Sri Lanka is known for having a strong ethnic intolerance, which has caused many conflicts. Still considered a third-world country, Sri Lanka has many unique natural resources, such as large sapphires and rubies, coconuts, and delicious teas and coffees. Similar in many ways to India, Sri Lankans are as committed to Buddhism as Indians are to Hinduism. Sri Lanka boasts beautiful beaches in the south, and forests rich in wildlife in the middle of the country. Although similar in climate to most tropical countries, Sri Lanka is unique because it has two monsoon seasons.

Country Profile

Full Country Name:Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Area: 66,000 sq km
Population: 19 million
Capital city:Colombo (pop 2 million)
People: 74% Sinhalese, 18% Tamils, 7% Moor, 1% other
Language:Sinhala, Tamil, English
Religion: % Buddhist, 15% Hindu, 8% Muslim, 8% Christian
Government:Democracy

Money & Costs

Currency: Sri Lankan rupee
Exchange Rate: US$1 = 97

Relative cost:
Budget Meal: US$ 0.50-3
Budget Room: US$ 4-15

It won't be hard to budget your travels to less than US$15-20 a day in Sri Lanka. Any bank can cash your traveler's checks for a good rate, and at many banks you can get cash withdrawals from your credit card. ATMs are becoming more common.

On the Move

Sri Lanka is a small enough that it's easy to get around wherever you go. Trains and buses are the quickest, easiest and most common way to get around Sri Lanka. While trains are slower than the buses, they are much more comfortable, as the buses tend to be very overcrowded. Rental cars with drivers, taxis and auto-rickshaws are a common way to get around locally.

Religion

Although there isn't a state religion, the Sri Lankan constitution gives Buddhism the "foremost place." However, all religions are given the right to practice freely. There has been some resistance from Buddhists, but evangelical Christianity is growing in Sri Lanka, although the numbers are still small. Sri Lanka is geographically divided between the four most dominant religions, although these are only generalizations. Buddhism is strongest in southern Sri Lanka, while northern Sri Lanka is very strongly Hindu. In the east, Muslims make up a high percentage of the population, and the Christian population is mostly in the west.

Call to Missionaries

Sri Lanka is a welcoming country with friendly people, and it's very easy to get around. Although there is a Christian presence, it is still very much a minority. The people are generally very curious about foreigners, and want to know why they've come. This can be an excellent opportunity for sharing the Gospel. Although, like most people, they're committed to their traditions, Sri Lankans are receptive to the message of foreigners. Prayer is needed for this country with so many people dying in their sins. Dedicated people are needed who will faithfully proclaim Christ.