Sri Lanka is known as ‘The Pearl of the Indian Ocean’ due its outstanding natural beauty. It has also been called ‘the Teardrop of India’ because of its shape and location.
Sri Lanka is an island country located in the Indian Ocean near to the southern coast of India.
Sri Lanka became a member of the Commonwealth in 1948. The very first female prime minister in the world was Sirimavo Bandaranaike of Sri Lanka. She first served in 1960 and has held three terms from 1960–1965, 1970–1977 and 1994–2000.
Sri Lanka has a strong Buddhist heritage with 70% of the population following Buddhism. Adam’s Peak is seen as the most sacred mountain in Sri Lanka. Pilgrims from all over the world climb to its peak to follow in what they believe to be the footsteps of Buddha.
Sri Lanka is one of the world’s largest growers of tea. Tea is not a native plant to Sri Lanka, but was brought over to Sri Lanka by the British.
Sri Lanka has 24 wildlife reserves many of which are home to the Sri Lankan elephant. The Sri Lankan elephant is one of three recognised subspecies of the Asian elephant.
Sri Lanka attended their first Commonwealth Games in 1938 in Sydney. At the 2006 Games in Melbourne, Chintana Vidanage won Gold in the men's 62kg weightlifting class – their first in this sport.