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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 1000 A.D.) and Polonnaruwa (from about 1070 to 1200), the ruins of which are major tourist attraction today. In the 14th century, a south Indian dynasty seized power in the north and established a Tamil kingdom bringing Hinduism on a large scale to the country. Meanwhile Moorish traders settled in the Southern and Eastern coastal areas bringing Islam.

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 on 4th February 1948 (now celebrated as its independence day each year). Its name was changed to Sri Lanka (which means Serendipity) in 1972. However the country's most famous export is still known as "Ceylon Tea", the best of which grows in the highest regions in the centre of the country.

Tensions between the Sinhalese majority and Tamil separatists provoked by various political factions, erupted in violence in the mid-1980s. Over 60,000 men, women and children have since died in an ethnic war. After two decades of fighting, the government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam began a ceasefire in December 2001, with Norway brokering the peace negotiations.

It is hoped that the island known as one of the friendliest and most welcoming will now return on the road to peace and reconciliation. Much damage has been done at all levels of society. But there are positive notes. Even during the war years (which confined itself mainly to the north), the island was repeatedly voted one of the most beautiful and best tourism destinations in the world.

The general population has good skill levels, with over 90% of the population above 15years of age able to read and write which makes this one of the highest literacy rates in the developing world. Leading manufacturers from around the world outsource products to tax free manufacturing and service centres. There they benefit from the good skill levels and low labour costs in a legal & economic environment based on anglo-saxon models. However these small pockets of prosperity do not impact sufficiently the rest of the country.

Most of the national budget during the war years was spent on the military, thus stifling the rural regions. The continuing pull of the main cities and lack of prospects in outer regions means large population shifts which place a great strain on resources.

By providing micro assistance in a non-sectarian way at grass roots levels, the latent potential of the country and people can be developed into securing a long and prosperous future.
 

approximately 65,000 were housed in 131 refugee camps in south India, another 40,000 lived outside the Indian camps, and more than 200,000 Tamils have sought refuge in the West (July 2003 est.)

Ethnic Groups: Sinhalese 74%, Tamil 18%, Moor 7%, Burgher, Malay, and Vedda 1%

Religions: Buddhist 70%, Hindu 15%, Christian 8%, Muslim 7% (1999)

Languages: Sinhala (official and national language) 74%, Tamil (national language) 18%, other 8% note: English is commonly used in government and is spoken competently by about 10% of the population.

Main Industries: rubber processing, tea, coconuts, and other agricultural commodities; clothing, cement, petroleum refining, textiles, tobacco, precious stones, tourism.

Current Environmental Issues: deforestation; soil erosion; wildlife populations threatened by poaching and urbanization; coastal degradation from mining activities and increased pollution; freshwater resources being polluted by industrial wastes and sewage runoff; waste disposal; air pollution in Colombo.

Currency Name: Sri Lankan Ruppee

Capital: Colombo

State & Government: Sri Lanka is a republic with 8 states. There is a Single Chamber Parliament (225 seats; members elected by popular vote on the basis of a modified proportional representation system by district to serve six-year terms with a directly elected President who appoints the Prime Minister to form a government.

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