Sri Lanka is the pearl of the Indian Ocean, endowed with timeless beauty. This teardrop-shaped island with its white sand beaches, swaying palms, crystal clear blue waters, lush green mountains, and ancient heritage is a paradise country. Sri Lanka has also got a number of tourist attractions including wildlife safari, hill country, water sports, Ayurveda, culture, tea tours etc.

Below is a list of ten interesting facts about Sri Lanka that you should know.

Number 10. A Lot Of Sri Lanka’s Power Is Generated By Hydropower

Sri Lanka generated over 50% of its electricity from renewable sources in 2017, with 20% coming from hydropower. Due to Sri Lanka’s abundance of waterfalls and rivers, this is the case.  Each of Sri Lanka’s 15 large hydroelectric power plants contributes to the country’s energy needs. As Sri Lanka’s largest hydroelectric power station, Victoria Dam plays an important role in this. 

Number 9. Sri Lanka Has Two Nicknames – ‘pearl Of The Indian Ocean’ And ‘teardrop Of India’

There are two nicknames for Sri Lanka; the ‘pearl of the Indian ocean’ and the ‘teardrop of India’. Natural beauty, incredible biodiversity, and precious gemstone exports earn the country its first nickname.  Due to the country’s location and shape, it also has a second nickname. The island of Sri Lanka is shaped almost like a teardrop, and it is located off the southern coast of India, hence its name “teardrop of India“.

Number 8. Sri Lanka Has The Highest Literacy Rate In All Of South Asia

Over 92% of Sri Lanka’s population is literate, making it one of the most literate countries in the world. In other words, the percentage of people aged 15 and up who can read and write a short, simple statement about their everyday lives. ‘Literacy’ can also include ‘numeracy’, which is the ability to make simple mathematical calculations. South Asia’s highest literacy rate is Sri Lanka’s 92%, placing the country at the top with the highest literacy rate in the region. 

Number 7.  Sri Lanka’s Wildlife Is Incredibly Diverse 

Sri Lanka is known for its biodiversity and wildlife. There are so many great places to visit if you want to get close to nature, and that’s what makes it so popular.  The wild Asian elephants of Sri Lanka are well known, and it is estimated that around 7500 are found throughout the country. Safaris here are a must if you love wildlife! Udawalawe National Park, Minneriya National Park, Wilpattu National Park, and Yala National Park are some of the best. 

Number 6. The oldest living tree known to be planted by man is in Sri Lanka. 

Anuradhapura’s Sri Maha Bodhi has been trending continuously for over 2,000 years. The tree was grown from a cutting brought from Bodh Gaya in India, said to be the site of Buddha’s enlightenment.

Number 5. The history of Sri Lanka is very diverse

The island’s diversity is reflected in its many religions. Buddhists make up the majority of the population, but there are also significant percentages of Christians, Muslims, and Hindus as well. Sri Lanka has many sacred sites, including Kataragama, which is a holy site for Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims

Number 4. Sri Lankan flag

One of the oldest flags in the world is Sri Lanka’s national flag. It is said that a golden lion flag was brought from India by the first king of Sri Lanka (Vijaya). When Sri Lanka became British Ceylon in 1815, the golden lion was replaced by the Union flag of British Ceylon. In 1948, the golden lion holding its sword was reintroduced after independence was achieved.

Number 3. Adam’s peak is the most sacred mountain in the country.

 With its height of 2,243ft (797ft), Sri Pada or Sacred Footprint is significant in several major religions. The imprints are believed to be Buddha’s. In Islam, it is believed to be the footprint of Adams, while in Hinduism, it is thought to be Shiva’s footprint. St Thomas has also been claimed by Christians.

Number 2. Volleyball Is The National Sport

In Sri Lanka, cricket is by far the most popular sport, so many people consider it the national sport. Volleyball, however, has been the national sport since 1991. Sri Lanka was introduced to the sport by a gentleman named Voltor Cameck in 1916. In 1951, the Federation of Sri Lanka Volleyball was formed after volleyball became incredibly popular. Over 60 national volleyball teams have been formed since 1955 when the first team was formed.

Number 1. It Was Declared A Malaria-Free Country In 2016 By WHO

In the past, Sri Lanka has been plagued by malaria, and at one point was considered one of the most affected countries in the world. Sri Lanka was officially declared malaria-free in 2016 after the government implemented a highly effective strategy to eradicate the disease! In the entire South-East Asia Region, malaria cases continue to decline. By 2030, the World Health Organization aims to eradicate malaria in the region. 

To sum it up, Sri Lanka is a country of contrast. The country’s natural beauty, rich culture, and colourful history make it a great destination for tourists. Travelling to Sri Lanka for a few days or even weeks is an experience for travellers, even if they are only spending a short time in the country