Key Facts
- GDP (ppp) per CAPITA
- $4,300 (2008 est.)
- Inflation Rate
- 22.6% (2008 est.)
- Population
- 21,324,791
- Country Risk Ratings
- C
- Ease of Doing Business
- 102/181
- Global Competitiveness
- 4.02/134
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gE Network
There are
15
members in the
gE Network for this country.
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Sri Lanka : Introduction
The first Sinhalese arrived in Sri Lanka late in the 6th century B.C. probably from northern India. Buddhism was introduced in about the mid-third century B.C., and a great civilization developed at the cities of Anuradhapura (kingdom from circa 200 B.C. to circa A.D. 1000) and Polonnaruwa (from about 1070 to 1200). In the 14th century, a south Indian dynasty established a Tamil kingdom in northern Sri Lanka. The coastal areas of the island were controlled by the Portuguese in the 16th century and by the Dutch in the 17th century. The island was ceded to the British in 1796, became a crown colony in 1802, and was united under British rule by 1815. As Ceylon, it became independent in 1948; its name was changed to Sri Lanka in 1972. Tensions between the Sinhalese majority and Tamil separatists erupted into war in 1983. Tens of thousands have died in the ethnic conflict that continues to fester. After two decades of fighting, the government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) formalized a cease-fire in February 2002 with Norway brokering peace negotiations. Violence between the LTTE and government forces intensified in 2006 and the government regained control of the Eastern Province in 2007. In May 2009, the government announced that its military had finally defeated the remnants of the LTTE and that its leader, Velupillai PRABHAKARAN, had been killed.
quick links
Sri Lanka: Country Commercial GuideSri Lanka: World Bank Doing Business Indicators
Sri Lanka: Economist Country Briefing
Sri Lanka: BBC Country Profile
Sri Lanka: MSU Global Access
- Sri Lanka: Department of Census and Statistics
Provided by the government of Sri Lanka statistics include demographic, social, and economic indicators. The site also provides quick links to a newsletter and statistical data sheet.
Sources:
CIA World Factbook (September 2009)
U.S. Dept. of State Country Background Notes (July 2009)
