1. Sri Lanka gained full independence in 1948 – It was first colonised by the Portuguese in 1505 and then the Dutch in 1658, before the British in 1796.
2. Sri Lanka is one of the world’s largest tea producers (after China, India & Kenya) – Lipton Tea was actually founded in Sri Lanka!
Photo by Victoria Hearn
3. The nation is home to Sigiriya Rock Fortress – this gigantic rock rises 200m above the plains below and is Sri Lanka’s most popular attraction.
4. The most common meal in Sri Lanka is spicy curry served with rice and a small side dish of vegetables.
 by Zoe Francis.JPG)
Photo by Zoe Francis
5. Every full moon day is a public holiday in Sri Lanka!
6. Education is paramount in Sri Lanka, earning the highest literacy rate in South Asia.
7. The traditional salutation is ‘Ayubowan’, meaning may you have a long life. This is used as ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’.
8. The blue sapphire used in the engagement ring of Diana, the former Princess of Wales came from the gem mines of Ratnapura (south-central Sri Lanka).
9. Sri Lanka’s national flag is considered to be one of the oldest flags in the world.
10. Sri Lanka was the first country in the world to democratically elect a female as head of state!
You can visit the beauty of Sri Lanka on a Bunnik Tour!
