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Srilanka Tours
 Srilanka a Small island with many nicknames, a list which is as varied as its his-torical influences. More than 2000 years ago the famous Indian epic "Ramayana" told of misdeedsof the wicked king of Lanka. The Dravids called the isle Ilankai; to the old Greeks and the Romans it was known as Taprobane; the Arabic merchants called it Serendib; the Portuguese Ceiloa; the Dutch changed the name into Ceylan, and the British to Ceylon.The Republic of Sri Lanka was born in 1972, the prefix "Sri" is Sanskrit in origin and means resplendent.
The British, who ruled the island from 1795 - 1948 have exerted the most lasting influences on the country and its people. The Portuguese (1505 - 1658) and the Dutch (1658-1795) were only able to control the coastal areas. The Portuguese were as interested in saving souls as they were interested in trade. Their evangelical mission has had a lasting influence, and they gave many Sri Lankans their names: Fernando, Silva, Perera, Alfonso,and many more. The Dutchmen were more interested in trade and less about the salvation of the natives.
Sri Lanka achieved independence in 1948 and adopted democratic system of governance. In1972, the country became a republic and adopted Sri Lanka as its official name-hitherto it was known as Ceylon. Shortly after independence an ethnic conflict between majority Sinhalese and minority Tamils started. The conflict has taken a heavy toll on the island country and has resulted in the death of thousands of people. Peace talks brokered by Norway resulted in ceasefire in 2001 and currently the peace talks are going on between the two sides.
The English also brought their own culinary traditions; however, today the Sri Lankans prefer the continental European kitchen or local and Asian specialities to English food. Everybody speaks of the Queen, and they mean the Queen of England. Royal College is the top school for the elite of the country, and also The Royal Colombo Golf Club has not changed its name after independence. Both institutions are proud for their "Royal" connection which was granted to them by royal decree more than hundred years ago. Ceylon has always been typically English and even for Sri Lanka today this statement is still valid.
Culture
 Sri Lankan society is dominantly marked by the caste system. Caste system in Srilanka is based on the theory that every person is born into a particular group which defines his or her fixed position within society for lifetime. Purity is one of the most basic concepts of caste system. The person in each caste must preserve their purity by avoiding the contact with the persons of lower purity. In Sri Lanka, there are two caste systems, one for the Sinhalese and the other for the Tamils. For the Sinhalese, although Buddhism discourages the distinction based on caste, it still exists but is not based on the concept of purity but on the basis of hereditary roles and functions. For the Tamils, Hinduism is a perpetuated influence on social division among themselves.
Sri Lanka's classical architecture, sculpture and painting are predominantly Buddhist. Stupas sprinkle the countryside, and there are several extravagantly large Buddha's sculptures, notably at Aukana and Buduruvagala. Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa have the most impressive archaelogical legacy, but Kandy is the most thriving cultural centre today. Colonial remnants include Dutch forts, canal and churches and British residences, clubs and courthouses. Galle is the finest colonial city on the island.
Buddhism in Sri Lanka :
Sri Lanka is the oldest continually Buddhist country in the world. The religion was introduced in Srilanka in 2nd century BC by Mahinda-the son of Indian Emperor Ashoka-during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa. Later on Ashoka's daughter Sanghamitta brought southern branch of the original Bodhi tree-under which Buddha attained enlightenment. The branch was planted at Anuradhapura and is today considered very sacred by Buddhists all over the world.
Buddhism has two major schools-Theravada and Hinyana. In Sri Lanka Theravada school is followed. Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka itself can be divided into three different sects.
Siyam Nikaya: In the 18th century, the official line of monastic ordination had been broken since monks at that time no longer knew the Pali tradition.
Amarapura Nikaya: This sect was initiated by members of rising low-country castes discontent with monopoly over the monastic community by the upper castes in the 19th century.
Ramanna Nikaya: This sect was established in the late nineteenth century as a result of disputes over some points of doctrine and the practice of meditation.
How to Reach Srilanka
Sri Lanka is easily accessible by air from all the major countries in the world. The international airport at Colombo receives direct flights from Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East. Besides, a huge number of flights from Indian cities like Chennai, Mumbai, Trichy and Thiruvananthapuram also fly to Sri Lanka regularly.
However, you will have to take note that there are no domestic passenger flights in Sri Lanka. Hence more importance is paid to road transport in Sri Lanka. If you don't prefer road transport, you can opt for train travel which is more comfortable but comparatively slower. All the major attractions of Sri Lanka are no longer than a few hours drive away from each other. Thus it becomes very easy to explore Sri Lanka and visit all its attractions within a short span of time. In fact you can also drive down to a place for a day and return back by night, which would give you ample time to indulge in some shopping and relaxation the next day.
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