Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, is an island country in South Asia, located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of the Bay of Bengal and southeast of the Arabian Sea. Known for its tropical climate, rich cultural heritage, and biodiversity, Sri Lanka is a popular destination for tourism and trade.

Sri Lanka covers an area of approximately 65,610 square kilometres and has a population of around 22 million people as of 2024–2025.

Key Country Information

  • Capital City: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (administrative), Colombo (commercial)
  • Head of State (President): Ranil Wickremesinghe
  • Head of Government (Prime Minister): Dinesh Gunawardena
  • Official Languages: Sinhala, Tamil
  • Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
  • International Dialing Code: +94

Population and Economy

Sri Lanka has a population of approximately 22 million. The economy is diverse, with key sectors including agriculture (tea, coconut, rubber), tourism, textiles, apparel, and information technology services. Colombo serves as a major commercial hub, while other cities like Kandy and Galle are important for tourism and trade.

Foreign nationals can find employment opportunities in IT, tourism, hospitality, education, shipping, and international NGOs. The cost of living is moderate, with urban centers being more expensive than rural areas.

International Memberships

  • United Nations (UN): Member since 1955
  • Commonwealth of Nations: Member since 1948
  • South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC): Member since 1985
  • World Trade Organization (WTO): Member since 1995
  • Asian Development Bank (ADB): Member since 1966

Living and Working in Sri Lanka

Foreign nationals require a valid work visa and residence permit to work legally in Sri Lanka. Employment opportunities are available in tourism, IT, construction, education, and business sectors. Most employers sponsor work permits and assist with visa processing.

Living standards vary across the country, with Colombo being the most developed city offering modern amenities, while rural regions maintain a traditional lifestyle. English is widely spoken in business and tourism, which facilitates work and communication for foreigners.

Summary

Sri Lanka is a tropical island nation in South Asia with a rich cultural heritage and diverse economy. Foreign nationals can work legally with a work visa, particularly in IT, tourism, hospitality, education, and business sectors. Sri Lanka is a member of the UN, Commonwealth, SAARC, and WTO, making it an active participant in regional and international cooperation.