Sri Lanka — Capital, Flag and Country Facts

Explore Sri Lanka: capital Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, population, flag, geography, languages, history and culture.

Sri Lanka is in Asia. Its capital is Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte.

Climate

Tropical monsoon; warm year-round with distinct wet and dry seasons varying by region

Coastal plains surrounding a central mountainous region; highest point is Pidurutalagala at 2,524m

Sri Lanka is known as the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean" and produces 25% of the world's tea.

Sri Lanka is home to the oldest known human-planted tree, the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, planted in 288 BC.

Sri Lanka has the highest biodiversity density in Asia.

543 BC: Legendary arrival of Prince Vijaya and founding of Sinhalese civilization

1505: Portuguese arrive and establish coastal control

1796: British take control from the Dutch

1948: Independence from Britain as Ceylon

1972: Country renamed Sri Lanka and becomes a republic

2009: End of the 26-year civil war