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543 BCE – Arrival of Prince Vijaya from India, marking the beginning of recorded history.

247 BCE – Introduction of Buddhism by Mahinda Thera from India.

1505 CE – Portuguese arrive; colonization begins.

1658 CE – Dutch take control from the Portuguese.

1796–1948 – British colonial rule.

1948 – Gained independence from Britain.

1983–2009 – Civil war between the government and the LTTE (Tamil Tigers).

2004 – Indian Ocean tsunami causes widespread devastation.

2019 – Easter Sunday bombings by extremist groups.

2022 – Severe economic crisis leading to political unrest and leadership change.

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Location: Island nation in South Asia, in the Indian Ocean, southeast of India.

Capital: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (administrative), Colombo (commercial).

Population: Around 22 million (as of 2025).

Ethnic groups: Sinhalese (~75%), Tamils, Moors, Burghers, etc.

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Religions: Buddhism (main), Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity.

Key traditions: Respect for elders, hospitality, astrology, and temple worship.

Holidays: Sinhala and Tamil New Year (April)

Vesak (May, celebrating Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death)

Deepavali (Diwali, Hindu festival of lights)

Poya Days (Monthly Buddhist full moon holidays)

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Sigiriya: Ancient rock fortress and palace.

Temple of the Tooth (Kandy): Sacred Buddhist site.

Ella: Hill country town with scenic views and tea plantations.

Yala National Park: Home to elephants, leopards, and birds.

Galle Fort: Dutch colonial-era fort and charming coastal town.

Beaches: Unawatuna, Mirissa, Arugam Bay (surfing), and Bentota.

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Mahinda Rajapaksa – Former president and influential political figure.

Kumar Sangakkara & Muttiah Muralitharan – Cricket legends.

Jacqueline Fernandez – Actress (Bollywood, born in Sri Lanka).

A.T. Ariyaratne – Social worker and founder of Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement.

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Official Languages: Sinhala and Tamil; English is widely spoken.

Greetings: Hello – “Ayubowan” (Sinhala) / “Vanakkam” (Tamil)

Thank you – “Istuti” (Sinhala) / “Nandri” (Tamil)

How are you? – “Kohomada?” (Sinhala) / “Eppadi irukkirīrkaḷ?” (Tamil)

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Rice and curry – Staple meal with vegetables, meats, or fish.

Hoppers (Appa) – Bowl-shaped pancakes made with fermented rice flour.

Kottu Roti – Chopped flatbread stir-fried with vegetables, meat, and spices.

String hoppers – Steamed rice noodles.

Lamprais – Dutch-influenced rice dish wrapped in banana leaves.

Pol Sambol – Spicy coconut relish.

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Tea – One of the world’s largest exporters (Ceylon tea).

Tourism – Beaches, wildlife, and culture attract millions.

Textiles and garments

Agriculture – Rice, spices (cinnamon), and coconut.

Remittances – Many Sri Lankans work abroad, especially in the Middle East.

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Economic crisis (since 2022): Debt, inflation, fuel shortages.

Political instability: Protests and changes in leadership.

Climate change: Floods, droughts, and rising sea levels.

Ethnic reconciliation: Healing from the effects of civil war.

Brain drain: Many skilled workers leaving the country for better opportunities.