Overview
Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is an island located in South Asia in the Indian Ocean. The country that is predominately a Buddhist culture with almost 70% of the population embracing Theravada Buddhism has been a key Buddhist learning center for centuries.
Sri Lanka had occupied a significant place of importance during the Silk route era and after years of British rule was granted independence in 1948. It has been mentioned in the Hindu epic Ramayana, is the home to Ravana with whom Lord Rama had to fight a battle to get his wife, Sita back. In the 3rd century BCE, Buddhism was introduced in the country by Mahinda Bhikku, the son of King Ashoka. Indian rulers belonging to the Chola, Pandya, Chera, and Pallava dynasties invaded the country a number of times. Sri Lanka also has the distinction of being the first country that had a female ruler.
Modern-Day Sri Lanka has witnessed ethnic tensions between Tamilians and the Sinhalese community. At one point in time, the Indian Peace Keeping Force was posted in northern Sri Lanka to ease out the growing tensions between these two predominant communities. It was only in 2002 that through a mediated ceasefire agreement that the government and the Tamil militant group made peace with each other and ever since things have improved in this island nation.
This is an island nation surrounded by the Indian Ocean on all sides. The Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait lies between Sri Lanka and India. The Mahaweli River is the longest river amongst 103 rivers flowing in this island. The country has 51 waterfalls, 45 estuaries, and 40 lagoons. The vast coastline of the country is its distinguishing feature supporting thousands of marine species.
