Sri Lanka: Dedicated to 20 years of diplomatic relations with Kazakhstan

the Embassy of the Democratic Socilaist Republic of Sri Lanka in the Russian Federation accredited to the Republic of Kazakhstan, is pleased to invite you on a journey through our absolutely exotic island - Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is an island in the Indian Ocean. For many years in the past, she was known by the name of Taprobane, used by the Greeks and Romans. Arabic seafarers who came to the island named her Sindbad, for the English, she was Ceylon. But through ancient times, her citizens have called her by the name of Sri Lanka. Seven of the 130 World Heritage sites declared by UNESCO is found on our amazing island.

Sri Lanka is separated from the main land of India only through a narrow stretch of corral where during ancient times, there had existed a land passage - Adam's Bridge. Legend says that the paradise garden of Adam and Eve was the island of Sri Lanka - seemingly true, considering the beautiful tropical forests and delicious Sri Lankan fruits!

Visitors to the island will be amazed by the beautiful beaches graced with palm trees bending down to the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, her spacious valleys and picturesque waterfalls and rivers, tropical forests and rich, exotic flora and fauna - all this forms a fitting background to the imposing ruins of ancient cities - observers of the many thousands of years of history and culture of the island.

Sri Lanka is multinational - Sinhalese, Tamils, Burghers and Moors are the many nationalities of the country. The main languages are Sinhala and Tamil while English is widely spoken and used in modern communications and business. The capitol of Colombo is the largest city in the country encompassing many cultures and religions. Colombo is also the centre of trade and business and has all the conveniences needed for modern lifestyles. The city has a diverse landscape - catholic churches amidst ancient Hindu and Buddhist temples alongside skyscrapers, trade centres and modern five-star hotels.

The ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa lie in the "cultural triangle" together with Kandy. The cultural triangle is a place of culture and history consisting of many interesting sights in the central part of the country.

Kandy, which lies among picturesque mountains, is one of the most beautiful cities. It is here that the 16^th century temple "Dalada Maligawa" where one of the most sacred expositions of Buddhists - the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha - is enshrined. From this temple, the most majestic festival in the whole of South East Asia, takes place - the annual cultural pageant "Esala Perehera".   Every year, on the full-moon night of July, the festival parades the streets where the main elephant dressed in royal attire, carries the Sacred Tooth Relic on his back accompanied by other elephants and traditional dancers, drummers, acrobats, fire-carriers, flag bearers etc. For 10 days, the festival parades the streets becoming more and more grandiose and magnificent.

The warm and friendly nature of Sri Lankans is not to be missed. They will always welcome visitors with a warm smile from their heart, which adds to the charming beauty of our enigmatic island of Sri Lanka.