Lesson: Sri Lanka: The Pearl of the Indian Ocean

A. Discussion

Discuss these questions in pairs:

1. Which country is often known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean?
2. Which country is the world’s largest tea exporter?
3. Which country did the spice cinnamon originate from?
4. Which country was mentioned in the great Indian epic The Ramayana?
5. Which country has the highest literacy rate in South Asia?

B. Reading

(a) Welcoming Visitors

Anyone visiting Sri Lanka may often hear the word “Ayubowan.” This word means “May you have the gift of long life.” It is with this traditional greeting that everyone is welcomed to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is variously known as Serendip, Ceylon, Teardrop of India, Pearl of the Indian Ocean, etc. These names reveal the richness and beauty of this island nation. Many travelers, from ancient mariners and merchants to present-day tourists, have been attracted by the beauty of this island.

(b) Teardrop in the Ocean

Sri Lanka is located in the Indian Ocean, just off the southeastern coast of India. Shaped like a teardrop, the island of Sri Lanka measures about 415 kilometers from north to south, and about 220 kilometers from east to west, with a total land area of about 65,600 square kilometers. It has more than 1,340 kilometers of coastline.

(c) A Multicultural Tapestry

Despite its modest size, Sri Lanka has a population of about 20 million. Sri Lanka is a multi-religious, multi-racial, and multi-lingual country. The four major ethnic groups are the Sinhalese, Sri Lankan Tamils, Indian Tamils, and Sri Lankan Moors or Muslims. A fifth group, the Veddhas, are the original inhabitants of the island. The ancient history of Sri Lanka is depicted in the Hindu epic The Ramayana. But the most important work on Lankan origin is related in Mahavamsa or ‘The Great Chronicle’.

(d) An Agricultural Economy

Sri Lanka’s economy has traditionally been based on agriculture. The emphasis is on exporting crops such as tea, rubber, and coconuts. In fact, Sri Lanka is the largest tea exporter in the world. The country is also a major producer and supplier of various spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, cloves, and nutmeg. Cinnamon first originated in Sri Lanka and was introduced to the world later by Arab merchants.

(e) A Blend of Civilizations

Sri Lanka’s archaeological treasures may be compared to those of other civilizations of the past, like the Golden Age of Greece, the Roman Empire, and Mayan citadels. The culture that followed those glorious pasts has been enriched by the more recent influences of Western colonizers and Eastern traders. That resulted in developing a unique mix of races and religions, arts and crafts, festivals, and costumes in this small country.

(f) Natural Paradise

Besides the man-made riches, one may find the God-given blessings of nature in Sri Lanka. The island is circled by azure seas and blessed with sandy beaches, green hills, cascading waterfalls, abundant wildlife, and various flowers and fruits. The country abounds with coconut groves, spice gardens, tea estates, and many other gardens and woods. Travelers from all over the world come to Sri Lanka. Here, a weary traveler can spend a relaxing day by a palm-shaded lagoon looking at the endless ocean. And for the adventurous, days can be full of excitement—snorkeling, swimming, fishing, or sailing.

(Picture: Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka)

C. Table Completion

From your reading of the text above, complete the table with no more than two words and/or numbers.

| Category | Facts | |----------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | People | There are ______, four main ethnic groups. They are Sinhalese, Sri Lankan Tamils, ______, and Sri Lankan Moors, who are also known as ______. The earliest residents of Sri Lanka are known as ______. | | Economy | Agriculture is a traditional form of economic activity in Sri Lanka. The country exports many crops and ______. Sri Lanka tops the world in ______ export. The spice ______ was first found in Sri Lanka. | | Natural Beauty | Sri Lanka is blessed with awesome natural beauty. There are blue seas, sandy beaches, green hills, and flowing ______. The country has very rich wildlife. A wide variety of fruits and ______ are also available there. Travelers can enjoy the ______ view, sitting by palm-shaded lagoons. |

D. Matching Headings

The passage in Section B has six paragraphs (a-f). Choose the most suitable heading for each paragraph from the list of headings below. There are more headings than paragraphs, so you will not use them all.

List of Headings

1. A Beautiful Island with Natural Richness
2. Teardrop of India
3. Geographical Features
4. A Rich Multicultural Setting
5. Some Religious Groups of Sri Lanka
6. A Traditional Economy
7. The Land of Cinnamon
8. A Melting Pot of Past Civilizations
9. Tourist Attractions and Leisure Activities
10. A Country with Beautiful Beaches

E. Reading and Discussion

Read the brief descriptions of some of the best tourist destinations in Sri Lanka. Then discuss the questions that follow.

(Picture 1: Anuradhapura)

Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka. The old city is today surrounded by monasteries, covering an area of over sixteen square miles. The city is also significant in Hindu legend as the capital of King Ravana.

(Picture 2: Bundala National Park)

Bundala National Park

Bundala National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s leading destinations for birdwatchers. The park is also home to large populations of elephants, crocodiles, turtles, and leopards.

(Picture 3: Hikkaduwa Beach)

Hikkaduwa - Coral Reef & Sandy Beaches

Hikkaduwa is a little town on the south coast of Sri Lanka. It is well-known for its beach and corals. It is principally a tourist destination and serves as a great beach with options to surf, snorkel, and enjoy the sun.

(Picture 4: Dambulla Cave Temple)

Dambulla

Major attractions of this city include the biggest and greatest cave temple complex of Sri Lanka. It is also famous for the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, which was built in just 167 days. The city also boasts the largest rose quartz mountain range in South Asia and the ironwood forest.

Discussion Questions:

Discuss the following questions in pairs.

1. What kind of tourist places do you like to visit?

   • Places with beaches
   • Places of historical importance
   • Places that preserve wildlife Explain why you like such places.

2. If you were offered a trip to any two of the four Sri Lankan cities above, which two would you choose? Explain why.

F. Writing

Write a paragraph about some of the interesting places to visit in Sri Lanka. Use your own words and the information given in Section E.