Sri Lanka is an island nation in the Indian Ocean. Located southeast of India, Sri Lanka is a great blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The following are 10 interesting facts about Sri Lanka, one of the most visited countries in Asia.
10 interesting facts about Sri Lanka
1. Sri Lanka is a biodiversity hotspot
Sri Lanka is home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna, making it a paradise for nature lovers. A large percentage of these species are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world. The charismatic fauna of Sri Lanka includes the Sri Lankan elephant, Sri Lankan leopard, sloth bear, Sri Lankan junglefowl, etc.
2. One of the oldest human planted tree is in Sri Lanka
The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Peepal tree in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka is widely regarded as the oldest human planted tree in the world that is still alive. It was planted 2,300 years ago from a branch of the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, India under which Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment.
3. Hydropower in Sri Lanka is a big thing
A large part of total electricity production in Sri Lanka comes from Hydro Power. Currently, Victoria Dam is the largest Dam in Sri Lanka. It is an Arch Dam built on the Mahaweli River. The Dam has an installed capacity of 210 MW.
4. Sri Lanka is one of the top producers of tea in the world
The south-central region of Sri Lanka has many mountain ranges. These ranges provide an ideal climate for tea cultivation. Tea production is currently one of the main sources of foreign exchange for Sri Lanka.
5. Rama Setu/Adam’s bridge
The famous Rama Setu/Adam’s bridge is a shoal chain formation between the Mannar island of Sri Lanka and the Pamban island of India. The bridge features in the epic “Ramayana”. According to the epic, the bridge was built by the Army of Lord Rama to reach Lanka.
6. World’s first female Prime Minister
Sirimavo Bandaranaike became world’s first female Prime Minister when she became the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka (then Dominion of Ceylon) in 1960.
7. National sport of Sri Lanka is not Cricket
Cricket is the most popular sport in Sri Lanka. It is, however, not the country’s national sport. The national sport of Sri Lanka is volleyball.
8. Adam’s peak/Sri Pada
The Adam’s Peak is a mountain in Sri Lanka with an elevation of 2,243 m (7,359 ft). The peak is known for the Sri Pada (sacred footprint), a rock formation at the summit that is believed to be the footprint of the Buddha by Buddhists, Adam by Muslims and Christians, and Lord Shiva by Hindus.
9. High literacy in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has one of the highest adult literacy rates among the Asian countries. The country has an adult literacy rate of over 92%.
10. UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka
There are 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka, 6 cultural and 2 natural.
Cultural World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka-
- Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
- Ancient City of Sigiriya
- Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications
- Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple
- Sacred City of Anuradhapura
- Sacred City of Kandy
Natural World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka-
- Central Highlands of Sri Lanka
- Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Sri Lanka geography facts
| Area | 65,610 square kilometers |
| Population | 23.2 million (2025 estimate) |
| Capital | Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (legislative) Colombo (executive and judicial) |
| Currency | Sri Lankan Rupee |
| Highest mountain | Pidurutalagala (2,524 m/8,281 ft) |
| Longest river | Mahaweli Ganga (335 kilometers) |
| National Tree | Ceylon ironwood |
| National Bird | Sri Lankan junglefowl |
| National sport | Volleyball |