One of the most beautiful countries on earth, Sri Lanka lies like a teardrop-shaped gem off the southern tip of India, writes Donna Hardie.
Which island is sometimes called the teardrop of India?
Did you know that Sri Lanka is also called the Pearl of the Indian Ocean and the Teardrop of India?
Why is Sri Lanka called India’s teardrop?
Sri Lanka has also been termed “The tear drop of India” because of the tear drop shape of the island and its proximity to India. It has also been called “The Pearl of the Indian Ocean.” As homage to its friendly people, Sri Lanka also enjoys being called “The nation of smiling people”.
Was Sri Lanka part of India?
Sri Lanka has always been connected to the Indian subcontinent that was part of Pangaea during the Permian period (250 to 300 Mya). Pangaea split apart at the end of the Triassic (200 Mya) into two supercontinents: Laurasia to the north and Gondwana drifting southward.
Where is the country Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is an island country in the Indian Ocean. It lies just 30 kilometres south-east of India. It has mountains in the south-central region. Elsewhere it is mainly low lying with flat coastal plains.
Why Sri Lanka is poor?
According to the World Food Programme, 22% of Sri Lankans are undernourished or malnourished which signifies that many citizens lack necessary vitamins and minerals. Climate change also negatively affects the poverty rate in Sri Lanka as severe floods and droughts threaten food security and limit access to clean water.
What was Sri Lanka original name?
Ancient Greek geographers called it Taprobane. Arabs referred to it as Serendib. Later European mapmakers called it Ceylon, a name still used occasionally for trade purposes. It officially became Sri Lanka in 1972.
Does Indian Ocean have pearls?
Sri Lanka is often referred to as “the pearl of the Indian Ocean.” No wonder, considering the fact that there is a great deal to discover on this tropical island with around 21 million inhabitants: Dream beaches, cultural treasures, rich biodiversity, and hearty cooking.
Was Nepal a part of India?
No, Nepal was not part of India. Nepal has never been under the control of any other nation or colonial power. Newar in the Nepal Valley is…
Was Bhutan a part of India?
Bhutan became a protectorate of British India after signing a treaty in 1910 allowing the British to “guide” its foreign affairs and defense.
Is Pakistan a part of India?
In August 1947, British India won its independence from the British and split into two new states that would rule themselves. The new countries were India and Pakistan. East Pakistan has since become Bangladesh.
Who named Sri Lanka?
Ceilão, the name given to Sri Lanka by the Portuguese Empire when it arrived in 1505, was transliterated into English as Ceylon. As a British crown colony, the island was known as Ceylon; it achieved independence as the Dominion of Ceylon in 1948.
Who ruled Sri Lanka?
Following the Kandyan Wars, the island was united under British rule in 1815. Armed uprisings against the British took place in the 1818 Uva Rebellion and the 1848 Matale Rebellion. Independence was finally granted in 1948 but the country remained a Dominion of the British Empire until 1972.
What religion is Sri Lanka?
Buddhism is the largest religion of Sri Lanka with 70.2% of the population practicing the religion; then, there are Hindus with 12.6%; Muslims with 9.7% and Christians with 7.4%. The census indicates that most Muslims are Sunni while the Christians are mainly Roman Catholic.