A teardrop-shaped island cast adrift in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka, is full of cultural and natural treasures. Indians, the Portuguese, Dutch and British all left their mark here, a delightful mix of ancient cities, monuments and atmospheric colonial architecture.
At the same time, palm-fringed beaches are not far away and lush mountainous vegetation attracts inward. It is easy to see why Marco Polo proclaimed Sri Lanka as one of the best islands in the world.
However, the drop shape is not inappropriate and Sri Lanka has a fair share of political unrest and natural disasters in recent decades. Once the country became a republic in 1972, a serious conflict arose from the Tamil minority (occupying the north and east), calling for an independent state. The terrorist activities of the Tamil Tigers has been prevalent - and a fragile truce in 2002, which unfortunately no longer than two years.
The country was devastated by the 2004 tsunami that killed more than 30,000 Sri Lankans and wiped out many coastal communities. While many tourists have been discouraged by the difficulties, tourism is a healing force in the country most affected, and visitors are assured a warm welcome.
At the same time, palm-fringed beaches are not far away and lush mountainous vegetation attracts inward. It is easy to see why Marco Polo proclaimed Sri Lanka as one of the best islands in the world.
However, the drop shape is not inappropriate and Sri Lanka has a fair share of political unrest and natural disasters in recent decades. Once the country became a republic in 1972, a serious conflict arose from the Tamil minority (occupying the north and east), calling for an independent state. The terrorist activities of the Tamil Tigers has been prevalent - and a fragile truce in 2002, which unfortunately no longer than two years.
The country was devastated by the 2004 tsunami that killed more than 30,000 Sri Lankans and wiped out many coastal communities. While many tourists have been discouraged by the difficulties, tourism is a healing force in the country most affected, and visitors are assured a warm welcome.
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