About Sri Lanka

Government

The Democratic Socialist republic of Sri Lanka is a free, independent & sovereign nation. A system of administration through provincial councils was introduced in 1988. Legislative power is exercised by parliament, elected by universal franchise on a proportional representation basis. Executive power of the people, including defense, is exercised by the president who is also elected by the people. The minimum voting age is eighteen years.

Demography

Sri Lanka has a population of 19 million of whom the majority are Sinhalese (75%). Other ethnic groups are made up  of Sri Lanka Tamils 12.5%; Indian Tamils 5.5% ; moors Malays & Burghers (of Portuguese & Dutch descent) and others 7.9%.

Although Sri Lanka is a maltireligious country Buddhists constitute the majority with 69%. Other religious groups are Hindus 15.4% Muslims 7% and Christians 7.9%.

Sri Lanka's literacy rate of 86.5% is one of the highest in Asia.

Language

Sinhala Tamil & English are official languages in Sri Lanka. Sinhala, a language of Indo-Aryan origin is the language of the majority.

The Dravidian tongue, Tamil, is used mainly in the northern and eastern regions. English is widely spoken and understood. Place names an sign-boards on buses & trains are usually in the official languages and in English. Sri lankans have a reputation of being kind and friedly to visitors.