Sri Lanka

The multinational island country of Sri Lanka is known for its beautiful plains, mountains, and arable soil. Much of its incredibly-diverse population lives in rural farming locations. With elaborate irrigation systems and advanced agricultural techniques, Sri Lanka has cemented its place in agricultural history. Beyond agricultural practices, Sri Lanka is also a hearth and core region for Theravada Buddhism and an accepting place of many other religions and cultures (such as Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity). While the ethnic Sinhalese comprise most of Sri Lanka’s population, the Tamils, Moors, Chinese, Malay, Burghers, and indigenous Vedda are also significant ethnic groups on the island.

With its rich history stretching back to the 6th century BCE, Sri Lanka has historically been a center of innovation in many prominent ways. Two irrigation systems, both suitable for drier landscapes, were created due to the widely varied environment; the irrigation systems date back to the first millennium BCE, These irrigation systems have diffused around the world and have aided in many agricultural revolutions. Furthermore, Sri Lanka reserves its place as a major waterway hub. It is home to many bustling international ports, including (but not limited to) Colombo, Galle, Trincomalee, and Hambantota.

Humans first settled in Sri Lanka 125,000 years ago; however, Sri Lanka’s documented history dates back three millennia. Due to its strategic location as a major hub of commerce, Sri Lanka was recognized by both Europeans and other Asians as far back as the Anuradhapura period (377 BCE–1017 CE). In 1815, the British began controlling and colonizing the island; Sri Lanka was under British rule until 1948 when it finally won its independence. They soon were admitted into the United Nations, just seven years later. While Colombo earned its reputation as a key urban setting under British rule, it has maintained its prominence in Sri Lanka since its independence. To this day Colombo serves as an executive and judicial capital of Sri Lanka, and a major port for the world.