1.Pearl of the Indian Ocean & Teardrop of India

Sri Lanka has two names that it’s also known as. The first is ‘pearl of the Indian Ocean’, this is said to be named after its incredible beauty, varied biodiversity (the highest in Asia!), as well as one of its main exports being precious gemstones. The second, the ‘teardrop of India’, is a little more obvious, due to its perfect teardrop shape and being off the coast of India.

2. Sri Lanka’s largest export?

Tea is Sri Lanka’s largest export, accounting for 12% of its export by product (2014). It’s the fourth largest exporter of tea in the world, and in February 2017, marked its 150th anniversary of tea exportation. Ceylon Tea, being that Sri Lanka is most known for, is considered by the cleanest tea in the world by the ISO (with the least pesticide residue quantities).

3.Cinnamon’s origins

Since ancient times, Sri Lanka was known for its cinnamon. The country still produces 80 to 90 percent of the world supply of C.verum cinnamon. 

4.Interesting facts about Sri Lanka Flag:

The national flag of Sri Lanka is considered to be one of the oldest flag in the World. This is the only flag in the world that recognizes different religions.
– Lion represents Sinhalese people of the island.
– Bo-leaves at the four corners represent Buddhism. These four leaves stand for four virtues – Kindness, Friendliness, Happiness and Equanimity
– Orange vertical stripe represents Hindu and Green vertical stripe represents Muslim

One of the more racy facts about Sri Lanka is that the county searches Google for the word ‘sex’ more than any other country in the world.

5.Adam’s Peak

Adam’s Peak is the most sacred mountain in the country. It stands at 2,243m (797ft) and holds significance in several major religions thanks to the curious depression at its summit, known as the Sri Pada or Sacred Footprint. Buddhists believe the impression to be Buddha’s, Muslims claim it as the footprint of Adam’s, while Hindus believe it belongs to Shiva. Christians have also claimed it for St Thomas.

6.World’s Fourth Largest Tea Producer

Sri Lanka is the world’s fourth largest tea producer (after China, India and Kenya) and third largest exporter. The country produces three main varieties: Ceylon black, Ceylon green, and Ceylon white tea.Lipton Tea was founded in Sri Lanka. In 1890, Glasgow-born grocer Sir Thomas Lipton purchased 5,500 acres of the Dambatenne Tea Plantation in Ceylon’s high country and began exporting it directly to his shops in the UK.

7.Rice and Curry

Rice and curry is the staple dish in Sri Lanka. It’s often eaten from a banana leaf and it’s traditionally eaten with the hands (without cutlery), as is every other meal. The dish is always called rice and curry, never curry and rice, because rice is seen to be the most important part of the dish and Sri Lankan cuisine.

  1. Cow’s Milk

If you REALLY want to make the locals chuckle, say ella kiri (pronounced ala-ki-ri) to them as much as you can. It means ‘awesome’, but translates literally to ‘cow’s milk’. They’ll be bowled over you know the lingo.

  1. Give No Lavish Gifts

Even if you are rich, as a rule, do not give lavish or expensive gifts.  Here are some general gift-giving etiquette rules:

  • Avoid flowers – they are used in mourning
  • Only give alcohol if you are sure the recipient drinks
  • White or black are the colours of funerals and mourning
  • Hindus should not be given gifts made of leather
  • Give and receive gifts with two hands

Gifts are generally not opened when received.  Any gift received should be reciprocated.

  1. Not Strictly Time-Conscious

Time is viewed in a relaxed sense by most Sri Lankans.  Showing up on time for any appointment is good.  But, funny or not, you must ensure you take along a book, a magazine, or a fat newspaper to read while waiting.  For indeed, you are most likely to be kept waiting.