[[Asia]] | [[https://www.google.co.za/maps/place/Sri+Lanka/@7.8278256,75.67838,859272m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x3ae2593cf65a1e9d:0xe13da4b400e2d38c!8m2!3d7.873054!4d80.771797!16zL20vMDZtXzU?hl=en&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkyNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D]] | [[20th Century]] ### Culture - **Hospitality (Ayubowan):** The traditional greeting, "Ayubowan" (May you live long), reflects the deep-rooted Buddhist and Hindu values of respect and compassion that permeate daily life. - **Tea Culture:** Sri Lanka is one of the world's largest tea producers. The "Ceylon Tea" culture is more than just an industry; it is a way of life in the central highlands, where tea pluckers continue traditional methods. - **Festival of the Tooth:** The **Esala Perahera** in Kandy is one of the most spectacular religious festivals in Asia, featuring traditional dancers, drummers, and decorated elephants. - **Cuisine:** **Rice and Curry** is the staple, often served with a variety of small vegetable side dishes. **Kottu Roti**—made from chopped flatbread, vegetables, and meat—is the most popular street food, known for the rhythmic clanking of the metal blades used to prepare it. ### Language - **Official Languages:** **Sinhala** and **Tamil**. - **Daily Usage:** **English** is widely used in business, higher education, and tourism. In early 2026, there is a renewed push for English literacy to support the growing digital and service-based economy. ### Important Landmarks - **Sigiriya (Lion Rock):** An ancient rock fortress and palace ruins, famous for its frescoes and "mirror wall." - **Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa):** A sacred Buddhist temple in Kandy that houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. - **Galle Fort:** A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring Dutch colonial architecture on the southern coast. - **Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada):** A tall conical mountain known for the "sacred footprint" near the summit, serving as a pilgrimage site for multiple religions. - **Colombo Port City:** A massive, ongoing land reclamation project intended to become a major financial and residential hub for South Asia. ### Major Historical Events 1. **Colonial Rule:** Sri Lanka was controlled by the Portuguese, Dutch, and finally the British before gaining independence in 1948. 2. **Civil War (1983–2009):** A 26-year conflict between the government and the LTTE that deeply impacted the nation's social and economic fabric. 3. **The 2022 Economic Crisis:** A historic default on foreign debt and massive protests (Aragalaya) led to the ousting of the Rajapaksa family from power. 4. **Election of Anura Kumara Dissanayake (2024):** His election as President marked a significant shift toward a new political era. As of February 2026, his government holds a **65% approval rating**, the highest in four years, fueled by economic stabilization. 5. **Cyclone Ditwah (late 2025):** A devastating cyclone that hit the island in late 2025. In February 2026, President Dissanayake publicly thanked India for its "swift and unconditional support" during the recovery efforts. +2 ### Major Exports The export sector has seen a strong rebound, reaching over **$17.2 billion** in 2025 with a target of $20 billion for 2026. - **Apparel and Textiles:** The primary revenue driver, accounting for nearly $5 billion in annual earnings. - **Tea:** Famous "Ceylon Tea" remains a top global export, generating over $1.5 billion. - **Coconut Products:** This sector saw an explosive 42% growth in 2025, driven by global demand for coconut oil and milk. - **ICT and BPM Services:** A rapidly growing sector, providing high-value tech and logistics employment. - **Rubber Products:** Significant exports of industrial and surgical gloves as well as solid tires. ### Important People - **Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD):** The current President (since 2024). He recently returned from the **AI Impact Summit** in New Delhi (February 20, 2026), where he met with Prime Minister Modi to strengthen regional ties. +1 - **Vijitha Herath:** A key Minister in the current government, currently chairing the Parliamentary Select Committee on provincial elections. - **Mangala Wijesinghe:** The Chairman of the Export Development Board (EDB), currently overseeing the ambitious $20 billion export strategy for 2026. - **Kumar Sangakkara:** A legendary former cricketer who remains a global ambassador for Sri Lankan sports and a respected voice on national issues.