Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon and officially called the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, is an island nation in South Asia. It’s nestled in the Indian Ocean, southwest of the Bay of Bengal and southeast of the Arabian Sea. The island is separated from the Indian mainland by the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait, and it shares maritime borders with both India and the Maldives. The country’s legislative capital is Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, while Colombo serves as its largest city and financial hub.

With a population of about 22 million (as of 2020), Sri Lanka is a multicultural and multiethnic nation. The Sinhalese make up the majority of the population, while the Tamil community, a significant minority, has had a major influence on the island’s history. Other communities include the Moors, Burghers, Malays, Chinese, and the indigenous Vedda people.

Sri Lanka has an incredibly rich history, dating back over 3,000 years, with archaeological evidence suggesting human settlements existed over 125,000 years ago. Its Buddhist heritage is deeply rooted, with the Pāli canon—some of the earliest Buddhist writings—dating to 29 BCE. Often referred to as the “Teardrop of India” or the “Granary of the East,” Sri Lanka has always held strategic importance due to its location and deep harbors, making it a key stop along ancient trade routes like the Silk Road.

Over the centuries, Sri Lanka has been shaped by various colonial powers. The Portuguese arrived during a time of political turmoil in the Kingdom of Kotte, taking control of maritime trade. Later, the Dutch and the Kingdom of Kandy ousted the Portuguese, only for the Dutch territories to eventually fall under British rule. By 1815, the entire island was under British control until Sri Lanka gained independence in 1948. Initially a dominion, it became the Republic of Sri Lanka in 1972.

Today, Sri Lanka is a developing country, ranked 73rd on the Human Development Index—the highest in South Asia. It also has the second-highest per capita income in the region. However, the country has been grappling with a severe economic crisis, marked by currency collapse, high inflation, and shortages of essentials, sparking widespread humanitarian issues. This has led to significant protests, ultimately resulting in the resignation of the president and government.

Despite its challenges, Sri Lanka has maintained a strong presence in international organizations. It’s a founding member of SAARC and actively participates in the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Nations, the G77, and the Non-Aligned Movement. Here