Climate

Due to its proximity to equator Sri Lanka has typically tropical climate. There are no marked seasons. The weather in plains and the coastal areas is hot and humid with an average mean temperature of 27° C. Relative Humidity varies from 70% during the day to 90% at night. The cooling sea breeze moderates the temperature. The hills are cool and pleasant with an average mean temperature of around 20° C.

Sri Lanka is blessed with abundant rainfall. The south-west monsoon brings rain mainly from May to July to the western, southern and central regions of the island, while the north-east monsoon causes rains in the northern and eastern regions in December and January.

Economy

Sri Lanka is a developing country and the major occupation of the people is agriculture. In 1977, Colombo abandoned statist economic policies and its import substitution trade policy for market-oriented policies and export-oriented trade.

Textile is the biggest export of Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan tea is very famous and is exported all over the world. Sri Lanka is a major centre of gems. The town of Ratnapura is the major gem-trading centre. Sri Lanka is a beautiful island and attracts tourists in heavy numbers. Tourism is a big revenue earner for Sri Lanka. Other major items of export are rubber, coconut and high-grade graphite. Continuous civil war has taken a heavy toll on Sri Lankan economy.

Sri Lankan Currency

Currency of Sri Lanka is Sri Lankan Rupee. One Sri Lankan Rupee consists of 100 cents. Coins come in the denomination 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents and Rs. 1, 2, 5 and 10. The higher value denominations are found as notes, namely Rs.10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000.

Travelers Cheques and foreign currency can be exchanged at various commercial banks and hotels. Banks charge a 0.5% handling fee and a commission, which varies from bank to bank, while en-cashing Travelers Cheques. The use and acceptance of credit cards is widespread. While visiting a remote area it is advisable to arrange for an alternative mode of payment apart from credit card.

Geography

Sri Lanka is an island country located in Indian Ocean to the south of India and separated from India by Palk Strait. It is also known as the Island of Serendipity.

Sri Lanka lies just above the equator between 5° 55'N and 9° 55' N and between the eastern longitudes 79° 42' and 81° 52'. The maximum length and width of Sri Lanka is 435 km and 225 km respectively. Total area of Sri Lanka is 65610 sq km (Land area: 64740 sq km, Water area: 870 sq km).

Time Zone

Local time of Sri Lanka is 6 hours ahead (+6 hrs) of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and half an hour ahead of Indian Standard Time (IST)