Sri Lanka, an island in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of India, is one of the most biodiverse countries in Asia. A hotspot of biological diversity, Sri Lanka is home to over 5,000 species of plants and animals, many of which are endemic to the island. Sri Lanka’s unique natural environment includes rainforests, mangroves, wetlands, and coral reefs.
The island’s diverse habitats are threatened by human activity, including deforestation, urbanization, and pollution. Sri Lanka is working to protect its natural resources through conservation initiatives such as establishing national parks and nature reserves.
Sri Lanka has a long history of human habitation. Archaeological evidence suggests that humans have been living on the island for over 100,000 years. The first written records of Sri Lanka date back to the 6th century BC when it was known as Taprobanê (Ταπροβανῆ). The name “Sri Lanka” means “resplendent land” or “holy island” in Sanskrit and Pali languages.
The Sinhalese people began settling on the island in the 3rd century BC. They established a powerful kingdom that lasted for over 2,000 years. In 1505 CE, Portuguese explorer Jorge de Menezes arrived on the island and claimed it for Portugal. The Portuguese rule lasted until 1658 when they were defeated by the Dutch East India Company. The Dutch rule ended in 1796 when Britain took control of the island during the Napoleonic Wars. Sri Lanka remained a British colony until 1948 when it became an independent country.
Since independence, Sri Lanka has faced challenges from Tamil separatist groups who want a separate state for Tamil people in northeastern part of the island nation . After decades of conflict ,a peace process began in 2002 led to a ceasefire between government forces and Tamil rebels .In 2009 ,the government declared victory over Tamil separatists ,ending more than 25 years war .