Sri Lanka is a fascinating Island traditionally known for many specialties: her spectacular scenic beauty, gems, spices, aromatic tea and warm friendly people. Sri Lanka’s recorded history spans over 2500 years.
Geographically island is only 270 miles (435 kms) long and 140 miles (225 kms) across at its widest point – smaller than Ireland and only slightly larger than the American state of West Virginia. On the urban center, Colombo, Western progress and technology are superimposed on the frenzy of traditional Asian metropolis.
Sri Lanka shimmers in the blue expanse of the Indian Ocean and was wide-open to foreign penetration from the dawn of time. It’s harbours have been inlets to numerous alien influences.
The island's history goes back to prehistoric times. Documented history began with the North Indian colonization’s which began from the 8th century BC Settlers from south India entered the island from times immemorial to barter and trade, and many settled along the coastal belt, as did the Arabs. Use of iron and the art of artificial irrigation were evidently understood here from at least the 5th century BC. The splendid remains of colossal shrines built during the 3rd century BC to the 6th century AD are yet visible in the North Central Province which had its capital during this period.
Due to foreign invasions, however, the kings shifted their capital further and further to the South-West, which by the 15th century had gained greater prominence due to the European expansion into the East. When the Portuguese captured the Island in 1505, the royal capital was at Kotte. The Portuguese ruled until 1648, followed by the Dutch, and then the British in 1796. British rule lasted till 1948, when political independence was regained. Sri Lanka is now a sovereign republic with an Executive President, a democratically elected Parliament and a Cabinet of Ministers. The government is unitary; a free, sovereign, democratic, republic.
