Pearl of the Indian Ocean

# Sri Lanka Today

- Beyond the postcards –

a living, breathing island of biodiversity, ancient traditions, resilient communities, and a future being written right now.

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## Pearl of the Indian Ocean

Sri Lanka spans 65,610 square kilometres, roughly the size of Ireland, yet packs extraordinary ecological diversity within its borders. From the central highlands rising to 2,524 metres to the 1,340 kilometres of coastline, the island is a global biodiversity hotspot.

Sri Lanka is one of 36 global biodiversity hotspots – packing an extraordinary variety of ecosystems into a compact island. From rainforests that receive over 5,000 mm of rain annually to dry‑zone thorn scrub, the island hosts over 3,000 flowering plant species, 16% of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

## Map of Sri Lanka

## Biodiversity of Sri Lanka

Mirissa

#### Pristine Coastlines

Nuwara Eliya

#### Cloud Forests

Yala

#### Dry Zone Scrub

## Lived Diversity

### A Tapestry of Traditions

Sri Lanka’s strength lies in its pluralism. For over two millennia, the island has been a meeting point for global faiths and traditions, creating a cultural landscape that is constantly celebrating.

Buddhist

#### Vesak Poya

Commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha with intricate bamboo lanterns and oil lamps.

Hindu/Tamil

#### Thai Pongal

A harvest festival dedicated to the Sun God, marked by the boiling of the first rice in clay pots.

Muslim

#### Eid-ul-Fitr

Celebrating the end of Ramadan with congregational prayers, charity, and traditional sweet delicacies.

Cultural/National

#### Kandy Perahera

The world-famous 'Festival of the Tooth' featuring fire-dancers, drummers, and majestic elephants.

"In Sri Lanka, the sound of the mosque's call to prayer often harmonizes with the temple's drums and the church's bells—a daily testament to our shared humanity."

# Sri Lankan Craftsmanship

For centuries, Sri Lankan artisans have transformed natural materials into objects of beauty and purpose. Each region guards its own living heritage – from the lacquer workers of Matale to the batik masters of Hikkaduwa.

### Laksha (Lacquer Work)

Matale (Pallehapuwita)

A brilliant craft using natural resin (secreted by insects) mixed with pigments. It is applied to wood using a 'finger-nail' or 'lathe' technique to create vibrant walking sticks, bowls, and handles.

### Beeralu Lace

Galle & Weligama

An intricate 'pillow lace' introduced by the Portuguese. Artisans (mostly women) use wooden bobbins to weave delicate patterns for clothes and linens.

### Traditional Masks

Ambalangoda

Hand-carved from light Kaduru wood and painted in bold colors, these masks are used in Kolam (drama), Raksha (protection), and Sanni (healing) rituals.

### Handloom Weaving

Dumbara & Gampaha

Centuries-old textile art featuring vibrant colors and geometric patterns. Traditionally used for royalty, it now produces high-end saris, sarongs, and home décor.

### Jewelry Making

Kandy & Galle

Known for two distinct styles: the intricate silver 'filigree' work of Kandy and the gem-encrusted 'Agasti' (agate) and moonstone jewelry of the South.

### Wood Carving

Kandy (Embekke)

Masterful artistry seen in the three-dimensional ebony elephants or the low-relief carvings found in ancient temples like Embekke.

### Dumbara Mats

Dumbara Valley

Woven from the fibers of the Hana plant, these mats feature traditional motifs like the Hansaya (swan) and were historically presented to kings.

### Brassware

Kandy (Pilimathalawa)

Created using the 'lost wax' method or wrought metal, this includes ceremonial oil lamps, vases, and ornate 'Gara Yaka' wall plaques.

### Pottery

Molagoda & Kegalle

One of the oldest crafts, producing both utilitarian clay cooking pots and decorative terracotta figurines using traditional kilns.

### Batik

Hikkaduwa & Marawila

Though originally Indonesian, Sri Lankan Batik has developed a unique style with motifs inspired by local flora, fauna, and cultural processions like the Perahera.

These crafts are living traditions. Many are sustained by local cooperatives and NGOs working to preserve Sri Lanka’s intangible cultural heritage.

## Ceylon Spices

The island's unique terroir produces spices of exceptional quality – from the delicate sweetness of true cinnamon to the fiery punch of high‑piperine pepper.

#1 • Clear Leader

### Ceylon Cinnamon

True Cinnamon

The 'Queen' of Sri Lankan spices

Sri Lanka provides about 90% of the world's supply of true cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum). Used in everything from spicy meat curries and aromatic rice to desserts and herbal teas, it is prized for being low in coumarin compared to common Cassia variety.

Highest quality • World's largest producer
#Curries#Rice#Desserts#Herbal teas
#2 • Highest Pungency

### Black Pepper

The King of Spices

World-renowned for superior pungency

Sri Lankan pepper has a higher piperine content (the alkaloid responsible for pungency) than pepper from other regions, making it a favorite for industrial spice extraction. It was the primary heat source in traditional Sri Lankan cooking before chilies were introduced.

High piperine content • Industrial grade
#Curries#Dry rubs#Spice blends
#3 • Premium Grade

### Cardamom

The Queen of Spices

Third most expensive spice in the world

Sri Lankan cardamom is highly sought after in the Middle East and Scandinavia for flavoring coffee and baked goods. It adds a floral, citrusy aroma to tea, 'Yellow Rice,' and rich meat curries.

High demand in Middle East & Scandinavia
#Tea#Coffee#Rice#Meat curries
#4 • High Eugenol

### Cloves

Rich in Eugenol

A major export crop of the mid-country wet zone

Sri Lankan cloves are exceptionally rich in eugenol oil, making them valuable for both culinary and medicinal uses. Used whole in curries, ground in spice blends (thuna-paha), and topically in oil form for dental health.

Exceptionally rich in eugenol oil
#Curries#Spice blends#Essential oil
#5 • Dual Spice

### Nutmeg & Mace

Two Spices, One Fruit

Nutmeg (seed) and Mace (lacy red covering)

Two distinct spices from a single fruit. Nutmeg provides a warm, sweet aroma to meat dishes and savory cakes, while mace offers a more delicate, floral note. Both are valued in global perfume and food industries.

Valued in perfume & food industries
#Meat dishes#Cakes#Perfumery
Explore Sri Lankan cuisine

From street-side kottu to royal rice and curry – discover where these spices come alive.

## From Azure Bays to Stilt Fishermen

The coastline of Sri Lanka is a living museum of maritime traditions. In places like Ahangama and Koggala, you’ll still see stilt fishermen perched on cross‑beams – a technique born of ingenuity during the post‑war era. Today, these iconic figures are as much a symbol of resilience as they are a photo opportunity.

Beyond the tourist trails, fishing villages like Negombo, Chilaw, and Trincomalee supply the island with fresh tuna, seer, and mackerel. Modern challenges – from climate change to plastic pollution – are met with community‑led marine conservation projects, many supported by local NGOs.

Koggala

#### Stilt Fishermen

Hikkaduwa

#### Coral Reefs

East Coast

#### Mongroves

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## Emerald Slopes & Cloud Forests

Elevations rising to 2,500m create a cool, temperate climate that serves as the heart of the global tea industry.

The central highlands rise like a green fortress. Rolling tea estates – planted during the colonial era – have become a living part of Sri Lanka’s identity. But above the tea lies something rarer: cloud forests like those in Horton Plains and Knuckles Range, where moss‑draped trees and endemic orchids thrive in perpetual mist.

These highlands are also the source of the island’s major rivers, providing water for agriculture and hydropower. Modern Sri Lanka balances conservation with development – promoting sustainable tea cultivation and reforestation projects that protect both biodiversity and the livelihoods of estate workers.

## Biodiversity of Sri Lanka

Central Highlands

#### The Tea Legacy

Central Highlands

#### Knuckles Mountain Range

Nuwara Eliya

#### Cloud Forests

## The Big Five of Asia

Sri Lanka offers wildlife encounters that rival Africa – without the crowds. Conservation success stories await you in our national parks and coastal waters.

Udawalawe • Minneriya

### Sri Lankan Elephant

7,000+ Wild Population

Largest of the Asian elephant subspecies, with over 7,000 roaming in protected reserves like Udawalawe.

Best spotted in Udawalawe • Minneriya
Yala • Wilpattu

### Leopard

Highest Density in Asia

Yala National Park has one of the world's highest leopard densities – a photographer's dream.

Best spotted in Yala • Wilpattu
Wilpattu • Yala

### Sloth Bear

Rare & Elusive Nocturnal Sightings

Shaggy, nocturnal, and elusive – a rare sight in dry‑zone forests like Wilpattu.

Best spotted in Wilpattu • Yala
Mirissa • Trincomalee

### Blue Whale

World's Largest Animal on Earth

Mirissa and Trincomalee offer some of the most reliable blue whale sightings on the planet.

Best spotted in Mirissa • Trincomalee
Bundala • Yala

### Mugger Crocodile

Ancient Predator Estuary Hunter

A formidable predator found in estuaries and tanks across the lowlands.

Best spotted in Bundala • Yala

### + Endemic Wonders

Sri Lanka is home to 33 endemic bird species, unique reptiles like the hump-nosed lizard, and amphibians found nowhere else on Earth.

Purple‑faced Langur Sri Lanka Junglefowl Hump‑nosed Lizard

34 endemic mammals • 435+ bird species

Wildlife Safari Destinations
Plan Your Wildlife Safari

Best viewing seasons: Dry season (May–October) for national parks • December–April for whale watching

## A Nation Reborn

After a 30‑year civil war ended in 2009, Sri Lanka has been on a remarkable journey of healing and renewal. New highways, ports, and airports connect the island like never before. The economy is diversifying – from tourism and tech to sustainable agriculture and renewable energy.

### 📱 Digital Sri Lanka

High mobile penetration, a thriving startup scene, and the new Digital Nomad Visa are positioning Sri Lanka as a remote‑work hub.

### 🌱 Green Recovery

A national policy to become carbon‑neutral by 2050, with massive investments in solar, wind, and electric mobility.

### 🤝 Reconciliation

Grassroots initiatives are rebuilding trust between communities, with a focus on youth leadership and interfaith dialogue.

### 🏥 Universal Healthcare

Sri Lanka’s free public health system – a legacy of the 4th century – continues to achieve developing‑world benchmarks.

“Sri Lanka is not just recovering – it is reinventing itself, guided by resilience, community, and an unshakable sense of hope.”

### Experience the real Sri Lanka

Our organisation works hand‑in‑hand with local communities to protect this island’s natural and cultural treasures while empowering the people who call it home.

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