Sri Lanka

Overview

Hanging like a pendant from the horn of India, Sri Lanka sits quietly off the shore of its large neighbour. The civil war that has torn the country apart over the last quarter century has mercifully come to an end and while the two sides still bicker over a final solution the land is now largely peaceful. This is a blessing for hardened back packers or beach front holiday makers alike, for Sri Lanka offers a richness and beauty seldom found anywhere and unique in a country so small, approachable and inexpensive.

Tsunami Update: Though many areas have completely recovered, travellers are advised to keep abreast of tsunami-specific information.

Tamil Tensions: Areas North of Anuradhapura and Nilavelli as well as the eastern coast south of Trincomalee are still unsafe for travellers. The situation can change rapidly so you should check for updates before your departure.

Sri Lanka is famous for its beaches. Deserted white sand strands lined with Coconut palms stretch for hundreds of miles along the countries shores. There are large Mediterranean style resorts to be found here, but smaller and more personal hotels are no more difficult to find. Snorkelling, Wind Surfing and diving are on offer, but the coral is not quite what it once was. Because of the countries position off India there is good weather on a beach somewhere on the island whenever you intend to visit! You could spend your whole stay wandering gently along the coast in search of the perfect place to sling your hammock,...more

History

The Sinhalese arrived in Sri Lanka late in the 6th century B.C., probably from northern India. Buddhism was introduced beginning in about the mid-third century B.C., and a great civilization developed at the cities of Anuradhapura (kingdom from circa 200 B.C. to circa A.D. 1000) and Polonnaruwa (from about 1070 to 1200). In the 14th century, a south Indian dynasty seized power in the north and established a Tamil kingdom. Occupied by the Portuguese in the 16th century and by the Dutch in the 17th century, the island was ceded to the British in 1796, became a crown colony in 1802, and was united under British rule by 1815. As Ceylon, it became independent in 1948; its name was changed to Sri Lanka in 1972. Tensions between the Sinhalese majority and Tamil separatists erupted into war in 1983. Tens of thousands have died in an ethnic conflict that continues to fester. After two decades of fighting, the government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam formalized a cease-fire in February 2002, with Norway brokering peace negotiations.