Full name: Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
Capital: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte.
Area: 65,610 sq. km.
Population: 21,675,648
Official languages: Sinhala, Tamil and English.
Official currency: Sri Lankan rupee.

AT warm waters In the Indian Ocean, off the coast of India, there is a small island shaped like a drop.

Everyone has heard about him at least once, and every day they probably enjoy his gifts - delicious black or green tea. His real name is rarely spoken, but the "nickname" Ceylon is widely known. This is Sri Lanka!

Sri Lanka is separated from the Indian subcontinent by the narrow Polk Strait.

The inhabitants of Sri Lanka are called Sri Lankans.

At the beginning of the 19th century the island was a colony (dependent territory) of Great Britain and was called Ceylon, and in 1972 it became independent and received a new name - Sri Lanka, which means “blessed land” in Sinhala.

Due to the former dominance of Great Britain today in Sri Lanka almost everyone speaks English language. Only he's not exactly normal. Often a resident british isles or the United States will not fully understand the Sri Lankan, although both will communicate in the same language. This is because the locals add a lot of "their" words to the speech.

The flag of Sri Lanka is one of the oldest. It depicts a Sinhalese lion and two multi-colored stripes. The lion is a symbol of the ancestors of modern Sri Lankans, the green and orange stripes mean a few Muslims and Hindus, and the red part of the flag symbolizes the Buddhists prevailing on the island. In the corners of the flag there are 4 paipula leaves, a sacred tree for Buddhists.

Sri Lanka is an island of gems. In its bowels - rubies, garnets, moonstone, amethysts. But the "king" of stones is sapphire - blue, pink, yellow, white and very rare star. Sri Lankan sapphire even adorns the English crown!

As in other Asian countries, motor cycle rickshaws are popular in Sri Lanka. Here they are called "tuk-tuk". This is the only safe means of transportation, as it can easily go around any obstacle. Chaos is happening on the streets of Sri Lankan cities! The locals don't follow the rules traffic. They can stop their vehicle whenever and wherever they want, just to let a cow pass or go out to say hello to a friend they suddenly saw on the street ...

It is interesting!
Taking Sri Lankan rupees abroad, even as a souvenir, is prohibited by law.

An umbrella in Sri Lanka is not a remedy for rain, but the main protection from the sun. From the showers that come here, he will not save, but under the hot sun without an umbrella in any way. Therefore, umbrellas are sold even in grocery stores.

In a cafe, before putting a dish on a plate, they put a plastic bag on it. Thus, the Sri Lankans observe hygiene, and the dishes do not need to be washed after eating.

One state - two capitals

The small state of Sri Lanka boasts that it has not one capital, but two! This is a large metropolis of Colombo and a little-known town with the complex name of Sri Jayewardanapura Kotte. The first is the residence of the President of Sri Lanka, and the second is the country's parliament and the Supreme Court.

Translated from the Sinhalese language, Colombo means "mangrove harbour". The city is really located in an area where there are a lot of mangroves. But there is another version of the name. It is believed that the Portuguese, who conquered Sri Lanka in the past, could have named the city in honor of the navigator Christopher Columbus.

Colombo is the most Big city on the island and largest port Sri Lanka. It is noisy and crowded all the time, the streets are filled with cars and tuk-tuks. Colombo is the only city in Sri Lanka with multi-story houses and skyscrapers. And only here do temples belonging to representatives of three religions safely coexist - churches (Christianity), mosques (Islam) and Buddhist temples.
Colombo is home to one of the finest botanical gardens in Asia. Its highlights are the Orchid House and the Spice Garden. The world's rarest species of these plants grow in the Orchid House. And in the Spice Garden, all the fragrant plants and herbs of the island of Sri Lanka are collected. The king of the garden is pepper and the queen is cinnamon. It was thanks to the huge amount of spices that the island was interesting to many. European countries. Their rulers have always dreamed of capturing plantations of allspice, vanilla, cloves, ginger, which had no equal in the world.

Sri Jayewardanapura Kotte is a town in the suburbs of Colombo. When at the beginning of the 16th century envoys of the Portuguese king arrived on the island, the guides managed to stretch the five-kilometer path between Colombo and Kotte into a three-day trip around the island! This was done to confuse uninvited guests and hide the exact location of the capital from them. The expression "to go to Kotta" for modern Sri Lankans means "to drive in a roundabout way."

The city of Colombo was the capital during the reign of the Portuguese, Dutch and British in Ceylon. When the state became independent, the city of Kotte received the capital function.

Today Kotte is beautiful, quiet town, which has many universities, colleges. The Sri Lankan parliament sits here. It was specially built for him. luxury building in the center of the city lake. Various festivals and fun carnivals often take place on the streets, in which brightly and beautifully dressed elephants, the symbol and pride of Sri Lanka, always participate.

elephant city

In the past, elephants were the main means of transportation in Sri Lanka. They transported people and goods in the mountains and jungles. Today, tractors and trucks do this, but the elephant is still the main animal and symbol of the island.

The Sri Lankan elephant is different from its African brother. The inhabitants of the hot continent are larger, their ears are of a different shape and they always have powerful tusks. In Sri Lankan elephants, tusks can be seen on about one in 20 animals.

An elephant lives as long as a person - 70-80 years. An adult animal weighs about 5 tons. On the day he needs 250 kg of cane or coconut palm leaves and 200 liters of water.

For us, elephants are a symbol of wisdom and tranquility. But the Sri Lankans think differently. They consider the giants a natural disaster and fight them. Most animals are not killed by poachers. They are being shot by…farmers. Elephants wander into fields, destroy crops and even destroy houses. A herd of angry elephants can take down an entire village! Neither fences nor traps stop the giants, and it is useless to try to “negotiate” with them. Sri Lankan elephants are considered more aggressive and "stupid" than their African relatives.

There are fewer and fewer elephants in Sri Lanka every year. To protect the animals from extinction, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was built on the island. This is a huge nursery where baby elephants are left without parents, disabled elephants and retired elephants. By the way, the oldest animal here is over 60 years old, and the youngest is only two months old. He is drunk with warm milk from the nipple so that he gets stronger and feels good.

Elephants are the main participants in all holidays and festivals in Sri Lanka. They are dressed up in special costumes-masks, decorated with jewels.

Elephants have been trained for performances for many years. When elephants grow up, they "work out" caring for them by riding tourists on their backs. This is the most popular attraction among visitors and the main business of local residents. Before riding, the elephant is saddled. This is done only for tourists. Sri Lankans ride bareback. It is very difficult to maintain balance while riding, but an excellent view opens from the back of the animal. When traveling on horseback, you are convinced that the elephant seems clumsy only from the outside. Despite its impressive weight, it moves almost silently. Usually an elephant walks at walking speed, but if necessary, giants can reach speeds of up to 40 km / h.

The elephant, who worked up an appetite during the trip, must be thanked. The best way to do this is to feed him bananas - the elephant's favorite dessert.

The fauna of Sri Lanka is very diverse. Animals and birds on the island feel free, they are not afraid of humans and live next to them.

Based on materials

Sri Lanka is a luxurious pearl in the Indian Ocean. This island-state with more than 2000 years of history is considered a treasure trove of cultural and historical heritage humanity. In short, Sri Lanka is tea, gems, an eventful history, amazing scenic views, warm ocean and friendly people.

Geographic characteristics

The island of Sri Lanka, reminiscent of the shape of a tear, is located in South Asia, 800 km from the equatorial line. It is washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Manar and Bengal, the Strait of Polk. In ancient times, Sri Lanka was connected to the mainland by the shoal of Adam's Bridge, but, as the legend tells, in 1481 this shoal collapsed during an earthquake.

The area of ​​the island is 65,610 km², in the west-east direction it stretches for 225 km, and in the north-south direction for 445 km.

The relief in Sri Lanka is mostly low-lying, and there is a mountain range in the center. highest mountain- Pidurutalagala (2524 m), but the majestic Sri Pada, which is also called Adam's Peak (2243 m), is more famous. There are 2 capes on the island: from the south - Dondra, from the west - Dutch Bay.

Sri Lanka has 21 million people. It so happened that the predominant nationalities are Sinhalese and Tamils, burghers, Moors and Veddas (indigenous people) also live. This situation affected the language issue of the state: national languages Sinhala and Tamil, but English is also often spoken.

History of the island

In the written chronicle "Mahavamsa", which from the VI century. until 1815 were led by Buddhist monks, set out detailed history island nation.

Ancient city Pollonaruwa

Initially, these lands were inhabited by the ancestors of the Vedds, who belonged to the Australoid-Negroid race. As indicated in the chronicle, in 504 BC. island lands conquered by the Indian prince Vijaya. His followers ruled Sri Lanka during the 6th-5th centuries. BC, and then many immigrants from India settled on its territory. Vijaya gave the island such a name as his clan was called - "Sinhaladvipa". In the XVIII century, under the British, this name was reborn into "Silon" ("Ceylon").

From the end of the 3rd century until the 13th century the island belonged to the Sinhalese kingdoms, and by the end of the 13th century. its lands from the north and east were inhabited by large communities of Tamils. In the XV century, the island was captured by troops from China, after which small states were formed on its territory.

In the XVI century. coastal island areas were occupied by immigrants from Portugal, who built a fortress in Colombo. The influence of the Portuguese colonialists increased and intensified more and more, and by the end of the 16th century. they controlled the bulk of the island.

In the 17th century the Portuguese were replaced by colonizers from Holland: in 1638-1639 they managed to conquer the island lands almost entirely. Until 1796, the entire territory was under their control.

In 1796, almost the entire island passed to Great Britain, and in 1798 it became its colonial territory. The kingdom of Kandy remained independent, but in 1815 it was included in the colonial lands.

Only in 1948, Sri Lanka emerged from the dependence of Great Britain, but remained a Dominion in the United Kingdom of England and acquired the name "Ceylon".

Since the island ceased to be a colony of Great Britain, its recent history conditionally can be divided into the following periods:

• 1948-1972 - Dominion of Ceylon. Autonomy in the Commonwealth of Nations under the leadership of the English ruler, nationalist reforms. Formation of the prerequisites for the beginning of interethnic discord, anti-Tamil pogroms, the deportation of Tamils ​​to India, the 1971 uprising.
• 1972-1978 - independent republic. The closure of British military bases, the nationalization of tea production.
• 1978-1983 - Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. Increasing ethnic strife. Internal war in the state against the backdrop of the fight against the rebels "LTTE", demanding autonomy and separation.
• 2009-2017 is the recovery period. The implementation of the recovery program with the full support of other states. Peaceful change of power in 2015: the former Minister of Health Maithripala Sirisena won the early presidential elections. Fruitful cooperation with international partners, economic growth.

Climatic conditions

The island is located in the tropical zone, respectively, the climate here is tropical - warm and with high humidity.

The air temperature is even, the difference between the warmest and coldest months is 2-3°C. The average annual temperature on the island ranges from +27°C to +32°C, with the exception of mountainous areas- there, from December to March, up to + 10 ° С can be observed at night.

In May - September, the coasts in the west and south are in the rainy season - they are brought by the monsoon from the southwest. From October to January, rains dominate the north coast, but there they are caused by the monsoon from the northeast. The rainy season is characterized by powerful and short showers (they last an average of 10-15 minutes, and at night), as well as powerful winds that raise high ocean waves.

Due to weather conditions, you can relax on the beaches of Sri Lanka all year round, just in different areas:

• in winter (October - April) - in the southwest;
• in summer (March - November) - in the northeast.

As for the Indian Ocean, its waters have a temperature that is kept within + 27 ... + 29 ° C.

Regions and cities

The Republic of Sri Lanka consists of 9 provinces, they contain 25 districts. The official capital is considered to be Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, which houses the parliament and the state judicial service. The government administration and the presidential residence are located in the nearby city of Colombo, which has been recognized as the unofficial capital.

The following cities may be of greatest interest to travelers:

Colombo. In its northern part is tourist centre Fort - almost all hotels, shops, restaurants are located there.

Anuradhapura is a town in the North Central Province. It is known for the temple and monastery buildings that have survived from ancient times.

Kandy is the ancient capital of the island state, located in the Central Province. Every year in Kandy, the Esala Peraher festival is held, when a religious relic, the tooth of the Buddha, is brought out to demonstrate.

There are many on the island good resorts. But the main question for most tourists remains: "Which resort to prefer?". So:

Bentota is popular with young families, adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts. A variety of services that tourists can use are designed for any budget. Read .

Beruwala is suitable for vacationers who come to Sri Lanka primarily for the sake of the beaches. At the same time, there are hotels for both budget tourists and elite vacations.

Sri Lankan family on Wadduwa beach

Wadduwa is famous sandy beaches along which are many coconut palms. The tourist infrastructure here is not very developed: there are several hotels, shops, restaurants and cafes, there is a diving center. will appeal to those who like to immerse themselves in the culture of the travel country.

Koggala is located at a relative distance from the civilized world, which attracts travelers who dream of relaxing holiday. All infrastructure is present, there are even tennis courts and golf courses. Read .

Mount Lavinia is a fairly large-scale center of trade, industry and economy. It is popular due to its extensive and well-maintained beaches.

Nuwara Eliya has the reputation of one of the few cool oases in the hot country of South Asia with Victoria Park, Gregory Lake, a golf complex, a racetrack. But first of all, produced in the area.

Hikkaduwa - Mecca of diving, famous for its coral reefs and numerous inhabitants underwater world. In addition, the tourist infrastructure is the most developed here.

Tangalle is interesting for its numerous secluded bays, wide deserted beaches, and places for snorkeling. The resort of Tangalle is described in more detail.

Dambulla. On this mountain (its height is 350 m) there are several cave temples, where the most extensive collection of Buddha statues is presented. Built in the 1st century BC. - an important religious place for numerous pilgrims and an interesting object for tourists.

Anuradhapura. This city on the banks of the Aruvi River was the capital in ancient times. " Old city"- this is an archaeological zone, a couple of ancient temples, bell-shaped stupas (III - I centuries BC), a museum of archeology.

Polonnaruwa. This city-museum was once the capital, since 1982 it has been protected by UNESCO. In this city, tourists are most attracted by the Stone Temple and 4 Buddha statues, carved from a single block of granite.

Fort Galle. The fortress, which is still in good condition, was built by the Dutch. They conquered the bastion from the Portuguese in 1640, and the merit of the foundation belongs to them.

As for entertainment, there are plenty to choose from on this island. In the entertainment complexes operating in most resorts, they offer a ride on a boat, "bananas" and skis, as well as parasailing.

Helicopter flights to many attractions are organized from Ratmalana Airport, and hot air balloon flights are held in Udawalawe Park and Mount Sigiriya.

The island has many golf clubs with well-equipped fields.

Night clubs and discos open after 22.00 and remain open until the morning. There are almost 2 dozen casinos in Colombo, almost all of them work around the clock. The CONTINENTAL CLUB, located in Colombo-3, won the greatest fame.

Sri Lankan Cuisine

The Sri Lankan cuisine is based on a variety of fruits and vegetables, fish and seafood, rice. They eat very little meat here, preferring pork and chicken, and they don’t eat beef at all, since cows are considered sacred animals.

As in most eastern countries, the food in Sri Lanka is very spicy. Curry - this is the name here for any dish prepared with a mixture of powdered various spices. Excessive love of locals for spices, especially chilli, makes all the local food fiery hot.

Coconut oil, juice, milk, shavings from the pulp of this nut, palm nectar are added to many Sri Lankan dishes.

Food on the island is cheap: as a rule, lunch will cost about $2-4. Is it in the most expensive establishments designed for tourists, you have to pay about $ 10.

Sri Lanka: the most important thing about the currency

Sri Lankan money is Sri Lankan rupees (LKR and Rs). There are denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000, and coins of 1, 2, 5 and 10 rupees.

It is allowed to bring any amount of currency into Sri Lanka, but the amount exceeding $ 15,000 must be declared. During the import of more than $ 5,000, the currency must also be declared if it is planned to take it back.

It is equally convenient to take dollars and euros to Sri Lanka - there are no exchange problems at all.

Where to change currency

The exchange can be carried out in bank branches, exchange offices, hotels, jewelry outlets - in big cities there is no difficulty with this. In areas where tourists are rare, it can be difficult to exchange money, and this should be considered before traveling to such places.

Although "private traders" offer to exchange at a rate that compares favorably with the bank rate, it is still better to make such operations in official institutions. At the same time, it should be taken into account that even at exchange points that are very close, the rate can vary greatly. Therefore, it makes sense to bypass several exchangers in order to choose the one that offers the most favorable conditions.

You can make a reverse exchange, that is, return the remaining rupees in exchange for dollars at the rate of their purchase, before departure at the airport, but only if there is a certificate of the completed exchange (official exchangers give it when performing a currency transaction).

What you need to know about plastic cards

Plastic cards on the island are quite common, in big cities you can use them to pay in many hotels and shops. There are ATMs in all tourist areas, and even in most of the remote areas.

It should be taken into account that some banks classify Sri Lanka as a high-risk country when performing operations with plastic cards.

If you do not notify your bank in advance that the plastic card will be used in Sri Lanka, it is likely that it will be blocked during the first use.

Transport on the island

If a trip to Sri Lanka is planned independently, without the help of a tour operator, then you need to take care of the most convenient travel option.

The Sri Lanka railway system serves the main cities of the island, with the exception of cities in the north and east of the country.

The maximum fare from Colombo to any station is 300 rupees. The trains are very comfortable, and passengers can choose a car with any degree of comfort at their discretion.

Many routes, especially in the part where railways pass through the mountainous terrain, very picturesque. Tourists wishing to admire the local views can use special wagons with large windows.

Aircraft

Aero Lanka operates flights from Colombo to the following destinations:, Jaffna - in the far north of the country.

Buses

Buses on the island are inconvenient, but they are very cheap: for just a couple of dollars you can drive through the entire island. Tickets for buses of class "AC" will cost 2 times more, but this transport is much more comfortable: air conditioners are installed and will definitely be provided seats. In large cities, flights of city and private buses are provided, and travel in them will cost approximately the same.

Car rental

Renting a car is rare in Sri Lanka, due to left-hand traffic and poor enforcement of the rules by drivers and pedestrians. You can still rent a car in Colombo:

• With a driver- the driver's services are paid for. Some drivers have a state license allowing them to engage in such activities. Many of them speak several languages ​​and have a wide knowledge of the island.
• Without a driver– the average cost is 2400 rupees per day, it includes a run of 80 kilometers. All additional kilometers will cost 8 rupees each. A driver over the age of 21 can rent a car.

In Colombo and the suburban area, it is convenient to take a taxi. If payment is made according to the meter, then for landing and the 1st kilometer of the way you need to pay 28-30 rupees, for each subsequent kilometer - 24-26 rupees. If there is no meter in the taxi, then you need to specify the price before the start of the trip.

More popular for trips around the city is a tuk-tuk - a small motor scooter on three wheels with a cabin. Average payment per trip: for 1 km - 15-20 rupees.

How to get a visa to Sri Lanka

Since 2012, the government of Sri Lanka has introduced new rules for visiting the state by foreigners. Foreign citizens, including citizens of the CIS countries, receive a visa on the same conditions.

For a short-term (up to 30 days) stay in Sri Lanka, as well as for transit travel, you need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) electronic visa.

Means of communication

Almost all hotels have telephone communications, but the cost of calls from the number will be high.

The two most popular operators mobile communications- Dialog and Mobitel, Etisalat, HUTCH and Airtel have a much smaller market share. The first 3 listed operators offer "tourist communication packages", which include different volumes of minutes for international calls and calls within the country, as well as limited Internet traffic. You can buy Dialog and Mobitel SIM cards without leaving Colombo Airport.

Wi-Fi is available in all major resorts. In business centers of hotels cards of different cost are on sale. Communication via a USB modem is also possible - it is available in almost all corners of Sri Lanka.

Good afternoon, dear readers! As always, I start a new column with general information. Meet - Sri Lanka information about the country: where the island is located, what is the climate here, about local residents, their religion and philosophy, safety and attractions.

Sri Lanka is a very beautiful tropical country with rich history and amazing nature. The official name of the state is the Democratic Socialist Republic. Previously, before independence, it was called - Ceylon, which means glorious, blessed land.

The island is located in the Indian Ocean, not far from Hindustan. Its length is 430 km, width is 225 km, area is approximately 65000 sq/km. Coastline stretches for 1340 km. In the central part of Sri Lanka there are mountains, along the entire coast there is a plain.

Climate

Sri Lanka is only 650 km away. from the equator, so there is a subequatorial monsoon climate. Moreover, at the same time, in every place of the country, the weather conditions are different. From October to March in the northeast it rains and strong winds blow, and in the southwest, this weather is from June to October. Accordingly, the dry season in the first case occurs in summer, and in the second - in winter. Be sure to take this information into account when planning a holiday in Sri Lanka.

The air temperature is almost independent of the change of seasons. On the coast, it ranges from +27 to +32, in the mountains the daytime temperature is +18 - +20, at night it sometimes drops to + 10 degrees.

During the monsoon season, there are short showers at night, strong winds often blow. The ocean becomes restless, big waves rise, but the water near the coast remains as warm as in the dry season, +27 - +29 degrees.

Population and religion

Sri Lanka is a multinational state in which people of different nationalities and faiths live, about 20 million people.

The main population of the country is the Sinhalese, Tamils ​​live in the northeast. Sinhala and Tamil are official languages. English is used for international communication.

The main religion of Sri Lanka is Buddhism. Hinduism was the main religion before the introduction of Buddhism, now there are few Hindus. Even fewer people profess Islam and Christianity.

Currency

The state money of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR). One Sri Lankan rupee is equal to 100 cents. The exchange rate changes slowly, but over the years the rupee has become cheaper against the dollar.

Attractions

Sri Lanka is rich in cultural heritage. There are many historical monuments, which are part of world heritage UNESCO. These include historical cities Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, the rock fortress of Sigiriya, sacred Kandy, the Golden Temple in Dambulla, the old part of Galle and its fortifications, the Sinharaja forest reserve, the highlands of Central Sri Lanka.

It is very interesting to visit the waterfalls and tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya, Horton Plateau, Adam's Peak / Sri Pada, Royal Botanic Gardens, Yala, Mineriya, Bundala and Udawalawa National Parks. Excursions to these places will allow you to learn a lot of interesting information about Sri Lanka.

Security

For many years, the Tamil-Sinhalese conflict flowed in the country, but in 2009 it ended with the victory of government troops. However, security measures are still increased in Sri Lanka, people in military uniforms are often found on the streets, and there are roadblocks on the roads.

The criminal situation on the island of Sri Lanka is quite favorable. Serious crimes do not happen often. Basically, theft and fraud prevail.

In big cities and tourist centers, tourist police detachments keep order.

Each country is unique in its own way. Any resort has its own characteristics. Going on a trip, it is better to familiarize yourself with the nuances of the rest in advance. You can read useful information about Sri Lanka for tourists in my article. Short review beach resorts explore the islands.

Dear friends! Be careful when entering the water. The ocean off the coast of Sri Lanka is treacherous, in many places there are huge waves, there are dangerous undercurrents. I wrote about this in more detail.

You can find a description of some of the island's attractions and my personal impressions in the section. You may also want to talk about your vacation in Sri Lanka, write a review, review or story, I will definitely publish it in the “Readers Travel” section. How to do it? Read.

Leave comments, subscribe to blog updates, there is still a lot of useful information ahead. Don't forget to share the article social networks let your friends know about this wonderful place too.

Now I say goodbye to you for a while, until we meet again!

Tatyana Solomatina

State flag of Sri Lanka.

The beaches of Bentota are famous for their fine sand and shady palm trees.

Sri Lanka is a state in South Asia, popular tourist country. Tourists are attracted by the palette of colors flora islands, beautiful waterfalls, picturesque mountains, 180-meter rock Sigiriya 150 km northeast of Colombo with ancient rock paintings and the ruins of a palace of the 5th century, numerous Buddhist shrines - dagoba, search and processing of precious stones, pearl mining.

Sri Lanka. The picturesque mountain Sigiriya is a giant monolith with a fortress on top.

Colombo. Hindu temple. Detail of the sculptural decoration.

Sri Lanka (Ceylon) is an island in the Indian Ocean, located south of the Hindustan Peninsula. According to the current constitution, the head of state of Sri Lanka is the president, who is also the chief executive and commander in chief of the armed forces. Legislative power in the country belongs to the Parliament - the National State Assembly. Administratively, Sri Lanka consists of 9 provinces headed by government officials. The capital of the country is Colombo. As a former British colony, Sri Lanka is part of the Commonwealth.

Sri Lanka. Panorama of Colombo.

Ethnically, Sri Lanka is a multinational country. The total population is 20.9 million people. 74% of the population are Sinhalese, over 18% are Tamils. Small peoples and ethnic groups of mixed origin include Moors - descendants of Arab and Persian traders, burghers come from mixed marriages between the Portuguese and Dutch, on the one hand, and the Sinhalese and Tamils, on the other. In the mountainous forest region of the inner part of the island, near the city of Nuwara Eliya, small groups of Veddas, descendants of the ancient population of the island, have survived.

The official language of the country is Sinhalese, which is spoken by over 70% of the island's inhabitants. English is widely used (especially among the burghers). Tamil is spoken in the north and east of the country. The main part of the inhabitants (70%) professes Buddhism - mostly Sinhalese. Most of the Tamil population is Hindu. The Muslim religion is followed by the Malays and Moors. Catholic Christians are burghers and part of the Sinhala population. The Veddas are adherents of a primitive religion. Among the population of Sri Lanka, religious beliefs and superstitions are strong, there is a division into castes. There are about 20 castes in total.

Geography

"Lanka" in ancient Indian Sanskrit means "country, land". The prefix "shri", widely used in South Asia when referring to highly respected people, reflects the great love that the Sri Lankan people have for their homeland. He calls her "blessed, venerable Lanka." Sri Lanka is located in South Asia. Occupying an area of ​​about 60 thousand square kilometers, it is approximately equal to major islands like Ireland or Tasmania. Its maximum length from north to south is 430 km, from west to east - 225 km.

The main part of the island (up to 4/5 of the entire area) is occupied by a low plain (100 m above sea level). In some places, large rocks (up to 700 m) rise above the loose sedimentary rocks - ledges of the crystalline basement. Often they have bizarre shapes, reminiscent of either a huge animal, or a giant book, or ruins. ancient temple. In the southern, most extended part of the island, the crystalline basement comes to the surface over a large area. Huge boulders uplifted great height, form the so-called Central array. The average height of the mountains is 1000–2000 m above sea level, but some peaks rise higher. The most high point islands - Mount Pidurutalagala (2524 m). However, the most famous is the majestic Adam's Peak (2243 m), resembling a huge pyramid. The tops of most mountains are aligned, so they are called table tops.

Kandy is one of the oldest cities in Sri Lanka. A peculiar necklace of Kandy is the Mahaweli River with shady banks.

In the mountains of Sri Lanka, in ancient times, deposits of precious stones were discovered: rubies, sapphires, topazes, amethysts. As the ancient chronicle "Mahavansa" testifies, many kings and sultans in other countries decorated their crowns with these stones. The abundance of rainfall has led to the development of a dense network of rivers on the island. Rivers are short. The largest of them is the Mahaweli Ganga (which means "river with sandy banks"), 330 km long. The length of other rivers is 100–150 km. Most of them originate in the mountains of the Massif Central.

Climate

Sri Lanka is located near the equator. Its northern and central parts are in the subequatorial, and southern part- in equatorial climatic zones. Therefore, the temperature here is constant throughout the year. So, in Colombo, the average monthly temperature ranges from 26 ° C (January) to 28 ° C (May). Due to the proximity of the mainland, the north of the country is somewhat hotter than the south. The average annual temperature of the mountainous regions is much lower, therefore mountainous areas are very popular with locals and tourists. One of the coldest places on the island is the mountain resort of Nuwara Eliya (2000 m above sea level). This city is called on the island "a particle of the north." The average annual temperature here is about 15 °C.

The seasons in Sri Lanka are determined not by changes in temperature conditions, but by differences in precipitation patterns. Their greatest number falls on the summer - when moisture-saturated southwestern monsoon winds dominate. The summer monsoon starts in May and ends in September. At the height of the monsoon period, in June-August, it rains every day, often these are stormy showers. The most humidified southwestern part of the island, the first to meet the summer monsoon. In one summer month, 400–500 mm of precipitation falls. On the way of the monsoon to the northern and eastern regions is the Central Mountain Range, which creates a "rain shadow" for these parts of the island. In this regard, the amount of precipitation there is low - on average, only 10–40 mm per month. In winter, in December-February, the northeast monsoon dominates the island, bringing much less precipitation and irrigating mainly the northern and eastern parts of the island. Autumn and spring in Sri Lanka are inter-monsoon periods. There are no monsoon rains, but they are replaced by the so-called zenithal rains, characteristic of the equatorial regions.

Over 70% of the country's territory is covered with trees and shrubs. The most lush vegetation has been preserved in the most humid southwestern region. Here you can still find patches of evergreen tropical rainforest with the atmosphere of a greenhouse, where twilight and silence reign. In the forests of Sri Lanka, you can see more than 40 types of palm trees: talipot, royal, coconut and others. Mango, bread, melon (papaya), "ebony", satin, sandalwood trees are widespread. Colossal tree ferns also grow on the island. Occasionally there are cinnamon trees, from the bark of which cinnamon is obtained. Some plants are of amazing beauty during flowering, among them are orchids and lotus - the sacred flower of the followers of Buddhism and Hinduism.

Diverse animal world islands. In the mountainous forest wilds of the southwest, wild elephants have survived. There are predators in Sri Lanka: panthers, leopards, wild cats, lynxes, jackals, bears. There are many monkeys in the forests, and often in the trees surrounding the village huts. AT big rivers, away from the villages, there are crocodiles up to 8 m long, so you can’t swim there. The world of insects is rich. Large butterflies amaze with unusually bright colors. The world of birds is diverse. Often found pink flamingos, white storks, colorful parrots, bright peacocks, tiny sunflowers resembling butterflies.

Story

The island of Sri Lanka was inhabited about 100 thousand years ago and constantly attracted more and more new settlers, due to which a significant number of representatives of the most dissimilar races, cultures and religions concentrated in its small territory already in ancient times. This enriched the island and led to constant conflicts and wars. In the 5th century BC, the Indo-Aryan conquerors created the first state here, which collapsed in the 5th century AD and was conquered by the Negroid South Indian tribes of the Tamils. In the 8th century, dominance again passed to the Aryan branch of the newcomers, and in the 15th century, three different ethnic kingdoms existed in Sri Lanka at once, continuously at war with each other. This was taken advantage of by the Portuguese colonialists, who established their dominance over the coast of the island in the 16th century, in the 17th century they were replaced by the Dutch. The British who came after them in 1796 declared the conquered region another royal colony - Ceylon. But they managed to conquer the island only in the first half of the 19th century.

The heavy foreign yoke, which turned the flourishing island into a raw material appendage of a distant metropolis, forced the local population more than once to rise in the struggle for liberation and suffer bitter defeats. Exploitation, intensified in connection with the First and Second World Wars and the acute economic crisis of the 1920s and 1930s, made the national-patriotic front more resolute, numerous and united.

The British government in 1948 had to grant independence to Ceylon as a dominion. In 1972, under pressure from the public, the island was proclaimed the Republic of Sri Lanka. All forms of political dependence on England were eliminated. Now this distant piece of land in the Indian Ocean good-naturedly reveals its secrets to all lovers of ancient exoticism and shares the gentle sun and warm water.

natural attractions

The most picturesque are the interior regions of the country with its mountain rivers, waterfalls, impenetrable jungle. Located on the Central Highlands, Adam's Peak is a sacred place for people of various faiths. To worship the recess in the mountain, which resembles the footprint of a huge human foot (Buddhists consider it the footprint of Buddha, Christians - Adam, and Hindus believe that the god Shiva was on top), numerous pilgrims and tourists flock here every year. The nearby gemstone mining sites are very popular. Jewel collections can be seen in National Museum and in private museums in the nearby city of Ratnapura.

Sri Lanka. The majestic Adam's Peak (2243 m), resembling a huge pyramid - sacred mountain Sri Lankans. Here are the footprints of the Buddha.

Located in the central part of the island majestic mountain Pidurutalagala. This rocky peak is located near Nuwara Eliya. The nearby city of Kandy, lying between the hills, is surrounded by the wide Mahaweli Ganga. On the banks of this river, in Peradeniya, there is the largest botanical garden in Asia. Palm alleys and a huge number different types tropical vegetation (only about a thousand species of orchids) attract here not only tourists, but also scientists from different countries peace. 10 km southeast of Nuwara Eliya (at an altitude of 1680 m) is the equally famous Hakgala Park - a wonderful collection of the world's subtropical flora. The Henarasgoda Botanical Garden, 32 km from Colombo, has an extensive collection of exotic palms, trees and shrubs.

Colombo. Hindu temple.

Wildlife can be seen and photographed in numerous national parks - Yaala, Wilpattu, Gal Oya, Uda Walawe, Maduru Oya, Wasgamuwa, Horton Plains and Bundala. Each park has its own specifics. The amazing underwater world of tropical seas will open in Galle, where the famous underwater coral gardens are located. In the lagoon near the city of Batticaloa, there is a very rare “singing fish”: on moonlit nights, thin light sounds are heard from the water, reminiscent of the sound of a crystal glass, along the edge of which a finger is drawn. In the north of Sri Lanka, the palmyrian landscape of the Jaffna Peninsula is magnificent. Not far from Jaffna is a coral archipelago. The most famous island of this archipelago is Ninativu. Sinhalese Buddhists believe that it was on this island that Buddha first entered on his way to Ceylon, walking along the Adam's bridge.

Throughout the country you can find spice gardens - farms for growing spices. Ceylon has long been famous for its spices and medicinal herbs. They are used in the food industry, medical and cosmetic purposes. Cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, several varieties of pepper, ginger, vanilla - far from complete list Ceylon spices.

Yala National Park is located in the southeast of the island, on the shores of the Indian Ocean. When these lands were part of the state of Ruhuna. From his relics, only the ruins of ancient fortresses and monasteries remained. The nature of the park is a dry savanna, overgrown with shrubs and umbrella plants. Occasionally there are small lakes overgrown with lush vegetation. The flat landscape is broken by numerous hills and hills. The territory of the park covers more than 100 thousand hectares.

Yala is considered one of the best places to observe the life of leopards. Here you can often meet bears, deer, wild boars; many small animals - gray langurs, monitor lizards, sea and land turtles. The pride of Yalu are feathered inhabitants: black-necked stork, ibises, herons, yakans. Jeep tours are organized on the territory of the park. campgrounds where you can stay for a few days.

Uda Walawe National Park is located on the banks of a reservoir south of the mountain ranges in the center of the country. Part of the park is occupied by a tropical forest, where you can meet spotted deer, sambars, wild boars, leopards, and bears. Uda Walawe - the best place to observe the life of elephants in natural conditions. In total, up to five hundred elephants live here, there are herds uniting up to fifty of these animals. Bundala Park is located on south coast Ceylon, in the middle of the savanna with many lagoons and lakes. The park is famous for its abundance of water birds.

The tropical rain forest of Sindharaja is one of the few places where primeval rainforests have not yet been destroyed by man. Sindharaja can be translated into Russian as "The Lion King". This forest is a paradise for bird watchers. On an area of ​​22,000 hectares, 22 of the 26 endemic birds of Ceylon are found. A rare black panther, many spotted deer, wild boars, langurs, mongooses, chameleons also live here.

Sri Lanka. Elephant nursery.

culture

Sri Lanka. The picturesque Mount Sigiriya is a giant monolithic rock.

One of the most striking sights of the island is the Sigiriya fortress, located 162 km from Colombo. Citadel with palace ensemble ascended 180 meters lion rock red fifteen centuries ago. Its builder was the king of Kassala. Here, on the inner walls of the caves, you can see rock paintings made with natural paints. The frescoes of Sigiriya, known throughout the world, are outstanding examples of ancient Sinhalese painting.

Kandy. Temple of Dalada Magilava (Temple of the Tooth Relic).

In the city of Kandy attract attention ancient palace Sinhalese sovereigns, as well as the famous Temple of the Tooth Relic, where the corresponding shrine is kept. According to legend, the Tooth was found in India on a lotus flower. Some of the rituals associated with the Tooth of the Buddha have developed into lavish festivals. This is the temple procession of Esala Perahera, which takes place every year in August, on the days of the full moon. A little north of Kandy is the place Aluvihara, where the words of the Buddha were first recorded on palm leaves.

Kandy. At the temple.

Anuradhapure. Temple wall in ancient capital Sri Lanka.

Anuradhapura - a city of monasteries and stupas, a museum under open sky, sacred place Buddhists not only in Sri Lanka, but also in other countries. Many ancient monuments have been preserved in Anuradhapura. In the center of the city rises the majestic Ruvanavelli Dagoba. Built in the 2nd century BC, it is a masterpiece of Sri Lankan architecture. Even in a whole day it is difficult to get around this entire open-air monument. The majestic dagobas of Jetavana and Tuparam compete with Ruvanavelli. Under King Pandukabhaya, a grandiose irrigation system was built in Anuradhapura with giant reservoirs and numerous canals. This chain of reservoirs was called Anuradha, and the city on its banks was called Anuradhapura. The city became the center of the spread of Buddhism on the island. In 380 BC, Pandukabkaya proclaimed Anuradhapura the capital of the first Sinhala state and the city remained in this capacity for 1400 years. Thousands of pilgrims visit the holy places of the city - the Bo tree and the seven dagobas. The sacred Bo tree (Buddha) is located in the courtyard of one of the temples, behind a golden fence. It allegedly grew from a branch, the very tree under which enlightenment descended on the Buddha. According to legend, this branch was brought to Ceylon from India in the 3rd century BC.

Abhayagiri Monastery - the largest of the monastic complexes of Anuradhapura, was built in the 1st century BC. Dagoba Abhayagiri was the second largest stupa (115 m) in the world. It is built over the footprint of the Buddha. The basin of Et Pokuna, which once supplied water to most of the monastery complex, has been restored here.

Sri Lanka. Ruins of Polonnaruwa - the capital of the second Sinhalese state.

Not far from Anuradhapura, in Polonnaruwa lie the ruins of the medieval capital of the Sinhalese state. Here you can see the remains of a palace that once shone with splendor. The best preserved is the beautiful Watadage temple. In the northern part of Polonnaruwa is the largest sculptural ensemble of the area - three huge statues of Buddha carved into the rocks in various poses. The Parakrama Samudraya reservoir created nearby is larger in area than the port of Colombo.

Mihintale is a rock that became the site of the beginning of the spread of Buddhism on the island of Ceylon. At the foot are the remains of ancient Buddhist buildings. considered. At the top of Mihintale there is a stupa and a statue of Buddha. 150 km from Colombo and 20 km from Sigiriya is the cave temple of Dambulla - the largest in Ceylon. For many centuries, this temple has been a stronghold of Buddhism and the identity of Sri Lanka. Its foundation dates back to the 1st century BC. The temple was built at a height of 350 meters and consists of five caves. In 1938, the temple was completed with columns and arched entrances. There is a huge collection of Buddha statues, many of which are over two thousand years old.

Another place closely associated with Buddhism is Adam's Peak or Mount Sri Pada (2224 m). Tens of thousands of believing Buddhists climb the mountain to touch their lips to the sacred footprint of the Buddha. This mountain is associated with the name of the forefather Adam and it is considered sacred by the followers of all world religions.

Polonnaruwa. seated buddha cave temple Gal Vihara.

Polonnaruwa. In front of the four entrances of the Vatadage temple lie semicircular slabs with intricate ornaments, the so-called "moonstones".

Polonnaruwa. Rancot Dagoba.

Cities

Sri Lanka. Halle. Old city.

Sri Lanka. Halle. Lighthouse.

The name of the city of Galle is related to the Sinhala word for "inn". During the heyday of sailing maritime shipping, Galle was the main port of the island. At the entrance to the port, the Dutch built a military fortress, which has survived to this day. Above the gate, a shield with the monogram of the East India Company is carved in stone - images of two lions and a rooster. Galle is known for many ancient crafts, in particular for weaving the finest lace. The city, which is distinguished by a peculiar combination of bright tropical nature and ancient architecture, attracts many tourists.

Sri Lanka. Halle. Coast.

Sri Lanka. Halle. Dutch church.

Ratnapura is the center of jewelry production and trade in precious stones. The name of the city in Sinhala means "city of gems". Ratnapura sapphires, rubies, aquamarines are highly valued by jewelers all over the world. Here they found the Blue Beauty of Asia sapphire (400 carats), the Star of India sapphire (536 carats). The city has a museum of jewelry art.

Sri Lanka. Ratnapura. Buddha statue.

Jaffna - historical Center of the northern Tamil region and the administrative center of the province, one of the largest cities in the country (over 100 thousand inhabitants) is located in its northernmost part, which is connected to the main territory of the island by a narrow strip of land, as well as an artificial dam. Perhaps this is the hottest city in Sri Lanka. In the recent past, the city was one of the trading bases of the Dutch East India Company. The ruins of a fort have been preserved here since that time. From a distance you can see the Catholic Church, built in the early 18th century. Jaffna is an important trading and transportation center and a major center of Tamil culture. The city's artisans are famous for their filigree jewelry, weaving of mats, baskets and other products.

Resorts

For tourists from Western Europe, North America and other regions of Sri Lanka serves as a winter resort. Water-sports tourism dominates in the coastal areas, the ancient Sinhalese capitals are the base of historical and cultural tourism. mountain resorts and national parks attract many lovers wildlife, safari, snorkeling. But no matter how the golden seaside beaches beckon, in Sri Lanka it is not customary to swim in any place you like: powerful ocean currents, and some fish, and marine animals are also dangerous. For swimming, they usually go to the southern suburbs, to Colombo-Mount Lavinia, Hikkaduwa or Rassekudahu.

The mountain rivers of Sri Lanka, with the exception of the drought period, are suitable for rafting and kayaking. The most suitable for rafting is the Kelani River in the Kitulgala region. Ocean wave under favorable weather conditions allows you to surf and windsurf. The island is also interesting for diving enthusiasts. In the waters of Sri Lanka, there are about 138 varieties of corals, including black coral. There are coral heads, and soft corals, and many gorgonians - green, orange, red, blue. But the main wealth of the underwater world of Sri Lanka is the fauna - angel fish, moray eels, barracudas, moray eels, Moorish idols, parrot fish, clown fish, lion fish, marlin, flounder, sweet lips, silver and brown snappers, soldier fish , bristle teeth, damselfish fish, stingrays, surgeonfish, eels. Divers can also explore the wrecks, which are especially numerous in the Hikkaduwa area. About twenty lost ships of the 19th and 20th centuries are open for visits by divers.

Not far from the city of Kandy is the resort of Nuwara Eliya. It is located at an altitude of 1880 m above sea level, at the foot of Mount Pidurutalagala, the highest mountain in Ceylon. The resort is built up with British colonial-style hotel buildings. The buildings are framed by lush greenery and bright flowers. The resort attracts the top of the local society and numerous tourists. Victoria Park is located in the center of Navara Eliya. south of the park there is a hippodrome. Lake Gregory is one of the attractions of the resort.

The resort complex Bentota is located 64 km south of Colombo, on west coast islands. Here, in picturesque place, where the river flows into the sea, several hotels have been built, which are surrounded by a palm forest. There is a train station, a post office, an arcade with shops, cafeterias and an open-air theater where folk dance groups perform. Near Bentota is the resort of Beruwala.

Kalkudah resort is located on east coast, 32 km from Batticaloa. This is perfect place for swimming, as the beach is protected by a reef from the sea. Located near Passecoudah has a beautiful bay with absolutely clear water. It is also a popular tourist center with modern hotels and a variety of amenities. Five species are found in the Kozgod area sea ​​turtles. To maintain their population, turtle farms are organized.

ශ්‍රී ලංකා ප්‍රජාතාන්ත්‍රික සමාජවාදී ජනරජය

Capital Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte city
Square– 65,610 sq. km.
Population- 21.6 million people
Language- Sinhala and Tamil
Form of government- mixed republic
Date of Independence (from UK)- February 4, 1948
The largest city —
Currency— Sri Lankan rupee
Timezone — +5:30
Telephone code — +94

At the official level, the country is called Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. The state is located in the south of Asia on the territory of the island of Sri Lanka in the southwestern part of the coast of Hindustan. Until the moment when the country gained independence, it was called Ceylon. The official capital of the state is the city of Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, where the supreme court and parliament are located. However, the actual capital is the city. Here is the residence of the President of the country and the government sits. Dondra - southern cape islands, Dutch Bay - western.

Sri Lanka - video

Sri Lanka island washed by Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. The Polk Strait and the Gulf of Manara separate Sri Lanka from Hindustan. In the past, the island was connected to the mainland by the so-called Adam's Bridge (a shallow in the Polk Strait), but according to legend, the bridge was destroyed during one of the earthquakes. Located in the center of the country mountain ranges, the relief of the rest of the territory is predominantly lowland. The tallest Mountain peak is located at an altitude of 2,524 meters above sea level and is called Pidurutalagala. The subequatorial monsoon climate of the island is due to the northeast and southwest monsoons blowing throughout the year.
The largest rivers Sri Lanka are Kalu, Aruvi-Aru, Kelani, Mahaweli-Ganga.

According to the state census conducted in the summer of 2013, about 21.6 million people live in the country. On a national basis, one can distinguish Sinhalese (about 75%), Tamils ​​(about 18%), Sri Lankan Moors (about 7%), burghers (about 0.3%), Veddas (about 1 thousand people). In religious terms, the country's population is divided into followers of Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam - 70%, 15%, 8% and 7% respectively.

The calling card of the country is tea. In terms of its production, Sri Lanka is the third in the world, second only to China and. The country has achieved the greatest success in the extraction of precious stones, rubber and cinnamon. The textile industry occupies a leading position in terms of exports (about 63%), agriculture - about 20%. The country has a fairly extensive network bus routes, which serves as a state bus company as well as private enterprises. You can get by bus to any corner of the island, but traveling in it will bring little pleasure due to dirt, dust, crush and low speed (no more than 45 km / h). There are also more comfortable buses, but getting on them is quite difficult - tickets must be ordered in advance at bus stations or transport agencies.

Worth mentioning about railway transport islands. Rail connection connects large ones. The trains have cars of different classes with and without air conditioning. On one of the routes, the world-famous restored train runs, which was built back in 1928. Sri Lanka has international Airport Bandaranaike, located about 35 kilometers from. The airport was built by the British in 1940 and was initially used as a military one.

Sights of Sri Lanka

Waterfall Bambarakanda

Waterfall "Bridal Veil"

On the territory of the state are famous Ceylon tea plantations, which was first brought here from China in 1824. In the second half of the 19th century, tea was first grown here on an industrial scale - James Taylor, a planter from Scotland, did this, planting about 80 hectares of land with tea.

1. In Sri Lanka, intra-ethnic conflicts often occur, so don't be surprised a large number military on the streets and roadblocks. Railway stations and bus stations in the country are usually surrounded by fences, and at the entrance all passengers must present identification documents. In the southern part of the country, the situation is somewhat calmer, so there are usually fewer checks here.

2. When visiting restaurants or cafes, pay attention to what the food you ordered is prepared from, as all dishes here are spicy. To avoid misunderstandings, ask the waiter serving your table about the composition of a particular dish. Sauces should be chosen carefully. If you have eaten too much spicy food, then you do not need to drink it with water - it is better to eat bread or an unleavened cake.

3. If you have a desire to order tea in a cafe, take the trouble to explain how you need to brew it, because here it is done a little differently than in Europe.

4. The main dish in Sri Lanka is rice, which is served on a separate large plate, along with which they bring small saucers with various spices and seasonings.

5. Do not be afraid if you are offered to buy light drugs on the street - this is considered a common occurrence here, despite the fact that the laws of the country provide for the death penalty for the distribution and possession of drugs.

6. Be sure to wash your hands very thoroughly before eating. Vegetables are best scalded with boiling water. Water should only be drunk from plastic bottles with factory caps.

7. Residents of the country are very friendly with tourists, although this attitude is not always pleasant, as sometimes it develops into obsession (this applies mainly to local street vendors and guides).

8. In Sri Lanka, entry to many beaches is free, however, the beaches at some hotels are closed. It is strictly forbidden to hunt animals and collect corals here.

9. It is best to dress in the country in light clothes made of natural fabrics in light colors. If you are going to climb the mountains, be sure to take warm clothes with you.

10. When visiting temples, you need to take off your shoes and hats. It is forbidden to enter such places in short skirts and shorts, as well as with bare shoulders and back. Do not turn your back on Buddha statues, do not show your feet or the soles of your shoes to others, do not take photographs of the local population without permission, and do not offend cows, as they are sacred animals here.

11. It is not necessary to leave a tip in restaurants or hotels. Sometimes they are included in the total bill for the service or lunch.

12. The voltage in the local electrical network is 230-240V, and the sockets are installed with three pins, so you need to purchase a special adapter to use them.