Sri Lanka top 16 Fun Facts

#1.

Sri Lanka is nicknamed pearl of the Indian Ocean and teardrop of India 

#2.

Sri Lanka has 123 species of mammals and 183 species of reptiles (such as elephants, leopards, and crocodiles)

#3.

The beaches of Mirissa and Trincomalee are perfect for anyone interested in spotting the mighty blue whale in the Indian Ocean. 

#4.

It is the fourth largest tea producer and exporter in the world, with over 1 million of its 22 million people working for the tea industry.

#5.

Cinnamon was first found in Sri Lanka  by the Egyptians in 2000 BC.

#6.

  Tudor-style Nuwara Eliya Post Office is one of’s oldest post offices. It was inaugurated in 1894

#7.

Nuwara Eliya, a British-built town located in the hill country, is known for its temperate, cool climate. It used to be the favourite holiday retreat for the British elite.

#8.

Perched in the picturesque area of the southern hill Country, this holy peak has been a mecca for people of various beliefs in Sri Lanka for over a thousand years.

#9.

In Buddhism, the peak is known as Sri Pada, meaning sacred footprint, and is believed to have been left by the Buddha when he was going to paradise.

#10.

For Hindus, it is Lord Shiva’s footprint. When asking Christians and Muslims, they would say it is the footprint of Adam as he was banished from the Garden of Eden.

#11.

“Serendipity”, one of Britain’s favourite words, is derived from “Serendip”, the old name of Sri Lanka called by the Arabs and Persians.

#12

The flag of Sri Lanka, also known as Lion Flag, is considered one of the world’s oldest, dating back to 162 BC.

#13.

Sri Lankan flag is the only flag in the world to recognise different religious beliefs, with the Bo leaves representing Buddhism, orange standing for Hinduism, and green for Islam.

#14.

A sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha, brought from India in the 4th century CE, is still preserved in the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy.

#15.

In July 1960, Sirimavo Bandaranaike, the leader of Sri Lanka Freedom Party, won the general election and became the first woman prime minister in the world.

#16.

Sri Lanka has the highest literacy rate in South Asia.

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