Pearl of the orient.

Sri Lanka is an island country located in South Asia, situated in the Indian Ocean. It is officially known as the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and was formerly known as Ceylon. The capital city of Sri Lanka is Colombo, and the country has a population of approximately 21 million people.

Sri Lanka has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its beautiful landscapes, including beaches, mountains, and lush forests. The country is also home to many ancient Buddhist temples, such as the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The official languages of Sri Lanka are Sinhala and Tamil, and English is widely spoken. The economy of Sri Lanka is mainly based on agriculture, tourism, and apparel exports. The country has experienced political instability and conflict in the past, but it has made progress towards peace and reconciliation in recent years.

Overall, Sri Lanka is a fascinating country with a diverse culture and beautiful natural scenery.

Sri Lanka has a long and complex history of monarchies, spanning over 2,500 years. Here are some of the notable kings of Sri Lanka:

Vijaya (543-505 BCE): Vijaya was the first king of Sri Lanka, according to legend. He is said to have arrived in Sri Lanka from India and established the kingdom of Tambapanni.

Dutugemunu (161-137 BCE): Dutugemunu is considered one of the greatest kings of Sri Lanka. He is known for uniting the country and defeating the invading Chola dynasty of South India in the famous battle of Vijithapura.

Parakramabahu I (1153-1186): Parakramabahu I is known for his military campaigns and for building many irrigation systems that are still in use today. He is also credited with establishing the city of Polonnaruwa as the capital of Sri Lanka.

Kalinga Magha (1215-1236): Kalinga Magha was a South Indian king who invaded Sri Lanka and established the Jaffna kingdom in the north. His rule was marked by religious persecution and cultural suppression.

Parakramabahu VI (1412-1467): Parakramabahu VI is known for his patronage of the arts and for building the famous Sigiriya rock fortress. He also established the city of Kotte as the new capital of Sri Lanka.

Rajasinghe I (1581-1591): Rajasinghe I was the founder of the Kandyan kingdom, which resisted European colonialism for several centuries. He is known for his military campaigns against the Portuguese.

Kirti Sri Rajasinha (1747-1782): Kirti Sri Rajasinha was the last king of the Kandyan kingdom. He is known for his resistance against the British colonialists, who eventually captured the kingdom in 1815.

These are just a few of the many kings who ruled Sri Lanka over the centuries. Each king left his mark on the country's history, culture, and society.

Sri Lanka has a rich cultural heritage and many national symbols that represent the country's identity. Here are some of the national things in Sri Lanka:

National Flag - The Sri Lankan national flag features a lion holding a sword on a maroon background, surrounded by four Bo leaves in each corner, representing Buddhism.

National Anthem - Sri Lanka's national anthem is called "Sri Lanka Matha" or "Mother Sri Lanka." It was written in 1940 by Ananda Samarakoon, and its melody is based on a traditional folk song.

National Emblem - The national emblem of Sri Lanka features a golden lion passant holding a sword in its right paw, standing on a blue lotus.

National Flower - The national flower of Sri Lanka is the Blue Water Lily (Nymphaea nouchali). It is a beautiful aquatic flower that is found throughout the country.

National Tree - The national tree of Sri Lanka is the Ironwood (Mesua ferrea). This tree is known for its hard wood and fragrant flowers.

National Bird - The national bird of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Junglefowl (Gallus lafayetii). It is a colorful bird that is endemic to Sri Lanka.

National Sport - Volleyball is considered the national sport of Sri Lanka. However, cricket is the most popular sport in the country.

National Dress - The national dress of Sri Lanka is the sarong and the sari. The sarong is a garment that is worn by men, while the sari is worn by women.

National Language - The official languages of Sri Lanka are Sinhala and Tamil. However, English is also widely spoken and understood.

National Currency - The national currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR).