Doing Business with Sri Lanka
The pearl of the Indian ocean
Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon and officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, is an island country in South Asia. It lies in the Indian Ocean, southwest of the Bay of Bengal, and southeast of the Arabian Sea; it is separated from the Indian subcontinent by the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait.
Brief about Sri Lanka – Japan Relationship
The San Francisco Peace Treaty was signed in September 1951, at which Japan was re-accepted into the international community following World War II. 51 nations attended the historic San Francisco Peace Conference, which was held to decide how Japan would fit into the post-World War II international order.
The delegation from then-Ceylon, led by Finance Minister J.R. Jayewardene, fought for Japan’s independence and opposed war reparations, while a number of nations argued for tough conditions and sanctions against Japan for its role in the War. We do not intend to seek reparations (for damages caused to cultivations in Ceylon during WWII), Jayewardene said, “because we believe in the words of the Great Teacher whose message has ennobled the lives of countless millions in Asia, that hatred ceases not by hatred but by love.” Jayewardene also referred to the Buddha’s teachings in the Dhammapada.
The conference on September 6, 1951, was greatly impacted by Jayewardene’s support of Japan and his historic statement. The subsequent effect was more pronounced. It not only aided Japan’s efforts to be re-admitted into the international community and escape harsh sanctions, but it also brought Sri Lanka closer to Japan and secured its long-term support.
PHYSICAL FEATURES AND CLIMATE
Location
Between 5° 55’ & 9° 50’ North Latitude
Between 79° 31’ & 81° 53’ East Longitude
Climate
Low country : min. 24.5° C – max. 31.8° C
Hill country : min. 18.4° C – max. 27.0° C
Distance
433 km (269 miles) North to South
226 km (140 miles) West to East
Annual rainfall (average) mm :
2020 : 1,613
2021 : 2,312
Elevation
2,525 metres (8,284 ft.) Highest
DEMOGRAPHY
Mid-year population (‘000 persons) 22,156
Population density (persons per sq.km.) 353
Labour force participation rate (per cent) 49.9
Unemployment rate (per cent of labour force) 5.1 s.
Area
Total area : 65,610 sq.km.
Land area : 62,705 sq.km.
Inland waters : 2,905 sq.km.
EXTERNAL TRADE
Trade balance (US$ million) -8,139
Exports 12,499
Imports 20,637
