Sri Lanka
Geographical & General Info
- Capital: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (commercial: Colombo)
- Population: approx. 22 million
- Languages: Sinhala, Tamil (both official)
- Area: 65,610 km²
- Time Zone: UTC+5:30 (SLST)
- Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
- Flag Colors: Gold/yellow, maroon, green, orange (with golden lion)
- National Holiday: February 4
- National Anthem: Sri Lanka Matha
- Neighboring Countries: None (island nation near India and Maldives)
Top 15 Largest Cities
- Colombo
- Gampaha
- Kandy
- Jaffna
- Galle
- Moratuwa
- Negombo
- Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia
- Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
- Trincomalee
- Batticaloa
- Kurunegala
- Anuradhapura
- Ratnapura
- Badulla
Top 15 Attractions
- Sigiriya (Lion Rock)
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Kandy)
- Nine Arch Bridge (Ella)
- Yala National Park
- Galle Fort (UNESCO)
- Dambulla Cave Temple
- Adam's Peak (Sri Pada)
- Udawalawe National Park
- Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
- Anuradhapura Ancient City
- Polonnaruwa Ancient City
- Mirissa Beach (Whale Watching)
- Nuwara Eliya Tea Plantations
- Horton Plains & World's End
- Arugam Bay
Climate and Nature
Sri Lanka has a tropical monsoon climate with warm coastal weather year-round and cooler temperatures in the central highlands. The country features a dual monsoon pattern: the Yala monsoon brings rain to the southwest (May-September), while the Maha monsoon affects the northeast (October-January). The island boasts rich biodiversity, including rainforests, tea estates, sandy beaches, and dense populations of wild Asian elephants and leopards.
Culture and Gastronomy
Sri Lankan culture is deeply influenced by Buddhist and Hindu heritage, enriched by Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial history. The cuisine is flavorful and spicy, relying heavily on coconut milk and spices. Signature dishes include Rice and Curry, Hoppers (bowl-shaped rice flour pancakes), and Kottu Roti, famously accompanied by world-renowned Ceylon tea.
Economy
The economy of Sri Lanka centers on agriculture, garment manufacturing, and tourism. The island is the fourth-largest producer of tea globally (Ceylon tea). Key economic sectors also include gemstone mining (notably blue sapphires), spice exports, and foreign remittances sent home by the international Sri Lankan diaspora.
Did you know?
- Sri Lanka elected Sirimavo Bandaranaike in 1960, making her the world's very first female prime minister?
- The country was officially known as Ceylon until it adopted the name Sri Lanka in 1972?
- Sri Lanka is often nicknamed the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean' or 'Teardrop of India' due to its distinct shape and geographic location?
- The Temple of the Tooth in Kandy holds what is believed to be a sacred tooth relic of Gautama Buddha?
- The scenic train route winding through the tea hills between Kandy and Ella is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful train journeys on Earth?
Live footage: Discover Sri Lanka via webcams and livestreams
Watch the most current webcams in Sri Lanka and enjoy real-time footage from beautiful locations. Whether you want to check the current weather, see the crowds at points of interest, or simply want to daydream with a livestream from Sri Lanka: our interactive map points you to the best camera viewpoints.
All webcam locations in Sri Lanka: Weather & Info
In the list below you'll find all available webcams from Sri Lanka in alphabetical order. Click on a city for the full live connection, current temperature, wind speed and local weather conditions for that specific place.
