Sri Lanka 26750 225858179 2008-07-15T18:56:17Z Blackangel25 5039225 /* Education */ {{WP:SLR/bluebox}} {{update}} {{redirect|Ceylon}} {{contains Indic text}} {{Infobox Country |native_name = <span style="line-height:1.33em;">[[Image:Sri Lanka in Sinhala Language.png|270px]]''<br/>''இலங்கை ஜனநாயக சமத்துவ குடியரசு</span> |conventional_long_name = <span style="line-height:1.33em;">Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka</span> |common_name = Sri Lanka |image_flag = Flag of Sri Lanka.svg |image_coat = Coat_of_arms_of_Sri_Lanka.svg |image_map = LocationSriLanka.png |national_motto = |national_anthem = "[[Sri Lanka Matha]]"<br/>{{audio|Sri_Lanka_Matha.ogg‎|Music}} , {{audio|Sri Lanka Matha in Sinhala.ogg‎|Singing}} |official_languages = [[Sinhala language|Sinhala]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]] |capital = <!--note to editors, do not change (see talk page) -->[[Sri Jayawardenapura-Kotte]]<ref>[http://www.srilankatourism.org/lang/en/traveller/facts_at_glance.php Official Website of Sri Lanka tourist Board - Facts at a glance<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://www.priu.gov.lk/Parliament/ParliamentHistory.html Sri Lanka: Parliament History<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>|latd=6 |latm=54 |latNS=N |longd=79 |longm=54 |longEW=E |largest_city = [[Colombo]] |government_type = [[Democratic Socialism|Democratic Socialist]] [[Republic]] |leader_title1 = [[President of Sri Lanka|President]] |leader_name1 = [[Mahinda Rajapaksa]] |leader_title2 = [[Prime Minister of Sri Lanka|Prime Minister]] |leader_name2 = [[Ratnasiri Wickremanayake]] |sovereignty_type = [[History of Sri Lanka|Independence]] |sovereignty_note = from the [[United Kingdom]] |established_event1 = [[History of Sri Lanka#Political independence|Declared]] |established_date1 = [[February 4]] [[1948]] |established_event2 = [[Republic]] |established_date2 = [[May 22]] [[1972]] |area_rank = 122nd |area_magnitude = 1 E10 |area_km2 = 65,610 |area_sq_mi = 25,332 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]--> |percent_water = 4.4 |population_estimate = 19,668,000<ref name='myp'>''Department of Census and Statistics'' [http://www.statistics.gov.lk/Abstract_2006/Tables/chap%202/AB2-5.pdf Estimated mid year population by sex and age, 2003 - 2005]</ref> |population_estimate_rank = 52nd |population_estimate_year = 2005 |population_census = 20,010,000 |population_census_year = 2007 |population_density_km2 = 319 |population_density_sq_mi = 818 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]--> |population_density_rank = 35th |GDP_PPP = $86.72 billion <!--cia.gov--> |GDP_PPP_rank = 61st |GDP_PPP_year = 2005 |GDP_PPP_per_capita = $4,600 |GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 111th |GDP_nominal = $26.794 billion <!--imf.org--> |GDP_nominal_rank = 78th |GDP_nominal_year = 2006 |GDP_nominal_per_capita = $1,355 |GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank = 117th |HDI = {{decrease}}0.743 |HDI_rank = 99th |HDI_year = 2007 |HDI_category = <font color="#ffcc00">medium</font> |Gini = 33.2 |Gini_year = 1999–00 |Gini_category = <font color="#ffcc00">medium</font> |currency = [[Sri Lankan rupee]] |currency_code = LKR |country_code = LKA |time_zone = |utc_offset = +5:30 |time_zone_DST = |utc_offset_DST = |cctld = [[.lk]] |calling_code = 94 |footnotes = |demonym = Sri Lankan }} '''Sri Lanka''', officially the '''Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka''' ([[Sinhala language|Sinhalese]]: [[Image:Sri Lanka in Sinhala.png|60px|{{lang|si|ශ්‍රී ලංකාව}}]], {{lang-ta|இலங்கை}}; known as '''Ceylon''' before 1972) is an [[island nation]] in [[South Asia]], located about {{convert|31|km|mi|1|lk=on}} off the southern coast of [[India]]. It is home to around twenty million people. Because of its location in the path of major sea routes, Sri Lanka is a strategic naval link between [[West Asia]] and [[South East Asia]], and has been a center of [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] religion and culture from [[Ancient history|ancient times]]. Today, the country is a multi-religious and multi-ethnic nation, with more than a quarter of the population following faiths other than Buddhism, notably [[Hinduism]], [[Christianity]] and [[Islam]]. The [[Sinhalese people|Sinhalese]] community forms the majority of the population, with [[Tamils]], who are concentrated in the north and east of the island, forming the largest [[Minority group|ethnic minority]]. Other communities include the Muslim [[Sri Lankan Moors|Moors]] and [[Malay race|Malays]] and the [[Burgher people|Burghers]]. Famous for the production and export of [[tea]], [[coffee]], [[coconut]]s and [[rubber]], Sri Lanka boasts a progressive and modern industrial economy and the highest per capita income in South Asia. The natural beauty of Sri Lanka's [[tropical]] forests, beaches and landscape, as well as its rich [[cultural heritage]], make it a world famous [[tourism|tourist]] destination. After over two thousand years of rule by local kingdoms, parts of Sri Lanka were colonized by [[Portugal]] and the [[Netherlands]] beginning in the 16th century, before the control of the entire country was ceded to the [[British Empire]] in 1815. During [[World War II]], Sri Lanka served as an important base for [[Allies of World War II|Allied forces]] in the fight against the [[Empire of Japan|Japanese Empire]].<ref>British Prime Minister Winston Churchill described the moment a Japanese fleet prepared to invade Sri Lanka as "the most dangerous and distressing moment of the entire conflict." - ''Commonwealth Air Training Program Museum'', [http://www.airmuseum.ca/mag/0410.html The Saviour of Ceylon]</ref> A [[Sri Lankan independence movement|nationalist political movement]] arose in the country in the early 20th century with the aim of obtaining political independence, which was eventually granted by the British after peaceful negotiations in 1948. ==Name== {{main|Names of Sri Lanka}} In ancient times, Sri Lanka [[Geographical renaming|was known]] by a variety of names: ancient Greek geographers called it ''Taprobane''<ref name='rw-tap'>{{cite web|url=http://www.rootsweb.com/~lkawgw/slm-taprobane.htm |title=In Search of Taprobane: the Western discovery and mapping of Ceylon |accessdate=2007-06-04 |last=Abeydeera |first=Ananda }}</ref> and [[Arabs]] referred to it as ''Serendib'' (the origin of the word "[[serendipity]]").<ref name='mpl-slt'>{{cite journal|title=Sri Lanka - The Pearl of the Orient|journal=Metropolis |url=http://metropolis.co.jp/tokyotravel/tokyoworldtravelarchive299/295/tokyoworldtravelinc.htm|format=|accessdate=2007-06-04}}</ref> ''Ceilão'' was the name given to Sri Lanka by the Portuguese when they arrived on the island in 1505,<ref name='at-sls'> {{cite journal|title=Sri Lanka: The untold story|journal=Asia Times|date=|first=K T|last=Rajasingham|url=http://www.atimes.com/ind-pak/CH11Df02.html|format=|accessdate=2007-06-04}}</ref> which was transliterated into English as ''Ceylon''.<ref name='slp-name'> {{cite web|url=http://www.glue.umd.edu/~pkd/sl/facts/name_origin.html |title= Etymologies of Lanka, Serendib, Taprobane and Ceylon |accessdate=2007-06-04 |last=Zubair |first=Lareef }}</ref> In 1972, the official [[name]] of the country was changed to "[[Freedom (philosophy)|Free]], [[Sovereignty|Sovereign]] and [[Independent (nation)|Independent]] [[Republic]] of Sri Lanka" (in [[Sinhala language|Sinhala]] [[Image:Sri Lanka in Sinhala.png|60px|{{lang|si|ශ්‍රී ලංකාව}}]] ''śrī laṃkā'', {{IPA2|ˌʃɾiːˈlaŋkaː}}; whereas the island itself is referred to as ලංකාව ''laṃkāva'', {{IPA2|laŋˈkaːʋə}}, in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] இலங்கை ''ilaṅkai'', {{IPA|iˈlaŋgai}}). In 1978 it was changed to "[[Democratic Socialism|Democratic Socialist]] Republic of Sri Lanka".<ref name='78cons-state'> {{cite journal|title=Chapter I - The People, The State And Sovereignty|journal=THe Constitution Of The Democratic Socialist Republic Of Sri Lanka |url=http://www.priu.gov.lk/Cons/1978Constitution/Chapter_01_Amd.html|format=|accessdate=2007-06-04}}</ref> The current name is derived from [[Sanskrit]] word ''{{lang|sa-Latn|laṃkā}}'', meaning "resplendent land",<ref name='nyt-2/14/82-ri'>{{cite news | first=Colin | last=de Silva | coauthors= | title= Sri Lanka, The 'Resplendent Isle' | date=February 14, 1982 | url =http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=travel&res=9A01EED61E38F937A25751C0A964948260 | work =The New York Times | accessdate = 2007-06-04 }}</ref> which was also the name of the island as described in the ancient Indian epics [[Mahabharata]] and the [[Ramayana]]. The word "Sri" is a [[Sanskrit]] title of [[veneration]]. ==History== {{main|History of Sri Lanka}} [[Image:Vijay landing.jpg|thumb|left|Landing of King Vijaya depicted in an [[Ajanta Caves|Ajanta]] fresco.]] {{SriLankaHistory}} [[Paleolithic]] human settlements have been discovered at excavations in several cave sites in the Western Plains region and the South-western face of the Central Hills region. [[anthropology|Anthropologist]]s believe that some discovered burial rites and certain decorative artifacts exhibit similarities between the first inhabitants of the island and the early inhabitants of [[South India|Southern India]]. Recent bioanthropological studies have however dismissed these links, and have placed the origin of the people to the northern parts of [[India]]. One of the first written references to the island is found in the Indian epic [[Ramayana]], which described the emperor [[Ravana]] as monarch of the powerful kingdom of ''[[Lanka]]'', which was created by the divine sculptor [[Vishwakarma]] for [[Kubera]], the treasurer of the Gods.<ref>{{cite book | last = Keshavadas | first = Sant | authorlink = Sant Keshavadas | title = Ramayana at a Glance | publisher = Motilal Banarsidass | year = 1988 | isbn = 8120805453 }}</ref> English historian [[James Emerson Tennent]] also theorized [[Galle]], a southern city in Sri Lanka, was the ancient seaport of [[Tarshish]] from which [[King Solomon]] is said to have drawn [[ivory]], [[peacocks]] and other valuables. The main written accounts of the country's history are the [[Buddhist]] chronicles of [[Mahavansa]] and [[Dipavamsa]]. The earliest-known inhabitants of the island now known as Sri Lanka were probably the ancestors of the [[Wanniyala-Aetto]] people, also known as ''Veddahs'' and numbering roughly 3,000. Linguistic analysis has found a correlation of the [[Sinhalese language]] with the languages of the [[Sindh]] and [[Gujarat]], although most historians believe that the Sinhala community emerged well after the assimilation of various [[ethnic group]]s. From the ancient period date some remarkable [[archaeological site]]s including the ruins of [[Sigiriya]], the so-called "Fortress in the Sky", and huge [[public works]]. Among the latter are large "tanks" or [[reservoir (water)|reservoir]]s, important for conserving water in a climate that alternates rainy seasons with dry times, and elaborate [[aqueduct]]s, some with a slope as finely calibrated as one inch to the mile. Ancient Sri Lanka was also the first in the world to have established a dedicated hospital in [[Mihintale]] in the 4th century BCE. Ancient Sri Lanka was also the world's leading exporter of [[cinnamon]], which was exported to [[Egypt]] as early as 1400 [[Common Era|BCE]]. Sri Lanka was also the first Asian nation to have a female ruler in [[Queen Anula]] (47–42 BC) [[Image:SriLankaCoin1stCenturyCE.jpg|thumb|Sri Lankan coin, 1st century CE.]] Since ancient times Sri Lanka was ruled by monarchs, most notably of the Sinha royal dynasty that lasted over 2000 years. The island was also infrequently invaded by South Indian kingdoms and parts of the island were ruled intermittently by the [[Chola dynasty]], the [[Pandya dynasty]], the [[Chera dynasty]] and the [[Pallava dynasty]]. The island was also invaded by the kingdoms of [[Kalinga (India)|Kalinga]] (modern [[Orissa]]) and those from the [[Malay Peninsula]]. [[Buddhism]] arrived from India in the 3rd century BCE, brought by [[Bhikkhu]] [[Mahinda]], who is believed to have been the son of [[Mauryan]] emperor [[Ashoka]]. Mahinda's mission won over the Sinhalese monarch [[Devanampiyatissa]] of [[Mihintale]], who embraced the faith and propagated it throughout the Sinhalese population. The Buddhist kingdoms of Sri Lanka would maintain a large number of [[Schools of Buddhism|Buddhist schools]] and monasteries, and support the propagation of Buddhism into [[Southeast Asia]]. Sri Lanka had always been an important port and trading post in the ancient world, and was increasingly frequented by [[Cargo ship|merchant ships]] from the [[Middle East]], [[Persia]], [[Burma]], [[Thailand]], [[Malaysia]], [[Indonesia]] and other parts of Southeast Asia. The islands were known to the first European explorers of [[South Asia]] and settled by many groups of Arab and Malay merchants. A [[Portugal|Portuguese]] colonial mission arrived on the island in 1505 headed by the [[Lourenço de Almeida]] the son of [[Francisco de Almeida]]. At that point the island consisted of three kingdoms, namely [[Kandy]] in the central hills, [[Kotte]] at the Western coast, and Yarlpanam (Anglicised [[Jaffna]]) in the north. The [[Dutch East India Company|Dutch]] arrived in the 17th century. Although much of the island came under the domain of European powers, the interior, hilly region of the island remained independent, with its capital in [[Kandy]]. The [[British East India Company]] established control of the island in 1796, declaring it a [[crown colony]] in 1802, although the island would not be officially connected with [[British India]]. The fall of the [[Kandyan Kingdom|kingdom of Kandy]] in 1815 unified the island under British rule. [[Image:Sigiriya AS1.jpg|thumb|[[Sigiriya]] Rock Fortress.]] European colonists established a series of [[tea]], [[cinnamon]], [[rubber]], [[sugar]], [[coffee]] and [[indigo dye|indigo]] plantations. The British also brought a large number of [[indentured labour|indentured workers]] from [[Tamil Nadu]] to work in the plantation economy. The city of [[Colombo]] was established as the administrative centre, and the British established modern schools, colleges, roads and churches that brought Western-style education and culture to the [[Indigenous peoples|native people]]. Increasing grievances over the denial of [[civil rights]], mistreatment and abuse of natives by colonial authorities gave rise to a [[Sri Lanka Independence Struggle|struggle for independence]] in the 1930s, when the [[Youth Leagues]] opposed the "Ministers' Memorandum," which asked the colonial authority to increase the powers of the board of ministers without granting popular representation or civil freedoms. Buddhist scholars and the Teetotalist Movement also played a vital role in this time. During [[World War II]], the island served as an important Allied [[military base]]. A large segment of the British and American fleet were deployed on the island, as were tens of thousands of soldiers committed to the war against [[Japan]] in Southeast Asia. Following the war, popular pressure for independence intensified. On [[February 4]], [[1948]] the country won its independence as the Commonwealth of Ceylon. [[Don Stephen Senanayake]] became the first [[Prime Minister of Sri Lanka]]. On [[July 21]], [[1960]] [[Sirimavo Bandaranaike]] took office as prime minister, and became the first female [[head of government]] in post-colonial Asia and the first female prime minister in the world. In 1972, the country became a [[republic within the Commonwealth]], and the name was changed to Sri Lanka. The island enjoyed good relations with the United Kingdom and had the [[Royal Navy|British Royal Navy]] stationed at Trincomalee. Since 1983, there has been on-and-off [[Sri Lankan Civil War|civil war]], predominantly between the [[Government of Sri Lanka|government]] and the [[Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam]] (LTTE, also known as the Tamil Tigers), a [[Separatism|separatist]] militant organization who fight to create an [[Independence|independent]] state named [[Tamil Eelam]] in the [[Northern Province, Sri Lanka|North]] and [[Eastern Province, Sri Lanka|East]] of the island. ==Geography and climate== {{main|Geography of Sri Lanka}} [[Image:Ceylan-map.png|thumb|left|Main cities in Sri Lanka.]] The island of Sri Lanka lies in the [[Indian Ocean]], to the southwest of the [[Bay of Bengal]] and to the southeast of the [[Arabian Sea]]. It is separated from the [[Indian subcontinent]] by the [[Gulf of Mannar]] and the [[Palk Strait]].<ref name='bbc-9/15/07-grm'>''BBC News'', [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6996621.stm Gods row minister offers to quit], September 15, 2007</ref> According to [[Hindu mythology]], a [[land bridge]] to the Indian mainland, known as [[Rama's Bridge]], was constructed during the time of [[Rama]] by the [[vanara]] architect [[Nala]]. Often referred to as [[Adam's Bridge]], it now amounts to only a chain of limestone shoals remaining above [[sea level]].<ref name='bbc-9/15/07-grm'/> According to colonial British reports, this is a natural [[causeway]] which was formerly complete, but was breached by a violent storm in 1480.<ref name='rdf-7/4/07-whc'>''Rediff'', [http://www.rediff.com/news/2007/jul/04spec.htm Ramar Sethu, a world heritage centre?], July 4, 2007</ref> The width of the [[Palk Strait]] is small enough for the coast of Sri Lanka to be visible from the furthest point near the Indian town of [[Rameswaram]].{{Fact|date=September 2007}} The tear drop shaped island consists mostly of flat-to-rolling coastal plains, with mountains rising only in the south-central part. Amongst these are [[Sri Pada]] (Adams Peak) and the highest point [[Pidurutalagala]], at 2,524 [[meter]]s (8,281 ft). The [[Mahaweli ganga]] (Mahaweli river) and other major rivers provide fresh water to the population.<ref>{{cite book | last =Paranavitana | first =Senarat | coauthors =Nicholas, Cyril Wace | title =A Concise History of Ceylon | publisher =Ceylon University Press | pages=p.2-5| date =1961 | location =Colombo | id = {{OCLC|465385}} }}</ref> [[Image:Topography Sri Lanka.jpg|thumb|Topographical map of Sri Lanka.]] Sri Lanka's climate can be described as tropical, and quite hot. Its position between 5 and 10 north latitude endows the country with a warm climate, moderated by ocean winds and considerable moisture.<ref>''BBC Weather'\'', [http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/country_guides/results.shtml?tt=TT002810 Country Guide: Sri Lanka]</ref> The mean temperature ranges from a low of {{convert|16|C|F|0}} in [[Nuwara Eliya]] in the Central Highlands (where frost may occur for several days in the winter) to a high of {{convert|32|C|F|0}} in [[Trincomalee]] on the northeast coast (where temperatures may reach {{convert|38|C|F|0|}}). The average yearly temperature for the country as a whole ranges from 28° to 30 °C (82&ndash;86 °F). Day and night temperatures may vary by 4 to 7 °C (7&ndash;13 °F). In January, the coolest month, many people wear coats and sweaters in the highlands and elsewhere. May, the hottest period, precedes the summer monsoon rains. The rainfall pattern is influenced by the monsoon winds of the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal, which encounter the slopes of the [[Central Highlands]], they unload heavy rains on the mountain slopes and the southwestern sector of the island. Some of the windward slopes receive up to {{convert|2500|mm|in|0|lk=on}} of rain per month, but the leeward slopes in the east and northeast receive little rain. Periodic squalls occur and sometimes [[tropical cyclone]]s bring overcast skies and rains to the southwest, northeast, and eastern parts of the island. Between December to March, monsoon winds come from the northeast, bringing moisture from the [[Bay of Bengal]]. Humidity is typically higher in the southwest and mountainous areas and depends on the seasonal patterns of rainfall. At Colombo, for example, daytime humidity stays above 70% all year, rising to almost 90 percent during the [[Monsoon|monsoon season]] in June. Anuradhapura experiences a daytime low of 60% during the monsoon month of March, but a high of 79% during the November and December rains. In the highlands, Kandy's daytime humidity usually ranges between 70 and 79%. ==Flora and fauna== [[Image:Srilankamountainforest.jpg|thumb|Mountain forests in Sri Lanka.]] {{main|Ecology of Sri Lanka}} The mountains and the southwestern part of the country, known as the "wet zone," receive ample rainfall (an annual average of 2500 millimetres). Most of the southeast, east, and northern parts of the country comprise the "dry zone," which receives between 1200 and 1900 mm (47&ndash;75&nbsp;in) of rain annually. Much of the rain in these areas falls from October to January; during the rest of the year there is very little precipitation, and all living creatures must conserve precious moisture. The arid northwest and southeast coasts receive the least amount of rain &mdash; 600 to 1200 mm (24&ndash;47&nbsp;in) per year &mdash; However, though many say that there are no really dry areas in Sri Lanka, there are many pockets of very dry and abandoned areas where there is little to no rainwater. Varieties of flowering [[acacia]]s are well adapted to the arid conditions and flourish on the [[Jaffna Peninsula]]. Among the trees of the dry-land forests are some valuable species, such as [[satinwood]], [[ebony]], [[ironwood]], and [[mahogany]] and [[teak]]. In the wet zone, the dominant vegetation of the lowlands is a tropical [[evergreen forest]], with tall trees, broad foliage, and a dense undergrowth of vines and creepers. Subtropical evergreen forests resembling those of [[Temperate|temperate climates]] flourish in the higher altitudes. Forests at one time covered nearly the entire island, but by the late 20th century lands classified as forests and forest reserves covered around one-third of the land.<ref>''EarthTrends, Environmental Information'', [http://earthtrends.wri.org/pdf_library/country_profiles/for_cou_144.PDF Forests, Grasslands, and Drylands-- Sri Lanka]</ref> As the area covered by forests declined, thereby threatening various species of wildlife, Sri Lanka became the first country in the world to establish a [[wildlife sanctuary]].<ref>''Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society'', [http://www.slwcs.org/]</ref> Among them, the [[Ruhunu]] National Park in the southeast protects herds of elephant, deer, and peacocks, and the [[Wilpattu]] [[National park|National Park]] in the northwest preserves the habitats of many water birds, such as storks, pelicans, ibis, and spoonbills. During the Mahaweli Ganga Program of the 1970s and 1980s in northern Sri Lanka, the government set aside four areas of land totaling {{convert|1900|km2|sqmi|-1|abbr=on}} as national parks. The island has three [[biosphere reserve]]s, [[Hurulu]], [[Sinharaja Biosphere Reserve|Sinharaja]], and the [[Kanneliya-Dediyagala-Nakiyadeniya]]. The national flower of Sri Lanka is Nil Mahanel (''[[Nympheae stellata]]''),<ref> ''Government of Sri Lanka Official Web Portal'', [http://www.gov.lk/info/index.asp?mi=19&xp=52&xi=56&xl=3&o=0&t= National Flower]</ref> the national tree is [[Na (tree)|Na]] (''Mesua nagassarium'')<ref>''Government of Sri Lanka Official Web Portal'', [http://www.gov.lk/info/index.asp?mi=19&xp=52&xi=55&xl=3&o=0&t= National Tree]</ref> and the national bird is the [[Sri Lanka Junglefowl]], which is [[Endemism|endemic]] to the country.<ref>''Government of Sri Lanka Official Web Portal'', [http://www.gov.lk/info/index.asp?mi=19&xp=52&xi=57&xl=3&o=0&t= National Bird]</ref> ==Government and politics== [[Image:Supreme Court Colombo.jpg|thumb|The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, Colombo.]] {{main|Politics of Sri Lanka}} The [[Constitution of Sri Lanka]] establishes a [[democratic]], [[socialist]] [[republic]] in Sri Lanka, which is also a [[unitary state]]. The government is a mixture of the [[presidential system]] and the [[parliamentary system]]. The [[President of Sri Lanka]] is the [[head of state]], the [[commander in chief]] of the [[Military of Sri Lanka|armed forces]], as well as [[head of government]], and is popularly elected for a six-year term. In the exercise of duties, the President is responsible to the [[Parliament of Sri Lanka]], which is a [[unicameral]] 225-member [[legislature]]. The President appoints and heads a [[cabinet]] of [[Minister (government)|minister]]s composed of elected [[Member of Parliament|members of parliament]]. The President's deputy is the [[prime minister of Sri Lanka|Prime Minister]], who leads the [[ruling party]] in parliament and shares many executive responsibilities, mainly in domestic affairs.<ref>[http://www.priu.gov.lk/Cons/1978Constitution/CONTENTS.html The Constitution of Sri Lanka - CONTENTS<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Members of parliament are elected by universal (adult) suffrage based on a modified [[proportional representation]] system by district to a six-year term. The primary modification is that, the party that receives the largest number of valid votes in each constituency gains a unique "bonus seat." The president may summon, suspend, or end a legislative session and dissolve Parliament any time after it has served for one year. The parliament reserves the power to make all laws. On [[July 1]], [[1960]] the people of Sri Lanka elected the first-ever female head of government in Prime Minister [[Sirimavo Bandaranaike]]. Her daughter [[Chandrika Kumaratunga]] served multiple terms as prime minister and as president from 1999 to 2005. The current president and prime minister, both of whom took office on [[November 21]], [[2005]], are [[Mahinda Rajapaksa]] and [[Ratnasiri Wickremanayake]] respectively. Sri Lanka has enjoyed [[democracy]] with [[universal suffrage]] since 1931. Politics in Sri Lanka are controlled by rival coalitions led by the [[left-wing]] [[Sri Lanka Freedom Party]], headed by President Rajapaksa, the comparatively [[right-wing]] [[United National Party]] led by former prime minister [[Ranil Wickremesinghe]] and [[Marxist]]-[[Nationalist]] [[Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna|JVP]]. There are also many smaller Buddhist, socialist and Tamil nationalist political parties that oppose the [[separatism]] of the [[LTTE]] but demand [[regional autonomy]] and increased civil rights. Since 1948, Sri Lanka has been a member of the [[Commonwealth of Nations]] and the [[United Nations]]. It is also a member of the [[Non-Aligned Movement]], the [[Colombo Plan]], [[Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation]] and the [[South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation]]. Through the [[Cold War]]-era, Sri Lanka followed a foreign policy of [[non-alignment]] but has remained closer to the [[United States]] and [[Western Europe]]. The [[military of Sri Lanka]] comprises the [[Sri Lankan Army]], the [[Sri Lankan Navy]] and the [[Sri Lankan Air Force]]. These are administered by the [[Ministry of Defence (Sri Lanka)|Ministry of Defence]]. Since the 1980s, the army has led the government response against the [[Marxist]] militants of the [[Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna|JVP]] and now the LTTE militant forces. Sri Lanka receives considerable military assistance from Pakistan and China <ref name='IANS1'>{{cite news | first=Rahul | last=Bedi | title=Sri Lanka turns to Pakistan, China for military needs | date=2007-06-02 | publisher=Urdustan.com Network | url =http://www.indianmuslims.info/news/2007/jun/02/sri_lanka_turns_pakistan_china_military_needs.html | work =IANS | accessdate = 2007-06-02 }}</ref>. Sri Lanka was considered one of the "world's most politically unstable countries" by the World Bank and Asian Development Bank in 2004. [http://econ.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/EXTDEC/EXTRESEARCH/EXTPROGRAMS/EXTTRADERESEARCH/0,,contentMDK:20560525~menuPK:215762~pagePK:210083~piPK:152538~theSitePK:544849,00.html]. The Economist labels Sri Lanka a "flawed democracy" in its 2006 rankings (ranking 57 and positioned among 54 other flawed ranked ones) [http://www.economist.com/media/pdf/DEMOCRACY_TABLE_2007_v3.pdf] and Foreign Policy ranks Sri Lanka 25th (Alert Category) in its Failed States Index [http://www.fundforpeace.org/web/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=229&Itemid=366] for 2007. However, Sri Lanka, according to the US State Department in 2005, was classified a "stable democracy" amidst a ceasefire period of the [[Sri Lankan Civil War|long running civil war]] [http://www.state.gov/p/sca/rls/rm/2006/63455.ht]. {{seealso|Foreign relations of Sri Lanka|Military of Sri Lanka}} {{clear}} ==Provinces and districts== [[Image:Sri Lanka provinces.png|thumb|225px|Provinces of Sri Lanka]] {{main|Provinces of Sri Lanka|Districts of Sri Lanka|Divisional Secretariats of Sri Lanka}} Sri Lanka is divided into 9 [[Provinces of Sri Lanka|provinces]]<ref>''Constitution of Sri Lanka'', [http://www.priu.gov.lk/Cons/1978Constitution/Schedle_8_Amd.html Eighth Schedule]</ref> and 25 [[Districts of Sri Lanka|districts]].<ref>''Constitution of Sri Lanka'', [http://www.priu.gov.lk/Cons/1978Constitution/Schedle_1_Amd.html First Schedule]</ref> Each province is administered by a directly-elected provincial council: {| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;width:60%;" |- ! "width="10%" | !! width="22%" | Province !! width="22%" | Capital !! width="46%" | Districts |- | 1 || [[Central Province, Sri Lanka|Central]] || [[Kandy]] || [[Kandy District|Kandy]], [[Matale District|Matale]], [[Nuwara Eliya District|Nuwara Eliya]] |- | 2 || [[North Central Province, Sri Lanka|North Central]] || [[Anuradhapura]] || [[Anuradhapura District|Anuradhapura]], [[Polonnaruwa District|Polonnaruwa]] |- | 3 || [[Northern Province, Sri Lanka|Northern]] || [[Jaffna]] || [[Jaffna District|Jaffna]], [[Kilinochchi District|Kilinochchi]], [[Mannar District|Mannar]], [[Vavuniya District|Vavuniya]], [[Mullaitivu District|Mullativu]] |- | 4 || [[Eastern Province, Sri Lanka|Eastern]] || [[Trincomalee]] || [[Ampara District|Ampara]], [[Batticaloa District|Batticaloa]], [[Trincomalee District|Trincomalee]] |- | 5 || [[North Western Province, Sri Lanka|North Western]] || [[Kurunegala]] || [[Kurunegala District|Kurunagala]], [[Puttalam District|Puttalam]] |- | 6 || [[Southern Province, Sri Lanka|Southern]] || [[Galle]] || [[Galle District|Galle]], [[Hambantota District|Hambanthota]], [[Matara District|Matara]] |- | 7 || [[Uva Province|Uva]] || [[Badulla]] || [[Badulla District|Badulla]], [[Moneragala District|Monaragala]] |- | 8 || [[Sabaragamuwa Province|Sabaragamuwa]] || [[Ratnapura]] || [[Kegalle District|Kegalle]], [[Ratnapura District|Rathnapura]] |- | 9 || [[Western Province, Sri Lanka|Western]] || [[Colombo]] || [[Colombo District|Colombo]], [[Gampaha District|Gampaha]], [[Kalutara District|Kaluthara]] |- |} {{clear}} The districts are further subdivided into [[Divisional Secretariats of Sri Lanka|divisional secretariats]], and these in turn to ''[[Grama Sevaka]]'' divisions. ==Economy== [[Image:Wtccolombo.jpg|thumb|The World Trade Centre in Colombo.]] [[Image:Sri Lanka 030.jpg|thumb|Sri Lanka's well-known export, [[Ceylon tea|Ceylon tea (black) ]]]] {{main|Economy of Sri Lanka}} In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, Sri Lanka became a [[plantation economy]], famous for its production and export of [[cinnamon]], [[rubber]] and [[Ceylon tea]], which remains a trademark national export. The development of modern ports under British rule raised the strategic importance of the island as a centre of trade. During World War II, the island hosted important [[military installation]]s and Allied forces. However, the plantation economy aggravated poverty and [[economic inequality]]. From 1948 to 1977 [[socialism]] strongly influenced the government's economic policies. Colonial plantations were dismantled, industries were nationalised and a [[welfare state]] established. While the standard of living and literacy improved significantly, the nation's economy suffered from inefficiency, [[Smart growth|slow growth]] and lack of foreign investment. From 1977 the UNP government began incorporating [[privatisation]], deregulation and promotion of [[private enterprise]]. While the production and export of tea, rubber, coffee, sugar and other agricultural commodities remains important, the nation has moved steadily towards an industrialised economy with the development of [[food processing]], [[textiles]], [[telecommunications]] and [[finance]]. By 1996 plantation crops made up only 20% of export, and further declined to 16.8% in 2005 (compared with 93% in 1970), while textiles and garments have reached 63%. The [[Gross Domestic Product|GDP]] grew at an average annual rate of 5.5% during the early 1990s, until a drought and a deteriorating security situation lowered growth to 3.8% in 1996. The economy rebounded in 1997-2000, with average growth of 5.3%. The year of 2001 saw the first [[recession]] in the country's history, as a result of power shortages, budgetary problems, the global slowdown, and [[Ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka|continuing civil strife]]. Signs of recovery appeared after the 2002 ceasefire. The [[Colombo Stock Exchange]] reported the highest growth in the world for 2003, and today Sri Lanka has the highest [[per capita income]] in South Asia. [[Image:Arugam3.jpg|thumb|Arugam Point at the [[Arugam Bay]] beach an attractive place for tourists.]] In April 2004, there was a sharp reversal in economic policy after the government headed by Ranil Wickremesinghe of the [[United National Party]] was defeated by a coalition made up of [[Sri Lanka Freedom Party]] and the leftist-nationalist [[Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna]] called the [[United People's Freedom Alliance]]. The new government stopped the privatization of [[state enterprise]]s and reforms of state [[utilities]] such as power and [[petroleum]], and embarked on a subsidy program called the Rata Perata economic program. Its main theme to support the rural and suburban SMEs and protect the domestic economy from external influences, such as oil prices, the [[World Bank]] and the [[International Monetary Fund]]. {{seealso|Tea industry of Sri Lanka|Tourism in Sri Lanka}} Sri Lanka, with an income per head of $1,350, still lags behind some of its neighbors including Maldives and Mauritius but is ahead of its giant neighbor India. Its economy grew by an average of 5% during the 1990s during the 'War for Peace' era. According to the Sri Lankan central bank statistics, the economy was estimated to have grown by 7% last year, although inflation had reached 20%. It should be noted that Sri Lanka's central bank statistics have been called into question over allegations of political interference and institutional decay [http://sundaytimes.lk/070812/Columns/eco.html]. Parts of Sri Lanka, particularly the South and East coast, were devastated by the 2004 Asian Tsunami. The economy was briefly buoyed by an influx of foreign aid and tourists, but this was disrupted with the reemergence of the civil war resulting in increased lawlessness in the country [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/27/AR2007072702462_2.html] and a sharp decline in tourism [http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?newsID=1380511981&no_view=1&SEARCH_TERM=12] [http://www.travelindustrydeals.com/news/3906 ]. ==Transport== {{main|Transport in Sri Lanka}} [[Image:Colombo Galle Face Green.jpg|thumb|Colombo-Galle Face Green]] Most Sri Lankan cities and towns are connected by the Sri Lanka Railways, the state-run [[National Railway|national railway]] operator. The first [[Rail tracks|railway line]] was inaugurated on [[April 26]], [[1867]], linking Colombo with Kandy. The total length of Sri Lankan roads exceeds {{convert|11000|km|mi|-1}}, with a vast majority of them being paved. The government has launched several highway projects to bolster the economy and national [[Transport network|transport system]], including the Colombo-Katunayake Expressway, the Colombo-Kandy (Kadugannawa) Expressway, the Colombo-Padeniya Expressway and the Outer Circular Highway to ease Colombo's [[traffic congestion]]. There are also plans to build a major bridge connecting [[Jaffna]] to the Indian city of [[Chennai]]. The [[Ceylon Transport Board]] is the state-run agency responsible for operating public bus services across the island. Sri Lanka also maintains {{convert|430|km|mi|-1}} of inland waterways. It has three deep-water ports at Colombo, [[Trincomalee]] and [[Galle]]. There is also a smaller, shallower harbour at Kankesanturai, north of Jaffna. There are twelve paved airports and two unpaved airstrips in the country. [[SriLankan Airlines]] is the official [[Flag carrier|national carrier]], partly owned and operated by [[Emirates Airline]]. It was voted the best airline in South Asia by [[Skytrax]]. SriLankan Air Taxi is the smaller, domestic arm of the national carrier, while [[Expo Aviation]] and [[Lankair]] are private [[Airline|airline companies]]. The [[Bandaranaike International Airport]] is the country's only [[international airport]], located in Katunayaka, {{convert|22|km|mi|0}} north of Colombo. ==Military== {{main|Military of Sri Lanka}} Sri Lankan soldiers have taken part in many wars throughout its history, including the [[Second Boer War|Boer War]] and both [[World Wars]] (under the command of the British at the time). In the course of the civil war, the military has been transformed from a ceremonial force to a modern army. Since 2004, Sri Lankan troops have been a part of the UN [[Peacekeeping|peacekeeping force]] in [[Haiti]], which is the country's first major overseas mission. The military of Sri Lanka is organized into three branches: [[Sri Lankan Army|Army]], [[Sri Lankan Navy|Navy]], and [[Sri Lankan Air Force|Air Force]]. Since independence, its primary mission has been the targeting of armed groups within the country, most notably engaging in a 25 year long war with the [[LTTE]]. The LTTE is proscribed as a terrorist organisation by 32 countries ([[LTTE#Proscription as a terrorist group|see list]]). ==Human rights== {{main|Human rights in Sri Lanka}} Human Rights situation in Sri Lanka has come under criticism by human rights groups such as [[Amnesty International]] and [[Human Rights Watch]],{{ref|6}} as well as the [[United States Department of State]]<ref>[http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2000/sa/index.cfm?docid=704 Sri Lanka<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> and the [[European Union]],<ref>[http://ec.europa.eu/external_relations/sri_lanka/intro/index.htm#hr The EU's relations with Sri Lanka - Overview<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> have expressed concern about the state of '''human rights in Sri Lanka'''. Both the [[Government of Sri Lanka|government]] of [[Sri Lanka]] and the separatist [[Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam]] (LTTE) are accused of violating [[human rights]]. In its 2007 report, however, they stated that "escalating political killings, child recruitment, abductions and armed clashes created a climate of fear in the east, spreading to the north by the end of the year", whilst also outlining concerns with violence against women, the death penalty and "numerous reports of torture in police custody". However, the report also stated that the ceasefire between government and LTTE remained in place despite numerous violations.<ref>[http://web.amnesty.org/report2006/lka-summary-eng Amnesty International<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> However, the Sri Lankan minister for HR said “We regret one or two statements made here, that fly in the face of all concrete evidence, that the situation in Sri Lanka is deteriorating, when we have dealt more firmly with terrorism, with far-less damage to civilians, than in any comparative situation.”<ref>[http://www.priu.gov.lk/news_update/Current_Affairs/ca200803/20080304minister_sets_record_straight_hr_situation.htm :. NewsLine : Minister sets the record straight on Sri Lanka’s human rights situation .:<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said, the report presents a distorted view of the actual situation in Sri Lanka during the year 2007 and is a litany of unsubstantiated allegations, innuendo and vituperative exaggerations.<ref>[http://www.priu.gov.lk/news_update/Current_Affairs/ca200803/20080314us_report_distorted_view_to_denigrate_sl.htm :. NewsLine : US Report: Distorted view to denigrate Sri Lanka<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Sri Lanka's government is labeled as one of the "world's worst perpetrators of enforced disappearances", according to a study by US-based pressure group 'Human Rights Watch' (HRW). An HRW report accuses security forces and pro-government militias of abducting and "disappearing" hundreds of people - mostly Tamils - since 2006. Sri Lanka's government says HRW has exaggerated the scale of the problem. The report said, "The number of disappearances carried out by the Tamil Tigers in government-controlled areas was relatively low. But, the Tigers were responsible for targeted killings, forced child recruitment, bomb attacks on civilians and the repression of basic rights in areas they controlled.". [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7280050.stm] ==Demographics== [[Image:SL population growth.png|thumb|left|Population growth in Sri Lanka.]] {{main|Demographics of Sri Lanka}} Sri Lanka is the 53rd most populated nation in the world, with an annual population growth rate of 0.79%. Sri Lanka has a [[birth rate]] of 15.63 births per 1,000 people and a [[Mortality rate|death rate]] of 6.49 deaths per 1,000 people. Population density is the greatest in western Sri Lanka, especially in and around Colombo. There is a small population on the island of the [[Wanniyala-Aetto]] people, also known as ''Veddahs''. These are believed to be the oldest and indigenous ethnic group to inhabit the island. The [[Sinhalese people]] form the largest ethnic group in the nation, composing approximately 81.9% of the total population. Tamils are concentrated in the North, East, Central and [[Western Province, Sri Lanka|Western provinces]] of the country. Tamils who were brought as indentured labourers from India by British colonists to work on estate plantations, nearly 50% of whom were [[repatriation|repatriated]] following independence in 1948,<ref>{{cite book |last=Hoole |first=Rajan |title=Sri Lanka: The Arrogance of Power |year=2001 |publisher=[[University Teachers for Human Rights]] (Jaffna) |location= |isbn=978-9559447047 |pages= }}</ref>{{page number}} are called "Indian Origin" Tamils. They are distinguished from the native Tamil population that has resided in Sri Lanka since ancient times. According to 2001 census data Indian Tamils makeup 5.1% of the Sri Lankan population and, Sri Lankan Tamils 4.3%. Though this figure only accounted for Sri Lankan Tamils in government-controlled areas, not accounting for those in rebel-held territories. There is a significant population (8.0%) of [[Sri Lankan Moors|Moors]], who trace their lineage to [[Arab]] traders and immigrants from the Middle East. Their presence is concentrated in the cities and the central and eastern provinces. There are also small ethnic groups such as the [[Burgher people|Burghers]] (of mixed European descent) and [[Malay race|Malays]] from Southeast Asia. [[Image:DSCN1365.JPG|thumb|The Buddha statue at [[Mihintale]].]] [[Sinhalese language|Sinhalese]] and [[Tamil language|Tamil]] are the two [[official language]]s of Sri Lanka. [[English language|English]] is spoken by approximately 10% of the population, and is widely used for education, scientific and commercial purposes. Members of the Burgher community speak variant forms of [[Portuguese Creole]] and [[Dutch language|Dutch]] with varying proficiency, while members of the Malay community speak a form of creole [[Sri Lanka Malay|Malay]] that is unique to the island. Sri Lanka also enjoys significant religious diversity. {{seealso|Religion in Sri Lanka|Sri Lankan Buddhism|Hinduism in Sri Lanka|Islam in Sri Lanka}} ==Culture and arts== [[Image:Hoppers.jpg|left|thumb|Hoppers, a Sri Lankan delicacy.]] {{main|Culture of Sri Lanka}} The island is the home of two main traditional cultures: the Sinhalese (centered in the ancient cities of Kandy and Anuradhapura) and the Tamil (centered in the city of Jaffna). In more recent times a British colonial culture was added, and lately Sri Lanka, particularly in the [[urban area]]s, has experienced a dramatic makeover in the western mold. Until recently, for example, most Sri Lankans, certainly those in the villages, have eaten traditional food, engaged in traditional crafts and expressed themselves through traditional arts. But [[economic growth]] and intense economic competition in [[Developed country|developed countries]] has spilled over to most of Sri Lanka, producing changes that might variously be identified as progress, westernisation or a loss of identity and assimilation. ===Traditional food=== [[Image:Vavuniya Kavadi.JPG|thumb|150px|kavadi by Hindu Devotess at Vavuniya]] [[Image:KandyPerahara.jpg|thumb|150px|Elephants at the [[Esala Perahera]].]] Sri Lankans have added western influences to the customary diet such as [[rice]] and curry, pittu (mixture of fresh rice meal, very lightly roasted and mixed with fresh grated coconut, then steamed in a bamboo mould). [[Kiribath]] (cooked in thick [[coconut cream]] for this unsweetened rice-pudding which is accompanied by a sharp chili relish called "lunumiris"), wattalapam (rich pudding of Malay origin made of [[coconut milk]], jaggery, [[Cashew|cashew nuts]], eggs, and various spices including cinnamon cloves and [[nutmeg]]), [[kottu]], and [[hopper (food)|hoppers]] ("appa"), batter cooked rapidly in a hot curved pan, accompanied by eggs, milk or savouries. Middle Eastern influences and practices are found in traditional [[Sri Lankan Moors|Moor]] dishes. While Dutch and Portuguese influences are found with the island's Burgher community preserving their culture through traditional favourites such as Lamprais (rice cooked in stock and baked in a banana leaf), Breudher (Dutch [[Christmas cake]]) and Bolo Fiado (Portuguese-style layer cake). ===Festivals=== ''Main article'' [[Sri Lankan festivals]] Every year on or about April 13th Sinhala and Tamil people celebrate '''[[Sinhala and Tamil new year|Sinhala and Tamil New Year]]''' Festival, and Muslims celebrate '''[[Ramadan]]'''. [[Esala Perahera]] (A-suh-luh peh-ruh-ha-ruh) is the grand festival of Esala held in Sri Lanka. It is very grand with elegant costumes. Happening in July or August in Kandy, it has become a unique symbol of Sri Lanka. It is a Buddhist festival consisting of dances and richly-decorated elephants. There are fire-dances, whip-dances, Kandian dances and various other cultural dances. The elephants are usually adorned with lavish garments. The festival ends with the traditional 'diya-kepeema'. The elephant is paraded around the city bearing the tooth of [[Gautama Buddha|Buddha]]. However the new year for tamils have been established as being on January 14th from this year. ===Cinema=== [[Image:KadawunuPoronduwa'1947.jpg|thumb|[[Kadawunu Poronduwa (film)|Kadawunu Poronduwa]] 1947]] Sri Lankan cinema in past years has featured subjects such as family relationships, love stories and the years of conflict between the military and [[Tamil Tiger]] rebels. Many films are in the [[Sinhalese language]] and the Sri Lankan cinematic style is similar to Indian cinema. The first film to be produced and shown in Sri Lanka was [[Kadawunu Poronduwa (film)|Kadawunu Poronduwa]] (The Broken Promise) which was released in 1947. The first colour film of Sri Lanka was [[Ran Muthu Doova]]. Afterwards there were many Sinhalese movies produced in Sri Lanka and some of them, such as [[Nidhanaya]], received several international film awards. The most influential filmmaker in the history of Sri Lankan cinema is [[Lester James Peiris]] who has directed many movies of excellent quality which led to global acclaim. His latest film, '[[Wekanda Walawwa]]' (Mansion by the Lake) became the first movie to be submitted from Sri Lanka for the Best Foreign Language film award at the [[Academy Awards]]. In 2005 the director [[Vimukthi Jayasundara]] became the first Sri Lankan to win the prestigious [[Camera d’Or]] award for Best First Film, or any award for that matter, at the [[Cannes Film Festival]] for his Sinhalese language film ''Sulanga Enu Pinisa'' (The Forsaken Land). Controversial filmmaker [[Asoka Handagama]]'s films are considered by many in the Sri Lankan film world to be the best films of honest response to the ethnic conflict currently raging in the country. [[Prasanna Vithanage]] is one of Sri Lanka's most notable filmmakers. His films have won many awards, both local and international. Recent releases like 'Sooriya Arana', 'Samanala thatu', and 'Hiripoda wessa' have attracted Sri Lankans to cinemas. Sri Lankan films are usually in the Sinhalese language. [[Tamil language]] movies are also filmed in Sri Lanka but they are not part of [[Kollywood]] which is Indian Tamil cinema. However some Kollywood films are based in Sri Lanka as well. ===Music=== The earliest music came from the [[theater]] at a time when the traditional open-air drama (referred to in [[Sinhalese language|Sinhala]] as ''[[Kolam]]'', ''[[Sokari]]'' and ''[[Nadagam]]''). In 1903 the first music album, '''Nurthi''', was released through [[Radio Ceylon]]. Also [[Vernon Corea]] introduced Sri Lankan music in the English Service of Radio Ceylon. In the early 1960s, Indian music in films greatly influenced Sri Lankan music and later Sri Lankan stars like [[Sunil Shantha]] found greater popularity among Indian people. By 1963, Radio Ceylon had more Indian listeners than Sri Lankan ones. The notable songwriters [[Mahagama Sekara]] and [[Ananda Samarakoon]] made a Sri Lankan music revolution. At the peak of this revolution, musicians such as [[W. D. Amaradeva]], H.R. Jothipala, Milton Mallawarachchi, M.S. Fernando, [[Annesley Malewana]] and [[Clarence Wijewardene]] did great work. A very popular type of music is the so-called [[Baila]], a kind of dance music that originated from Portuguese music introduced to the island in colonial times. {{see also|Ceylon tea (black)|Cuisine of Sri Lanka|Dances of Sri Lanka|Fashion Industry of Sri Lanka|Cinema of Sri Lanka|Music of Sri Lanka}} ==Religions== [[Image:Buddhist Temple.jpg|thumb|Buddhism is followed by about 70% of the population]] [[Image:Nallur.jpg|thumb|left| The [[Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil]], Jaffna is an important place for Hindus in Sri Lanka]] {{main|Religion in Sri Lanka}} Sri Lanka has a multi ethnic and multi religious population. Buddhism constitutes the religious faith of about 70% of the population of the island,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2007/90234.htm |title=Sri Lanka |work=International Religious Freedom Report 2007 |publisher=[[Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor]] |date=[[2007-09-14]] |accessdate=2008-03-30 }}</ref><ref name='ciafb-ce'>{{cite web | date = | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ce.html | title = The World Factbook: Sri Lanka | work = CIA World Factbook | accessdate = 2006-08-12 }}</ref> most of whom follow the [[Theravada]] school of Buddhism.<ref name='bisl-sn'/> According to traditional Sri Lankan chronicles, Buddhism was introduced into Sri Lanka in the 2nd century BCE by Venerable [[Mahinda]], the son of the Emperor [[Ashoka]], during the reign of Sri Lanka's King [[Devanampiyatissa]].<ref name='bisl-sn'/> During this time, a sapling of the [[Bodhi Tree]] under which [[the Buddha]] attained enlightenment was brought to Sri Lanka and the first monasteries were established under the sponsorship of the Sri Lankan king. The [[Pali Canon]] (''Thripitakaya''), having previously been preserved as an oral tradition, was first committed to writing in Sri Lanka around 30 BC.<ref name='ph-tbas'>[http://www.peacehall.com/news/gb/english/2005/03/200503280400.shtml Theravada Buddhism and Shan/Thai/Dai/Laos Regions], Maung Chan, 2005-03-28</ref> Sri Lanka has the longest continuous history of Buddhism of any Buddhist nation,<ref name='bisl-sn'>[http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/buddhistworld/lanka-txt.htm Buddhism in Sri Lanka], ''Buddhist Studies''</ref> with the [[Sangha]] having existed in a largely unbroken lineage since its introduction in the 2nd century BCE. During periods of decline, the Sri Lankan monastic lineage was revived through contact with [[Thailand]] and [[Burma]].<ref name='ph-tbas'/> Periods of [[Mahayana]] influence, as well as official neglect under colonial rule, created great challenges for Theravada Buddhist institutions in Sri Lanka, but repeated revivals and resurgences &mdash; most recently in the 19th century &mdash; have kept the Theravada tradition alive for over 2000 years. [[Image:Jami-Ul-Alfar.jpg|left|thumb|The ''Jami Ul Alfar'' mosque in Colombo. Islam was brought to Sri Lanka by Arab Merchants]] {{bar box |title=Sri Lanka religiosity |titlebar=#ddd |left1=religion |right1=percent |float=right |bars= {{bar percent|Buddhism|yellow|70}} {{bar percent|Hinduism|orange|15}} {{bar percent|Christianity|blue|8}} {{bar percent|Islam|green|7}} }} The second largest religion is [[Hinduism]]. Hinduism was primarily established in Sri Lanka by migrants and often invaders from southern India,<ref>[http://www.discoversrilanka.com/religion/Hindu.php Hinduism In Sri Lanka], ''Discover Sri Lanka''</ref> and Hindus now constitute seven to fifteen percent of the population,<ref name='ciafb-ce'/><ref>[http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2007/90234.htm U.S. Department of States - International Religious Freedom Report 2007: Sri Lanka]</ref> mostly of the [[Shaivite]] school.{{Fact|date=June 2008}} Followers of [[Islam]] comprise approximately eight percent of the population,<ref name='ciafb-ce'/> having been brought to the island by [[Arab]] traders over the course of many centuries<ref name='im-4/3/06-mlwi'>[http://www.indianmuslims.info/history_of_muslims_in_india/lankan_muslims_historical_links_with_india.html Lankan Muslims' historical links with India], ''Indian Muslims'', April 3, 2006</ref> European colonists introduced [[Christianity]] to the country in the 16th century,<ref name='fry-cobs'>Young, R. F., & Sēnānāyaka, J. E. B. (1998), ''The carpenter-heretic: a collection of Buddhist stories about Christianity from 18th century Sri Lanka'', Colombo: Karunaratne & Sons.</ref> and the religion has been adopted by around six percent of the population.<ref name='ciafb-ce'/> There also was a small population of [[Zoroastrian]] immigrants from India ([[Parsis]]) who settled in Ceylon during the period of [[United Kingdom|British]] rule. As a result of emigration, few remain, yet they have played a significant role in the growth of the country. The former finance minister of Sri Lanka, Nariman Choksy, was a [[Parsi]]. Other famous Parsi families in Sri Lanka include the Captain family and the Pestongee family. Religion plays an important part in the life and culture of Sri Lankans. The [[Buddhist]] majority observe Poya Days, once per month according to the [[Lunar calendar]]. The [[Hindus]] and [[Muslims]] also observe their own holidays. There are many [[Buddhist]] temples in Sri Lanka and many [[mosques]], [[Hindu]] temples and [[churches]] across the island, especially in areas where respective communities are concentrated. [[Buddhists]] are distributed across most parts of the island except in the north. [[Hindus]] are concentrated in north, east, and central high lands. Christians, particularly [[Roman Catholics]] are mainly concentrated along the western coastal belt. [[Muslims]] are concentrated in several pockets along the coast and in interior. All religious communities are represented in western province and in other urban centers in sizable numbers. ==Media== {{main|Media in Sri Lanka}} {{seealso|List of newspapers in Sri Lanka|List of television networks in Sri Lanka}} The national [[radio station]], [[Radio Ceylon]] is the oldest-running radio station in Asia.<ref>ApacheCon, [http://asia.apachecon.com/information/location/ Sri Lanka]</ref><ref>''Central Queensland University'', [http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&ct=res&cd=10&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ejournalism.au.com%2Fejournalist%2Fbrady2521.pdf&ei=S_vVRvnsGYHgigGxoNmZDQ&usg=AFQjCNFDAsKjejQTNVOJLHIhCFinD_RXDQ&sig2=psEfC0oslqLdY7ioDKTIqA A Case Study of Sri Lankan Media]</ref> It was established in 1923 by [[Edward Harper]] just three years after broadcasting was launched in Europe.<ref>Info Lanka, [http://www.infolanka.com/people/sisira/slbc.html Sri Lanka's National Media]</ref> It remains one of the most popular stations in Asia, with its programming reaching neighboring Asian nations. The station is managed by the [[Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation]] and broadcasts services in Sinhalese, Tamil, English and [[Hindi language|Hindi]]. Since the 1980s, a large number of private radio stations have also being introduced, and they have gained commercial popularity and success. Broadcast television was introduced to the country in 1979 when the [[Independent Television Network]] was launched. Initially all Television stations were state controlled, but private [[television network]]s began broadcasts in 1992.<ref>''Press reference'', [http://www.pressreference.com/Sa-Sw/Sri-Lanka.html SRI LANKA Press, Media, TV, Radio, Newspapers]</ref> Global television networks from India, Southeast Asia, Europe and the United States are also widely popular, and cable and [[satellite television]] is gaining in popularity with Sri Lanka's [[Middle class|middle-class]]. Popular publications include the English language ''Daily Mirror'' and ''The Sunday Observer'' and ''The Sunday Times'', ''Divayina'', ''Lankadeepa'' and ''Lakbima'' in Sinhalese and the Tamil publications ''Dinakaran'' and ''Uthayan''. ==Education== [[Image:UoC.jpg|thumb|University of Colombo Sri Lanka.]] [[Image:Unikelruki.jpg|thumb|left|170px|right|University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka.]] {{main|Education in Sri Lanka}} With a [[literacy rate]] of 92%, and 83% of the total population having had [[Secondary education|Secondary Education]],<ref name='unicef-lk-stats'>Figures as of 2004/2005. ''UNICEF'', [http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/sri_lanka_sri_lanka_statistics.html Sri Lanka: Statistics]</ref> Sri Lanka has one of the most literate populations amongst [[Developing country|developing nations]].<ref>''Chandra Gunawardene'', [http://www.jstor.org/view/00208566/sp060173/06x3105k/0 Problems of illiteracy in a literate developing society]</ref> An education system which dictates 9 years of [[Compulsory education|Compulsory Schooling]] for every child is in place, with 99% of the children entering the first grade.<ref name='unicef-lk-stats'/> A [[Free education|free education system]] initiated in 1945<ref>{{cite book | last = De Silva | first = K.M. | title = A Short History of Sri Lanka | publisher = University of California Press | date = 1981 | location = Los Angeles | pages = 472 | isbn = 0-520-04320-0 }}</ref> by Dr. [[C. W. W. Kannangara]], a former minister of education, has greatly contributed to this. Mr. Kannangara led the establishment of the [[Madhya Maha Vidyalayas]] (Central Schools) in different parts of the country in order to provide education to Sri Lanka's rural population. In 1942 a [[special education]] committee proposed extensive reforms to establish an efficient and quality [[Education|education system]] for the people. Most secondary schools in Sri Lanka provide education from grades 1 to 13 in the same institution. Students sit for the GCE Ordinary Level Examination (O/Levels) in grade 11 and the GCE Advanced Level Examination (A/levels) in grade 13, conducted by the Department of Examinations. These schools are modeled on British colleges. A majority of them are public, but a number of private schools do exist. While most reputed schools centered around large cities are usually single-sex institutions, rural schools tend to be coeducational. In recent decades, a large number of [[international school]]s have been established across the nation. In these schools [[IGCSE|General Certificate of Secondary Education]], [[International Baccalaureate]] and [[Cambridge International Examinations]] are [[popular education]] programs. {{seealso|List of schools in Sri Lanka}} [[Image:SLIIT MLB 1.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology]]]] Sri Lanka has around 16 [[Public university|public universities]]. They include the [[University of Colombo]], the [[University of Peradeniya]], the [[University of Kelaniya]], the [[University of Sri Jayewardenepura]], the [[University of Moratuwa]], the [[University of Peradeniya]], the [[University of Jaffna]], the [[University of Ruhuna]], the [[Eastern University of Sri Lanka]], the [[Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka]] and the [[Wayamba University of Sri Lanka]]. However the lack of space in these institutions and the unwillingness to establish [[Private university|private universities]] has led to a large number of students been denied entry into formal universities as well as high undergraduate unemployment. As a result, a number of public and private institutions have emerged, which provide specialised education in a variety of fields, such as [[computer science]], [[Management|business administration]] and [[law]]. These include the government owned [[Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology]] and the Institute of Technological Studies. {{seealso|Universities in Sri Lanka}} ==Sports== {{seealso|Cricket in Sri Lanka}} [[Image:SCC Ground Colombo.jpg|thumb|A Test match between Sri Lanka and England at the SCC Ground, Colombo, March 2001.]] While the [[national sport]] in Sri Lanka is [[volleyball]],<ref name='sldg-s'>''Sri Lanka development gateway'', [http://old.developmentgateway.org/node/343795/A_Z/a_z_sports Sports]</ref> by far the most popular sport in the country is [[cricket]].<ref name='sldg-s'/> [[Rugby union]] also enjoys extensive popularity, as do [[Water sport (recreation)|aquatic sports]], [[Athletics (track and field)|athletics]], [[Football (soccer)]] and [[tennis]]. Sri Lanka's schools and colleges regularly organize sports and athletics teams, competing on provincial and national levels. The [[Sri Lankan cricket team]] achieved considerable success beginning in the 1990s, rising from [[underdog]] status to winning the 1996 World Cup,<ref>''[[The Guardian]]'', [http://sport.guardian.co.uk/cricketworldcup2007/story/0,,2016636,00.html Sri Lanka light up the world]</ref> as well as the Asia Cup in 1996 and 2004. Sri Lanka remains one of the leading cricketing nations in the world, with the national team reaching the finals of [[Cricket World Cup 2007]], where they lost to [[Australia national cricket team|Australia]].<ref>''Cricinfo'', [http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/current/match/247507.html Final: Australia v Sri Lanka at Bridgetown, Apr 28, 2007]</ref> Sri Lanka has a large number of sports stadiums, including the [[Sinhalese Sports Club Ground]], the [[R. Premadasa Stadium]] and the [[Rangiri Dumbulla Stadium]] in Dambulla as well as the [[Galle International Stadium]]. The country co-hosted the [[1996 Cricket World Cup]] with India and [[Pakistan]], and has hosted the [[Asia Cup]] tournament on numerous occasions. It will also co-host the [[2011 Cricket World Cup]]. Aquatic sports such as boating, surfing, swimming and [[scuba diving]] on the coast, the beaches and backwaters attract a large number of Sri Lankans and foreign tourists. ==Failed state== {{seealso|Failed state}} Sri Lanka has managed get into the top 20 Failed States Index 2008 by the Foreign Policy and The Fund for Peace <ref>''Foreign Policy and The Fund for Peace'', [http://www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=4350&page=1 The Failed States Index 2008]</ref> which rank the countries where state collapse may be just one disaster away. Sri Lanka has been ranked 20 in the list of 60 failed states with Somalia claiming the number one spot and the distinction of being the state most at risk of failure. ==References== {{reflist|2}} ==Further reading== {{sourcesstart}} *Brow, James: ''Vedda villages of Anuradhapura: The historical anthropology Of a community in Sri Lanka,'' [[University of Washington Press|University Of Washington Press]], Seattle, 1978. *Codrington, H. W.: ''A Short History of Ceylon'', [[New Delhi]] 1994 (Reprint. Asian Educational Services) *De Silva, Chandra Richard: ''Sri Lanka - A History'', New Delhi 1987 (Second, revised edition 1997) *De Silva, K. M.: ''A History of Sri Lanka''. New Delhi, Penguin, xvii, p. 782, 2005. *Devendra, T. and D. Gunasena: ''Sri Lanka: The Emerald Island'', (New Delhi 1996), Roli Books. *Domroes, Manfred: ''After the Tsunami: Relief and rehabilitation in Sri Lanka'', New Delhi, Mosaic Books, 1st ed. 2006. *Gunaratne, Shelton A.: The Taming of the Press in Sri Lanka. ''Journalism Monographs No. 39'', May 1975. *Johnson, B. L. C., and M. Le M. Scrivenor.: ''Sri Lanka Land, People and Economy'', Heinemann Educational Books Ltd, London, 1981. *Knox, Robert: ''An Historical Relation of the Island of Ceylon in the East Indies'', New Delhi 2004 (Reprint. Asian Educational Services) *Mendis, G.C.: ''Ceylon Today and Yesterday'', Colombo 1957 (Third edition 1995) *Sedere, Upali M.: Context of Educational Reforms Then and Now: 121st C. W. W. Kannangara *Memorial Address, Ministry of Education, Isurupaya, Battaramulla, [[October 13]] [[2005]] *Smith, Vincent A.: ''The Oxford History of India'', Oxford 1958 (4th edition 1981) *Williams, Harry: ''Ceylon Pearl of the East'', Robert Hale Limited, [[London|London, Great Britain]], 1950. *Williams, H.: ''Ceylon : Pearl of the East'' Delhi, Surjeet, 2002 *Philippe Gilbert: ''Les Larmes de Ceylan'' Ed. des Equateurs, France, 2005 {{sourcesend}} ==See also== {{Sri Lanka topics}} {{Sri Lanka ties}} ==External links== {{portal}} {{sisterlinks|Sri Lanka}} <!--==========================({{NoMoreLinks}})============================ | PLEASE BE CAUTIOUS IN ADDING MORE LINKS TO THIS ARTICLE. 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