The Island of Paradise, also referred to by ancient mariners as the pearl of the Indian Ocean.

AYUBOWAN (in Sinhala - "May you enjoy the gift of long life")

Sri Lanka is a land of a varied sceneries. No other country can boast of such varied natural landscapes, from breathtaking mountains to foaming waterfalls, sluggish rivers, dense forests and golden beaches with blue lagoons and waving palms along the coastline. And, of course, her friendly people.

Ours is an independent republic with an Executive President, electedby the people being the Head of the State.

The Capital of the island republic is Colombo, a bustling and developing city that is the centre of commerce and government.

Regular flights to and from the fully equipped modern international airport, 45 kilometers north of Colombo, to most major destinations are operated by the national carrier Airlanka as well as several international airlines. Colombo also has a modern all-weatherport and handles very large container carriers and other cargo ships. Colombo is an important destination for bunkers.

Colombo happens to be the base of Asia's professional Salvage and towage Firms.

All modern communications facilities including IDD (available through the government owned Sri Lanka Telecom and Internet access (available through no less than six independent service providers) are available in Sri Lanka - on par with any developed country. While the local telecommunications network is being revamped with two private telephony operators having started operations (in addition to the exisiting 4 cellular phone companies), there are excellent high speed links to the rest of the world.

Though you find an agent, or a local friend online, please be sure to check these out for yourself.

• Currency: Sri Lankan Rupees and Cents (100 cents = one rupee)Approximately, one US Dollar equals 57 Sri Lankan rupees .
• Population: The most colourful multi ethnic culture in the region, the population is made of Sinhalese, Sri Lankan Tamils, Muslims as well as minority groups of Burghers, Malays, Chinese and Indian Tamils.
• Religion: Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity and Islam.
• Common languages Spoken: English, Sinhala and Tamil. While Sinhala and Tamil are widely spoken, you can get across anywhere in SriLanka with English.
• Principle Industries / Occupation: Tea Estates, Garment Industries,Fishing, Tourism and other manufacturing Industries.
• Tourism in Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka is a very popular tourist destination, as it offers a wide range of options for the tourist, from beach resorts and elephant rides in the jungle to calm peaceful stays in hillside bungalows, surrounded by lush tea bushes and unforgettable scenery.

Further details on Sri Lanka should be available with the Sri Lankan mission in your country.