198 TILG Sri Lanka ceo networks

Lying off the southern tip of India, the tropical island of Sri Lanka has attracted visitors for centuries with its natural beauty.

But it has been scarred by a long and bitter civil war arising out of ethnic tensions between the majority Sinhalese and the Tamil minority in the northeast.

After more than 25 years of violence the conflict ended in May 2009, when government forces seized the last area controlled by Tamil Tiger rebels. But recriminations over abuses by both sides continue.

The island fell under Portuguese and Dutch influence after the 16th century. It gained independence in 1948, after nearly 150 years of British rule.

The Beautiful Sri Lanka You Have to Visit to appreciate

Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Capital: Colombo
Population 21.2 million
Area 65,610 sq km (25,332 sq miles)
Major languagesSinhala, Tamil, English
Major religions Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity
Life expectancy 72 years (men), 78 years (women)
Currency Sri Lankan rupee

TRAVEL & ECONOMY

The IPS' annual flagship report 'Sri Lanka: State of the Economy' provides a critical assessment of the country's economic performance and near term outlook for growth and macroeconomic stability. This year, the report draws attention to 'Climate Change, Food Security and Disaster Risk Management' as its main thematic focus to examine the many interrelated socio-economic impacts that need policy consideration.