It's all about Sri Lanka - Small Miracle

Facts and Figures

• Official Name - Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
• National Holiday - Independence Day, 04 February (1948)
• Size - 65525 sq km
• Geographic Coordinates - 6-10 N, 80-82 E
• Location - Island off the Southeastern shores of India, 800km north of equator
• Coastline - 1340 km
• Capital - Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte
• Commercial capital - Colombo
• Population (May 2005) - 20 million
• Languages - Sinhala, Tamil & English. English is widely spoken throughout Sri Lanka, with the exception of remote villages.
• Ethnic Mix - Majority are Sinhalese, minorities Tamil & Moor
• Religions mostly Buddhist, then Hindu, Christian & Muslim
• Major Exports - Textiles & garments, tea, diamonds, gems, rubber & coconut products
• Highest peak - Pidurutalagala (Mt. Pedro) At 2524m, Adam’s peak (Sri Pada), holy to believers of all religions, ranks 4th
• Time Zone - Five and a half hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+5 ½). Daylight Saving Time is not observed.
• Voltage requirement - 230/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Round tree-pin plugs are usual, with bayonet lamp fittings.
• Currency - Sri Lanka Rupee (Rs). 100 cents = 1 Rs.
• Travelers Cheques - widely accepted in banks and money exchanges, a 1% stamp duty is payable, plus a small commission.
• Credit Cards
• GSM Network - 900
• ATMs common in larger towns
• Tipping -A service charge of 10% is added to all restaurant & hotel bills. A small tip (no more than 10%) above this is appreciated. Drivers expect a tip if you’ve bargained well.
• Working week - Monday to Friday
• Medical Facilities - The professional standards of doctors and surgeons are excellent with specialist, hospitals including Eye, Children’s, Ayurvedic and Maternity.