Sri Lanka is a country located in the Indian Ocean. Its closest neighbor is India.
Sri Lanka had been a colony for 3 European nations, namely Portugal, Netherlands
and England.
The country is well known for its rich natural resources reserves and the
increasingly significant geopolitical importance in the global economy. It plays a
vital role in China’s Belt Road Initiative, the world’s largest infrastructure project in
history.
Sri Lankan population is quite diverse. it s main religions are Buddhism, Hinduism,
Christianity and Islam. It has different ethnicities such as Sinhala, Tamil, Muslims
and Burghers. There had been times of ethnic and racial conflicts, but currently the
Sri Lankans are enjoying harmony and peace, penetrating all the said differences.
Sri Lankan economy and politics could be an interesting case study for a keen
student. Currently, the country has a financial crisis largely caused by a powerful
ruling family, and the financial crisis can be witnessed easily in the everyday life of
the people.
Sri Lankan wildlife and rich natural resources are exceptional and unique in many ways. Although it is an
isolated island in the vast Indian Ocean Region, it contains a great amount of natural resources
including gems and minerals. There are endemic flora and fauna in Sri Lanka that need immediate
action to save them from extinction. Sri Lanka can use the helping hands of volunteers to help save its
beauty and natural richness.
Sri Lanka’s currency unit is Sri Lankan Rupees. Its Capital City is Colombo. Sri Lanka has a population of
over 22 million and the main languages spoken are Sinhala, English and Tamil. People’s literacy rate is
commendable and most of the youth and adults are able to communicate in English as it has been
taught since primary schools.
The food in Sri Lanka is usually spicy. But as it is a favorite tourist destination, the Sri Lankans are well
aware of the fact that the majority of the tourists prefer less spicy food. Hence the dishes can be made
less spicy upon request when you order your meals.
Sri Lanka is famous for its elephants, cultural fiesta and pageants, ancient ruins and cultural inheritance,
old traditions and customs, a unique folklore and a great hospitality that has been specifically stated by
many tourists who visited Sri Lanka. It is perhaps a major reason for Sri Lanka to be nominated as the
world’s best tourist destination by Lonely Planet in 2019.
Sri Lankan food is known to be rich in taste of spices. volunteers will be provided with breakfast during their stay. It will be traditional or non traditional Sri Lankan food.
Sri Lankan Water can be considered to be safe to drink in most parts of the country even if it is not filtered. However if you are using bottled water please make sure that the SLS (Sri Lanka Standard Institute) label is present. In some parts of the country you’ll find undrinkable water due to the high presence of lime in the soil. Thambili the juice from King Coconut is very refreshing. It’s sold on the side of streets throughout the island. You know it’s clean as the coconut is cut open in front of you and it’s cheaper than bottled drinks. Sri Lanka is famous for its tea. Now it is produced in different varieties as well as flavors (white tea, chamomile, peppermint, lemon, spicy berry, decaffeinated, organic, caramel flavored, earl gray, blue berry and pomegranate) and many more. You can definitely buy some to take back home to your loved ones who await your return. It will surely be a lovely gift.
The currency in Sri Lanka is Sri Lankan Rupees. You will find it in the mode of coins and notes. There are coins for1 rupee , 2 rupees , 5 rupees and ,10 rupees as well as banknotes ranging from 10- 5000 rupees. The exchange rates may differ according to the value of the Sri Lankan Rupee. ATMs can be located with ease in many places in the cities and suburbs. However, less so in the countryside. Be careful when using credit card and always ensure your credit cards and all valuables are kept safely within your possession Fraud is on the rise in Sri Lanka.
You will find a wide array of art and craft
goods in Sri Lanka. For instance, Sri Lanka is
renowned for its unique wood carvings, brass
handicraft, paper, clay, reed, cane products,
cotton and hand loom material and garments.
The choice is endless.
The gem industry in Sri Lanka has been in
existence for over 2500 years. Some of the
rarest gem stones of exquisite beauty which
have been located in Sri Lanka have taken
pride of place in the Crown jewels of Kings
and Queens as far as from the time of the
Great Roman Emperors. If you are planning to
purchase these beautiful gemstones, it is
advisable to obtain the assistance of a local
who has knowledge of gems.
Batiks are a favorite of the majority of those
who visit Sri Lanka. This unique hand painted
material will attract your attention with out a
doubt. Batiks can be purchased as ready made
garments, material or wall hangings. These are
all exquisite, hand made treasures which you
may never find elsewhere in the world
