| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| ISO 3166 alpha-2 | LKISO 3166 [2024] |
| ISO 3166 alpha-3 | LKAISO 3166 [2024] |
| Capital | ColomboGeoNames [2024] |
| Continent | AsiaGeoNames [2024] |
| Common name | Sri LankaCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Official name | Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri LankaCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Local name | Shri Lanka (Sinhala)/ Ilankai (Tamil)CIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Etymology | the name is composed of the Sanskrit words shri (happiness or holiness) and lanka (island); the former name Serendib was an Arabic derivation of the Sanskrit word simhaladvipa, or "island of the place of lions;" the former name Ceylon came from the Sanskrit simha, or "lion"CIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Government type | Presidential republicCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Independence | 4 February 1948 (from the UK)CIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| National holiday | Independence Day (National Day), 4 February (1948)CIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Head of state | Anura Kumara DISSANAYAKE (Pres.)CIA World Leaders [2025] |
| Currency code (ISO 4217) | LKRISO 4217 Currency Codes [2026] |
| Currency | Sri Lanka RupeeISO 4217 Currency Codes [2026] |
| Administrative subdivisions | 9ISO 3166-2 Subdivisions [2026] |
| Subdivision names | Central Province / Eastern Province / North Central Province / North Western Province / Northern Province / Sabaragamuwa Province / Southern Province / Uva Province / Western ProvinceISO 3166-2 Subdivisions [2026] |
| Historical overview | "Research completed October 1988." Supercedes the 1970 ed. of Area handbook for Sri Lanka, coauthored by Richard F. Nyrop [et al.]. Includes bibliographical references (p. 281-300) and index. Also available in digital form.LoC FRD Country Studies [2026] |
| National symbols | lion, water lilyCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| National anthem | title: "Sri Lanka Matha" (Mother Sri Lanka); lyrics/music: Ananda SAMARKONE (Sinhala),M. NALLATHAMBY (Tamil)/Ananda SAMARKONE; history: adopted 1951CIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| National colors | maroon, yellowCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Citizenship rules | citizenship by birth: no; citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Sri Lanka; dual citizenship recognized: no, except in cases where the government rules it is to the benefit of Sri Lanka; residency requirement for naturalization: 7 yearsCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
the name is composed of the Sanskrit words shri (happiness or holiness) and lanka (island); the former name Serendib was an Arabic derivation of the Sanskrit word simhaladvipa , or "island of the place of lions;" the former name Ceylon came from the Sanskrit simha , or "lion"
description: yellow with two panels; the smaller panel on the left has two equal vertical bands of green (left side) and orange; the larger panel has a yellow lion holding a sword on a maroon field, with a yellow bo leaf in each corner meaning: the sword stands for national sovereignty; the lion for Sinhalese ethnicity, the strength of the nation, and bravery; the four bo leaves for Buddhism and the four virtues of kindness, friendliness, happiness, and equanimity; orange stands for Tamils, green for Moors, and maroon for the Sinhalese majority; yellow represents other ethnic groups
Source: CIA World Factbook (Historical Archive — final edition) · CC0 · Edition 2026-05
