Links
+ Lanka net site
+ Lanka search
+ Goverment
+ E - mail.. SL Style!
Download
+ Sinhala Font 1
+ Sinhala Font 2
+ Tamil Font

B. Forestry and Fishing

Local timber needs are satisfied by government-owned woodlands. The timber harvest in 1998 was 10.4 million cu m (367 million cu ft); most of the harvested wood was used for fuel. The fishing industry is restricted to a small coastal fringe and contributes relatively little to the national economy; the catch in 1997 was 247,000 metric tons.


C. Mining

Although mineral resources are generally limited, Sri Lanka is an important source of high-grade lump amorphous graphite, used in the manufacture of carbon brushes for electric motors. Ilmenite, rutile, and zircon are also mined for commercial uses. Limestone is mined for a government-owned cement factory at Jaffna. Other minerals include salt, mica, kaolin (a fine clay), glass sands, and precious and semiprecious stones.


D. Manufacturing

Manufacturing is relatively limited in Sri Lanka, and in 1998 it accounted for only 17 percent of the country's gross domestic product. The more important industrial enterprises, most of which are entirely or partly government owned, produce such goods as steel, tires, cement, textiles, clothing, sugar, cigarettes, paper and leather goods, electronic equipment, refined petroleum, chemicals, ceramics, and processed food.


E. Energy

In 1998 Sri Lanka produced 5.5 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity. The largest share of the power, 69 percent, was produced by hydroelectric facilities.


F. Currency and Foreign Trade

The Sri Lankan rupee, consisting of 100 cents, is the monetary unit (64.6 rupees equal U.S.$1; 1998 average). Imports in 1998 cost $6 billion and exports earned $4.9 billion. The chief exports were tea, rubber, coconut products, clothing, graphite, petroleum products, and precious and semiprecious stones. Foodstuffs, mainly rice, flour, and sugar, make up a significant share of imports. Other imports include petroleum products, machinery, building materials, textiles, and transportation equipment. Leading purchasers of Sri Lanka's exports are the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, and Belgium; chief sources of imports are India, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

G. Transportation

A network of 11,285 km (7,012 mi) of roads connects most regions of the island; the best-developed road system is that in the plantation areas. Operated railroad track totals 1,491 km (926 mi).

Sri Lanka has three international airports. The government-owned airline, Air Lanka, provides domestic and international service.

H. Communications

All electronic communications in Sri Lanka are government controlled. The country has 9 daily newspapers with a combined daily circulation of 530,000. In the late 1990s the largest daily was the Dinamina, published in Colombo. Sri Lanka has 28 telephone mainlines, 211 radio receivers, and 84 television sets for every 1,000 inhabitants. Television broadcasting began in Colombo in 1979.

I. Labor

In 1998 some 8.1 million Sri Lankans were economically active, mostly unskilled workers. About one-third of all workers were organized in some 1,500 trade unions. Progressive labor legislation has been enacted, covering minimum wage, health, and welfare, but enforcement has proven difficult because of staff shortages.


V. Government

Sri Lanka is an independent member of the Commonwealth of Nations, governed under a constitution adopted in 1978.


A. Executive

The chief of state and head of government of Sri Lanka is a president, who is elected directly to a term of six years. The president appoints the prime minister and members of the cabinet, and may dismiss parliament at will.

žžžž