Sri Lanka,known from thebeginning of British colonial ruleuntil 1972 asCeylon, is anisland countryinSouth Asianear south-eastIndia.Its geographic location and deep harbours made it of great strategic importance from the time of the ancientSilk Roadthrough toWorld War II.
A diverse and multicultural country with a long fascinating history,Sri Lanka is home to many religions, ethnic groups, and languages.In addition to the majoritySinhalese, it is home to large groups ofSri LankanandIndian Tamils, Moors, Burhgers, Malays,Kaffirsand the aboriginalVedda.The country has a rich Buddhist heritage, and the first knownBuddhistwritings of Sri Lanka, thePāli Canon, dates back to theFourth Buddhist councilin 29 BC.
