What do you know about the country of

Sri Lanka?

Before it proclaimed itself a Republic in 1972, Sri Lanka was known as Ceilao, then Ceilon, and then Ceylon.

FYI

Two Main Groups:1. Sinhalese - Buddhists, whose origins lay in northern India2. Tamils - Hindus from southern India

FYI

Vijaya-an Indian prince who conquered the island in the 6th century and finally became the first king of the Sinhalese

FYI

To the Chinese, Sri Lanka was known as the "Island of Gems"

FYI

What is the mystique of Sri Lanka?

?

"The Sri Lankan Mystique"

-it is an account of the personal impressions

and experiences of the journalist, Robert Paul Jordan, who traveled to the island on assignment

for his paper in 1983

Observations:

A. Economy-it is based on the three main exports:

1. tea2. rubber3. coconuts

B. Government- nepotism-ridden and corrupt (unfair practice by a powerful person of giving favors to the people)

C. Political Problem-there's an animosity between the Sinhalese and the Tamils

D. Social Problem- not enough jobs- not enough food

E. Physical-Colombo, the capital

city, has a few modern buildings and congested streets.

F. Attitude-Majority of the

Sinhalese are easygoing, friendly, and quick to smile.

-The Tamils are known for their hardwork.

G. Religion-Sinhalese are

mostly Buddhists.

-Most of the Tamils practice Hinduism.

H. Language-Sinhala and Tamil

become the national languages.

I. Beliefs-Many people guide

their lives by their horoscope and turn to their astrologers for all important decisions.

Kandy- a historic stronghold in a setting of incredible natural beauty-it is where "The Temple of the Tooth" stands