstone, chrysoberyl, etc.), coastal-marine "black" sands with ilmenite and rutile, zircon and monazite; apatite, kaolin and other clays, limestone, feldspars, quartz sand.

The river network of Sri Lanka is dense. Short full-flowing rivers (the largest is the Mahaweli River) begin in the Central Highlands and spread radially in all directions, forming waterfalls in the mountains. Kelani and Mahaoya flow to the western shore, Walava and Nilwala to the south, Gal and Yan to the east. Used for irrigation (mainly in the north and east); numerous reservoirs have been built.

The soils are red earth and lateritic, along the river valleys and along the coasts there are strips of alluvial soils.

Natural vegetation covers about 3/4 of the island's surface. On the southwestern slopes of the mountains and in some places at their foothills (44% of the entire country), moist equatorial forests have been preserved (individual trees reach a height of 80 m) with a huge variety of species (palms, dipterocarps, etc.), forests are distinguished by rich undergrowth, an abundance of mosses. The plains in the north and east of the island and the slopes of the highlands adjacent to them are covered with secondary deciduous forests (9-12 m high). The plateaus are occupied by wastelands of the savanna type (a combination of tall coarse grasses with individual trees), above 2000 m - crooked forests. Along the northwestern and southeastern coasts - thickets of thorny bushes, in some places near the coasts - mangrove forests, coconut palms.

The fauna of the Indomalayan type, with an admixture of Madagascar species (lemurs). From mammals: elephant, sloth bear, leopard, lynx, 5 species of monkeys, deer, wild boars, viverras. An abundance of birds (parrots, peacocks, flamingos, storks), many lizards, snakes, crocodiles. Insects (butterflies, ants, termites, etc.) are diverse. The number of large animals is steadily declining due to the expansion of agricultural areas and the reduction of forests.

National parks: Vilpattu, Yala (Ruhunu), Gal-Oya. Reserves: (Ritigala, Wasgomuwa, Hakgala). Near Kandy - large Botanical Garden Peradeniya.

Economy and Industry of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is an agricultural country with a developed plantation economy. The share of industry in GDP is about 35%. The economy remains dependent on foreign, mainly British, capital and the external market. The role of the public sector is growing.

In agriculture, St. 70% of the economically active population. More than 1/3 of the territory is being cultivated. The basis of the economy is the production for export of tea (one of the first places in the world), rubber and coconut palm products. The main food crop is rice. They also grow millet, corn, legumes, sweet potatoes, cassava, vegetables, spices (cinnamon, black pepper, cardamom), industrial crops - fibrous and oilseeds, fruit crops - bananas, pineapples. Animal husbandry is poorly developed, cattle (including buffaloes) are used mainly as draft power. Elephants are also used as working animals. Fishing (including coastal).

Graphite, iron ore, precious stones (ruby, sapphire, aquamarine, etc.), ilmenite, rutile, zircon, salt, mica, limestone, peat, etc. are mined.

Sri Lanka is predominantly hydropower, so energy production is highly dependent on seasonal fluctuations in rainfall and river flow.

The traditional manufacturing industries are tea, rubber processing, copra and coconut oil production. The light (textile, shoe, paper, etc.) and food (sugar) industries are developed. Mechanical engineering, ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy, production of building materials, woodworking, and oil refining industries are developing. The main industrial center is the city of Colombo and its environs.

Traditional handicraft production (blacksmithing, pottery, weaving, weaving of mats, bags, hats, ropes, rugs, artistic carving on wood, horn, ivory, tortoiseshell, chasing metal, making gold and silver jewelry with precious stones, etc.) .

Tourism is developing. Seaside (Negombo, Beruwela, Benton, Trincomalee, etc.) and mountain resorts.

Exports: tea, rubber, coconut palm products, ready-made clothing. Imports: textile products, machinery and equipment, oil and oil products, wheat, sugar, fertilizers. Main foreign trade partners: Saudi Arabia, USA, UK, India, Germany, Japan.

Close to Colombo is the international airport at Katunayake.
Main ports: Colombo, Galle, Jaffna, Trincomalee.

The monetary unit is the rupee of Sri Lanka. 1 Sri Lankan rupee is equal to 100 cents.

Located south of the Hindustan peninsula between 5 "54" and 9 "52" northern latitude, 800 km. from the equator. The northern and central parts of the island are in the subequatorial, and the southern part in the equatorial zones. total area 65610 sq. km, length from north to south 445 km, and from west to east 225 km. According to geologists, the island repeatedly rose from the water and sank again. Over the long centuries, the displacement of geological layers, formed hills, mountains and gorges. The main part of the island is occupied by a plain, the height of which rarely exceeds 100 m above sea level.

In the center of the island is the Central Mountain Range. The average height of the mountains is 1000-2000 m above sea level, but some peaks rise higher. The highest point of the island - Mount Pidurutalagala has a height of 2524 m, then Kirigalpotta - 2395 m, Totopolakanda - 2357 m. However, the most famous is the majestic Adam's Peak (Sri Pada) - 2243 m.
Many rivers of Sri Lanka flow from these mountains. The largest river Mahaweli Ganga (335 km.) originates near Adam's Peak and flows into the Indian Ocean in the east of Sri Lanka near Trincomalee. Other rivers Malvanuna Oya - 164 km, Kelani Ganga - 145 km. The only river that does not originate in the mountains, Kala Oya - 148 km, flows from the ancient giant reservoir of Kalaveva, built in the 5th century AD. Many rivers are navigable. Where there are mountains and rivers, there are also waterfalls. At 212 meters, Causlanda Bride Vale, "Bridal Veil" is one of the tallest single-jet waterfalls in the world. Babarakanda waterfall - 241 m. the highest cascade on the island.

East Coast Sri Lanka is hundreds of kilometers of continuous white sandy beaches, transparent turquoise ocean, coral reefs and a huge variety in flora. In the northeast, 6-12 km. from Trincomalee Bay, there are a number of cozy hotels - Trinco Blu by Cinnamon, Nilaveli Beach Hotel, Anilana Nilaveli, Pigeon Island Beach Resort, from which you can visit unique places for diving and snorkelling, daily excursions are organized to coral island. 14% of the island's territory is occupied by national parks, reserves and reservations. The largest of them are Yala National Park (309 km from Colombo), Udawalawe National Park (170 km from Colombo), Wasgamuwa National Park (200 km from Colombo), Wilpatu National Park (176 km from Colombo) and National Bundala Park (260 km from Colombo).

The southwest coast of Sri Lanka is continuous golden beaches, hotels and small towns - such as Negombo, Marawila, Mount Lavinia, Wadduwa, Kalutara, Beruwala, Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Galle, Tangalle. The atmosphere of the resort reigns throughout - the blue ocean, golden sand, coconut palms, chic and inexpensive hotels. The capital of Sri Lanka is the city