 SRI LANKA
History dates back to the 6th Century BC
Crown Colony of the British since 1802. Before that it was rule by the Portuguese and Dutch
Ceylon became independent in 1948 – its name was changed to Sri Lanka in 1972
Sri Lanka is one of the poorest nations on earth with a GDP 0f $4,100. This is largely due to the ongoing civil war between the Government troops and the Tamil Tigers.
Total area of Sri Lanka is 65,610 sq km as compared with Alberta land area of 642,317 sq km
Population 21.2 million (CIA est. 2008), of which several millions continue to live in refugee camps due to the 25 year civil war and the tsunami of 2004
Capital: Colombo
Language: Sinhalese, Tamil and English
Religions: Buddhist 69%; Muslim 7.6%; Hindu 7.1%; Christian 6.2%; 10% unspecified
3,500 people are living with HIV/AIDS
Life expectancy 75 years (73 for male and 77 for female)
Main exports: Tea, textiles and garments
Infant mortality rate is 19.01 deaths per 1,000 life births
Sri Lanka is an island off the Southern Coast of India and is often referred to as the pearl in the Indian Ocean
7,430 sq km or just over 11% of the total land mass is irrigated
GDP per capita in 2007 was US $4,100 (ranking 194 in the world). This compares with $38,400, for Canada with a ranking of 20th in the world
How you can help
The best way you can help at present is to consider making a donation. For instance, for 80 cents per day ($24.00 per month) you can sponsor an elderly person to ensure this person receives the necessary food and health care. Please check our donations page to obtain the necessary details.
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