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Geographical area
65,525 square kilometres. Located in Southern Asia in the Indian Ocean and south of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, the island of Sri Lanka comprises mostly low, flat to rolling plains with mountains in the south-central interior. The highest point, Pidurutalagala rises to 8,261 ft (2518m). Numerous small rivers drain the land, and small coral islands dot some of the 1,340 kilometres of coastline, especially in the country’s north.
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Capital
Colombo (the commercial capital – approx. 650,000 inhabitants). Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, the legislative capital is only 10km from Colombo, where the estimated population here is around 120,000.
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Population
Approximately 19.2 million people.
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People
Sinhalese 74%, Tamil 18%, Moor 7%, Burgher, Malay, and Vedda 1%.
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Language
Sinhala (official and national language) 74%, Tamil (national language). 18%, other 8%. English is commonly used in government and is spoken competently by about 10% of the population.
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System of Government
Democratic Socialist Republic since 1978. In Sri Lanka, the president is considered both the chief of state and head of government, in contrast to the more common practice of dividing the roles between the president and the prime minister when both offices exist.
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Currency
Sri Lanka rupee (LKR). LKR1 consists of 100 cents.
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Religion
Buddhist 70%, Hindu 15%, Christian 8%, Muslim 7%.
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Exchange rate (August 2005)
1 £ = LKR176/1 USD = LKR100 (subject to fluctuation).
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Time Zones
Sri Lanka is five hours and 30 minutes ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Sri Lanka does not observe Daylight Saving.
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Trading hours
0930 – 1300hrs and 1400 – 1900hrs or later. Shops are closed on Sunday. In tourist areas, shops are open from 1000 – 2200hrs, including Sunday. Markets are open 0800 – 1830hrs Monday – Saturday (limited sections on Sun). Banks are open 0830 – 1230hrs and 1330 – 1700hrs Monday – Friday. Note: Hours may change during Ramadan.
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Voltage
Standard voltage is 230 - 240V; 50Hz AC. Sockets are of the 3 round-pin variety, similar though not identical to European sockets. Use a power adaptor with a hairdryer or other appliances. |
