History of Sri Lanka : - Sri Lanka's history is one, which faded years ago. It is known mainly in two ways firstly as a Buddhist country and secondly as demon Rawana's Lanka where Lord Ram skipped to rescue Sita. It's actual history starts from 4th century B.C. when Sinhalese kingdom of Anuradhapura developed as the strongest kingdom of all, but with the coming of Mahinda, son of the great Buddhist emperor Ashoka in 3rd century B.C the King and his followers were soon converted to Buddhism.
Government & Politics :- The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, got independence in Feb1948 form British rule and was an independent member of the British Commonwealth, which adopted its first republican constitution in 1972 and its current constitution in August 1978. It is a democratic country, which has President rule with a tenure of 6yrs and powers to dissolve parliament and dismiss members of cabinet including Prime Minister.
Foreign Exchange / Currency :- Sri Lankan currency is Rupee ( Rs ) divided into 100 cents.When visiting Sri Lanka break down large notes of Rs 500 or Rs 1000 in denominations of coins 5,10,25 and 50 cents, Rs 1,2,5 and 10 Notes in 10,20,50,100 etc, as most shopkeepers does not have change with them.
Population of Sri Lanka :- Sri Lanka has a population of over 19 million; the present population density is one of the highest in Asia with 280 people per sq km.
Religion of Srilanka :- Buddhism is followed by 70% of the population, which makes it a Buddhist country, and it holds importance both spiritually and culturally. Sri Lanka`s literature, art and architecture are to a large extent is based on Buddhism. About 15% of the population, mainly Tamils, is Hindu , Muslims and Christians account for about 7.5% each.
Language :- Sinhala and Tamil are both national and official languages but English is the tourism language and easy to get with. Overall it's better to know a few words of Sinhala or Tamil to greet people in their own language.
Visa :- The countries including Australians, New Zealanders, British, French, German and Americans, get's the visa on arrival which is valid for 30 days. In your respective home countries you can apply the visa only for 30 days which can be extended by the Department of Immigration, Sri Lanka.
Time :- Sri Lanka is 6 hrs ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, 6 hrs behind Australians EST and 11 hrs ahead of American EST.
Climate :- The seasons in Sri Lanka are distinctively dry and wet seasons. The rainy season is from May to August and the dry season is from December to March. The north east monsoon blows from October to January. The dry season in the north-east is from May to September.
Cities of Srilanka :- Although Sri Lanka is a beautiful Island Country and lots to see like Colombo, The West Coast-Puttalm, Negombo, Kalutra & Wadduwa, Beruwels & Morgelle, Bentota etc, The SouthCost-Galle, Unawatuna, Weligama, Matara, Hambantota, Kirinda, Kataragam, The Hill Country-Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Badulla, Wellawata etc.
Restrictions :- The photos of dams, airports, roadblocks or indeed anything associated with the military are restricted. Waving a camera around Colombo Fort, because the area near the port is also restricted. The restrictions apply to both video and photography.
