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FA SRI LA
915-493 FAC

SE A cellaneous
CTS ON ANKA

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GUIDE TO
Thuparamaya Esala Perahera - Kandy .. Typical Village Lasses Opening of New Parliament Old Parliament Building Tea Plucking
Winnowing Paddy during Harvestin Wild Life - Elephants .. Factory Air Lanka - DC 8 Aircraft International Airport - Katunayal Local Dancers Kite Show

| PICTURES
Page No.
Cover
10
13
33
38
39

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Published by:
Department of Census and Statistics,
Ministry of Plan Implementation, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 1982.

|
NEK
JAFFNA
3
..... 11 ...... 13
CONTENTS Geography . People
History ...... Government ....... International Relations. Foreign Trade and Commerce Primary Industries Secondary Industries Transportation .. Research and Development Education and the Arts Recreation.

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N

GS 49ろ 1.14. . 380

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GEOGRAPHY

Sri Lanka, a pear-shaped island with an area of 65,000 sq. kilometres is a compact land mass lying off the Southern tip of the Indian sub-continent extending between latitudes 5°55' and 950' North and longtitudes 79° 42' and 81°52' East. The island is separated from the sub-continent by a strip of shallow water the Palk Strait. Being centrally located in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka has for many centuries served as a focal point of sea routes to the far East and the West.
Geologically, the island forms a Southern continuation of the Deccan Plateau in India.
Relief of the land may generally be said to comprise a mountainous area in the SouthCentral part surrounded by an upland belt while the coastal plains cover the rest of the island. Though narrower on the West, South and East, the coastal plain widens out to a vast tract towards North.
The Central highland is replete with peaks, plateaux, basins, ridges, valleys and escarpments. Its innermost part forms a narrow North-South trend ing plateau with an average elevation of 1800-2000 metres. Most of Sri Lanka's highest peaks - Pidurutalagala 2524 metres, Kirigalpotta 2389 metres, Totapola Kanda 2357 metres - rise from this plateau. Stretching along with a chain of mountains it extends for a distance of over 75 kilometres from Sri Pada (Adams Peak, 2237 metres) in the West to Namunukula, 2036 metres in the East forming itself into an ' anchor'. The East-West arm of this anchor'

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is bounded by a mountain wall parts of which fom a vertical precipice of over 1200 metres.
- On either side of the high plateau are two distinct areas of relatively 1ow elevation, the Hatton plateau and the Welimada plateau, The former which 1ies on the West has a Northward tilt descending from an elevation of 1500 metres in the South to 1200 metres in the North. The other plateau known as the tva Basin on the opposite side of the high plateau is roughly of the same elevation as the Hatton plateau,
Separated from the Central massif
- are two other areas of a higher elevation. The Rakwana Massif which 11es on the South-aest is separated by 1ow lying valleys and has several peaks rising upto 1200 metnes , In the North-East - of the Central massif is the Knuckles range with peaks over 1800 metres
The flatness of the 1ow lands is intercepted by. a cluster of rock butts and rounded mounds that rise occasionally to an elevation of over 300 metres , A number of rivers that spring from the Central highlands flow radially through these 1owlands finding their way to the sea. Excepting the Mahaweli which - guides a distance of 335 kilometres before emptying itself into the sea, the other rivers of Sri Lanka are comparatively short. The upper reaches of these rivers are characterised by water falls which girdle the Central massif, thus offering some of the best scenic features in Sri Lanka - Laxapana, Aberdeen, Dunhinda, Elgin, Diyaluma and Perawe11a are among the highest in the world. The

two water falls, Laxapana and Aberdeen are main sources of the island's hydro-electric power. Though fluctuations in their volume occur due to variations in seasonal rainfall, these rivers assure a perennial flow.
CLIMATE Location within the tropics, proximity to Indian Sub-Continent, insularity and the presence of a Central mountain mass are some of the factors determining the climate of Sri Lanka.
Though a tropical country, the Oceanic influence helps mitigate high temperatures that would normally be experienced in tropical lands. There is no significant variation in monthly. temperatures excepting in the North and the East.
In Colombo the maximum temperature is 31.2° C, while the minimum temperature is about 24.1°C. Temperatures recorded in. Trincomalee on the East West are 32.3° C and 26.0° C and in Jaffna 31.0° C and 25.8°C, while at Nuwara Eliya, the temperatures are 19.8° C and 11.5° C, during the year 1980.
Sri Lanka's rainfall is characterised by the pre-monsoon and the two monsoon, periods. In March and April the island comes under the influence of the doldrums, with bright, clear skies followed by afternoon showers generally with thunderstorms. These are more frequent in the South-West. By May the island is under the influence of the 'South-East Trades' which blow over Sri Lanka as the South-West Monsoon bringing heavy rain to the South-West

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lowlands and the windward slopes of the hill country. With the retreat of South-West Monsoon in late October convectional weather prevails. Torrential showers are effects of cyclonic pressure experienced during this period. During the months from November to February the island comes within the 'NorthEast Trades' which blow over the island as North-East monsoon. These winds develop in, December and January as the island receives heavy rain. Movements of tropical cyclones which originate in the South of the Bay of Bengal account for this type of weather which affects the Eastern and North-East parts of Sri Lanka.
Ratnapura with 3271 millimetres, Colombo. 1996 millimetres, Kandy 1553 millimetres and Nuwara Eliya 1417 millimetres account for the heaviest rainfall in the island during the year 1980.
PROVINCES Sri Lanka is divided intou: aine provinces comprising 24 administrative districts.
res siste 99 Ees. Ak con ka'
WESTERN PROVINCE The Western Province has a total area of 3709 sq. kilometres and a population of 3.9 million. Component districts are Colombo 695 sq. kilometres, Gampaha 1399 sq. kilometres, and Kalutara 1615 sq. kilometres.
Colombo district with 1.7 million has bulk concentration of the population.
Sri Lanka's

capital city, Colombo with an area of 37 sq. kilometres has a population of 586,000.
The three districts are agriculturally developed with coconut,. paddy, rubber and orchard crops absorbing a large portion of the cultivated area. Kalutara district is particularly important for its vast extents of rubber land. Heavy and small scale industries are sited within the metropolis and "the Greater Colombo Area administrated by the G.C.E.C. The Free Trade Zone and the Investment Promotion Zone have been set up recently within the Greater Colombo Area.
SOUTHERN PROVINCE Galle (1689 sq. kilometres), Matara (1246 sq. kilometres) and Hambantota (2623 sq. kilometres) constitute the Southern Province of Sri Lanka with a total population of 1.9 million.
Apart from its agricultural and industrial potential, the Southern Province is famed for its fishing industry. Balapitiya, Ambalangoda, Welig ama, Mirissa, Kottegoda and Gandara are important fishing centres.
CENTRAL PROVINCE The component districts of the Central Province are Kandy (2157 sq. kilometres), Matale (1995 sq. kilometres) and Nuwara Ebiya (1437 sq. kilometres) with an estimated population of 2.0 million. Kandy, Sri Lanka's 'Hill Capital' treasures the 'Sacred Tooth Relic' of
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the Buddha. The grandeur of an age-old pageant in the month of July each year unfolds a colourful spectacle which has won international fame. Nuwara Eliya, in the heart of the Central mountains, has an ideal. spring climate. Tea is the predominant crop in the two districts Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, while
Matale has extensive cocoa plantations.

NORTHERN PROVINCE Jaffna (2157 sq. kilometres), Mannar (2013 sq. kilometres), Vavuniya (2645 sq. kilometres) and Mullaitivu (2060 sq. kilometres) comprise the Northern Province which has an estimated population of 1.1 million.

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Apart from its agricultural potential the Northern Province has some of the island's important fishing centres, partit cularly along the coastal belts. Mannar, Pesalai, Mullaitivu and Myliddy are famed for their large-scale fishing activities.Seismic surveys for exploration of oil have been carried out at Pesalai in Mannar District.
EASTERN PROVINCE
Batticaloa (2633 sq. kilometres), Amparai (3050 sq. kilometres) and Trincomalee (2714 sq. kilometres) are constituent districts of the Eastern Province. With a total area of 8397 sq. kilometre's, the province has an estimated population of 0.9 million. The hinterland of the three districts comprises a vast agricultural area particularly the cultivation of the paddy (rice) crop. Amparai and Batticaloa districts account for 108,000 hectares of cultivable paddy land.
Fishing is carried on along the coastal belts.
NORTH CENTRAL PROVINCE The two districts Anuradhapura (7274 sq. kilometres, and Polonnaruwa (3449 sq. kilometres) constitute what could be described as the largest province in Sri Lanka, totalling 10723 sq. kilometres. Estimate of population for the province as a whole is 0.9 million, a comparatively low figure for its vast area. Agriculturally these two districts are the

most developed with heavy concentration of tanks, reservoirs and a host of irrigation works. Paddy (rice) is the most important field crop with Anuradhapura (86634 hectares) accounting for the largest paddy area in Sri Lanka.
The 'cradle of the ancient Sinhalese, where the Aryans were said to have settled in about the 5th century B.C., the North-Central province with a wealth of ancient ruins, dagabas and royal treasures revives a glorious past in Sri Lanka's history.
The Sri Maha Bodhi, in Anuradhapura documented as the world's oldest tree is of religious and historic significance. Other striking features of the Sacred City are Ruvanveliseya, Thupar ama and Isurumuniya which is famed for the carving of the 'lovers'.
NORTH WESTERN PROVINCE The two component districts of the NorthWestern Province are Kurunegala (4776 sq. kilometres) and Puttalam/Chilaw (3036 sq. kilometres), with a total population of 1.7 million.
Predominantly the North-Western province is an agricultural area with coconut (161, 280 hectares) and paddy 90,838 hectares) accounting for an appreciably large 'slice' of the cultivated land. On the 'fringes' of the adjacent districts i.e. Kandy and Matale, there are scattered cocoa plantations.

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On the coastal strip in Puttalam and Chilaw, fishing industry forms an important occupation and is centered around Negombo (continuation of Gampaha District), Chilaw, Puttalam and Kalpitiya.
PROVINCE OF UVA Badulla (2822 sq. kilometres) and Moneragala (7214 sq. kilometres) constitute the Uva Province totalling 10036 sq. kilometres and a population of 0.9 million. Nature of terrain, inaccessibility and vast stretches of forest land account for the fact that Uva is one of the lesser developed provinces in Sri Lanka.
On the leeward side of the mountain zone dotted with tea covered hills all round is Bandarawela, an important health resort. Diyaluma Falls off Bandarawela, amidst deep gorges and ravines present a panoramic landscape.
SABARAGAMUWA PROVINCE Sabaragamuwa has a total area of 4902 sq. kilometres. The two districts in the province are Ratnapura (3239 sq. kilometres) and Kegalle (1663 sq. kilometres) accounting for 1.5 million of the island's population.
These districts are agriculturally developed with rubber accounting for a considerably large area particularly in the 'valley' bordering the Kelani river. Apart from paddy (rice), cultivation of orchard crops, coconut, tea and arecanut thrive

successfully. The Western flank of Sabaragamuwa with its low undulations grew coffee in early years of British occupation mainly for the European market. Coffee plantations gradually gave way to other crops.
Ratnapura, as its name implies is famed for its gemming industry. Mining and lapidary activities continue using traditional methods. Rubies, Sapphires, Aquamarines, Topaz, Garnets, Moonstones and other varieties of precious. and semi-precious stones occur with layers of alluvium and river gravels.
Sri Pada (Adam's Peak), the hallowed mountain shrine in the Ratnapura district is venerated by Buddhists and Hindus the world over.

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THE PEOPLE

Sri Lanka is a multi-racial country. The Sinhalese form. the main ethnic group with 10.9 million or 74 per cent of the total population. Sinhalese is their mother tongue, the official language of the country. The majority of the Sinhalese are Buddhists by religion and are mainly concentrated in the South
West and Central parts of the island.
The Tamils form the next major ethnic group with a population of 2.7 million or 18 per cent as enumerated at the 1981 Population Census. This ethnic group comprises Sri Lanka Tamils and Indian Tamils. Both these subgroups speak Tamil. The Sri Lanka Tamils numbered 1.9 million in 1981, while their Indian counterparts accounted for 0.8 million. About 80 per cent of the Tamils are Hindus by faith There is a heavy concentration of Sri Lanka Tamils in the Jaffna District. Indian Tamils are descendants of those who worked in Tea and Rubber plantations, during the early years of the British occupation. Heavy concentrations of Indian Tamils occur in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Badulla and Kegalle districts.
Sri Lanka Moors constitute the third major ethnic group with a population of approximately one million or 7.0 per cent of the total population.
The Moors are descendants of early Arabs. With a business acumen the Moors have developed themselves as skilful traders dominating a fair proportion of the country's internal trade.
A vast majority of Sri Lanka Moors have

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been concentrated in Colombo, Kandy, Batticaloa, Amparai, Trincomalee, Kalutara, Galle, Kurunegala, Puttalam and Kegalle districts. The Indian Moors numbering a little over 27,000 are sparsely scattered with a major concentration in Colombo District.
Apart from these major communities there are other small groups with distinctive ethnic identities, though insignificant in their number, Burghers and Eurasians descendants of the Europeans who intermarried and settled here, constitute 0.26 per cent of the . total population. Many of them however have since, migrated to other countries specially to Australia. The Malays form another 0.32 per cent, while the heterogeneous group 'other'
10

comprise a mere 29,000 or 0.19 per cent of the island's population.
Sri Lanka's population is predominantly rural with 78.5 per cent, while the balance 21.5 per cent constitute what could be classified as the urban population.
Recent estimate of Sri Lanka's population as based on Mid-Year 1980 is 14.7 million with a density of 228 persons per sq. kilometre.
classification of the employed population by major industry groups recorded a figure of 1.83 million under the sub group agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing aut of a total of 3.65 million as gainfully employed at the time of the 1971 Census Count.

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HISTORY

The island's history commences with the landing of Prince Vijaya and his 700 followers in the Sixth Century B.C. The country, then was inhabitted by two tribes the 'Yakkas' and the 'Nagas' who were the aborigines of Sri Lanka. The "new settlers, the Aryans came from North India and inhabited the Central part of the island along the fertile valleys. Agriculture was their main occupation. . Water for agricultural purposes was stored in artificial lakes and thence distributed through a network of canals" in which water was stored. These Aryan settlers excelled not only in agriculture but also in painting, art and sculpture.
Ruins of ancient Sri Lanka speak of the glory and prosperity of a civilization that had flourished in early periods of her history.
. In the 3rd century B.C. an important event took place, which in later years had a profound impact on the people of the country. According to the ancient chronicle "Mahawansa' Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka during the reign of king Devanampiyatissa.
Peace and tranquillity of the country have been occasionally disturbed by foreign invaders, specially from the Indian subcontinent. These invaders ruled the country for short periods. Constant wars ruined the economy of the country, particularly the irrigation system and with it the agricultural activities. The Sinhalese were compelled to abandon the Northern parts of the country and shift towards interior and the West.

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Paddy cultivation was gradually neglected. This was an opportunity for them to engage in trad ing activities in cinnamon and other spices, found in abundance in Wet-zone forests and for which there was also a great demand in Western countries.
With the fall of the Anuradhapura kingdom there prevailed a period of political disorder. There was no powerful ruler in the land. Instead, there emerged several small independent "States". One was the Tamil Kingdom in the North. It was during this period that a separate political entity emerged from the central part of the country which subsequently developed to be the Kandyan Kingdom.
Power struggle among leaders for supremacy saw the decline of Kotte Kindgom and the eventual loss of freedom..
The Portuguese occupation (1505 - 1658) was followed by the Dutch who ruled the country from 1658 - 1796. .
With the fall of the Kandyan Kingdom in 1815, Sri Lanka (Ceylon) became' a Crown Colony of the British Empire. The British occupation of the island lasted till 1948. An important landmark during the British Period was the conferring of the "Adult Franchise" on the people of the country. A bicameral form of government was introduced on 4 February 1948 and Sri Lanka became a Dominion within the British Commonwealth.
With the promulgation of a new Constitution in May 1972 the island became an Independent Republic.
12

Far reaching political changes were made with the assumption of office by the United National Party Government in July 1977. A Socialist Democratic Republican Constitution was promulgated on 7th September, 1978.
In terms of the present Constitution executive power is vested in a President elected by the people of the country.

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GOVERNMENT

Sri Lanka is a Free, Sovereign, Independent and Democratic Socialist Republic. Its sovereignty is in the people and is inalienable. .
THE REPUBLIC
Sovereignty. of the people is exercised by (a) legislative power of the people through a Parliament consisting of elected representatives of the people (b) executive power of : the people including the defence of Sri Lanka by the President of the Republic who is also elected by the people (c) judicial power of the people through courts, tribunals and institutions created and established under the constitution, (d) the franchise exercisable
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at the election of the President of the Republic, Members of parliament and at a referendum, by every citizen who has attained the age of eighteen years and who is qualified to vote as an elector. The Constitution also guarantees the fundamental rights of the people, every citizen being entitled to freedom of thought, conscience and worship.
The President of the Republic is the Head of State, Head of Executive and of Government and Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces.
The first Executive President of Sri Lanka is Mr. Junius Richard Jayewardene.
Sri Lanka's constitutional development could be traced back to her attainment of independence on 4th February, 1948. The bicameral form of legislature continued till 1971. A new constitution was adopted and Sri Lanka became an Independent Republic on 22nd May, 1972.
Far reaching political changes were made by the United National Party Government that assumed power in July, 1977 consequent to the overwhelming majority it obtained at the 1977 General Election.
The elected representatives of the people of Sri Lanka in pursuance of the mandate and confidence reposed in them by the people of the country pledged to draft, adopt and operate a constitution to achieve goals of a Democratic Socialist Republic. . Accordingly a new Republican Constitution was promulgated
14

on 7th September, 1978. The new constitution while ensuring the dignity and freedom of the individual, pledges to attain a just, social, economic and cultural order.
Under the present constitution, executive power is vested in a President elected by the people and a Cabinet of Ministers who shall be responsible to the people. Legislative power of the people shall be exercised by Parliament consisting of elected representatives of the people themselves.
Two of the most significant features of the new constitution are the full realization of fundamental rights and freedom of the people and the introduction of 'a referendum system whereby the President of the Republic shall submit to the people any bill or any matter of national importance.
This would ensure closer relations between the executive and the people of the country.
PARLIAMENT AND CABINET OF MINISTERS The Parliament consists of 168 elected representatives. It is the supreme legislature of the state. The Constitution provides for a Cabinet of Ministers, charged with the direction and control of the Government of the Republic and is collectively responsible and answer able to Parliament. The President shall be the Head of the Cabinet of Ministers.

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The Prime Minister is appointed by the President of the Republic. He shall in consultation with the Prime Minister determine the number of Ministers of the Cabinet, Ministries and assignment of subjects and functions to such Ministers. Cabinet Ministers are appointed by the President from among Members of Parliament.

There are 26 Ministers of the Cabinet and 36 Ministries under their charge. The Ministries that function directly under the President include those of Defence, Plan Implementation, Higher Education etc. There * are also 5 non-ranking Cabinet Ministers and
24 District Ministers.
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DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION Sri Lanka is divided into 24 administrative districts, each of them being in charge of a District Minister appointed by the President of the Republic. Government Agencies attached to the district administration assist these Ministers in the performance of duties and functions relating to their respective districts.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT Functions relating to Local Government fall within the purview of the Ministry of Local Government, Housing and construction. This Ministry. is at present under the charge of the Prime Minister of the Republic.
The concept of local government in Sri Lanka, dates back to the times of its ancient rulers. Village Leaders settled among themselves petty feuds and matters of common interest. Grave offences however were adiudicated by the rulers of the land as their 'Royal Prerogative'. The Gan Sabha' and the 'Rata Sabha' though void of administrative authority had institutional coverage.
These 'institutions' had a profound impact on the evolution of local administration structure in ancient Sri Lanka.
. In the latter part of the 19th Century, during the period of British Occupation of the island local administration was reviewed. Village Councils emerged and had some form of statutory recognition.
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The first ordinance establishing municipalities was enacted in 1865. The local Boards of Health and Improvement established in 1876 gradually gave way to Urban Councils. In the pre-independence era some of the Village Councils which
- had evinced certain urban characteristics were granted 'higher status' and made Town Councils. These Town Councils were established in 1947.
There are at present 12 Municipal Coun-. cils and 39 Urban Councils.
. Municipal Councils cover densely-populated and well-developed urban areas and rank first as regards authority and responsibility in the organisation of social and welfare activities.
Urban Councils which are next in importance to Municipal Councils are differentiated by such factors as population and community development.
Town Councils (83) which had been established to develop rural areas and Village Councils (549) which formed the base of local government structure in Sri Lanka covering large villages or groups of villages ceased to function with the promulgation of the Development Councils Act No. 35 of 19.80. With a view to certify fuller participation of the public in the development strategy 24 Development Councils have been formed in the 24 Districts.
These Councils have been empowered to enact by-laws and levy taxes and they also have been vested with powers to formulate

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development plans and to implement them. The District. Minister is at the help of the Executive Committee which exercises all executive powers in each Council. This is an extension of the powers of the President and his Cabinet -to the district which facilitates the decentralization of the activities of the Central Government.
The District Development Councils also have taken over the functions hitherto discharged. by the Town Councils and village Councils in the provision of such services as water and electricity supplies, conservancy and sewage, dispensaries, health, centres, parks and play. grounds, .libraries, maintenance of roads, housing facilities etc.
"Gramodaya Mandalaya"at i the Grama Sevaka Division level and "Pradeshiya Mandalaya" at the Assistant Government Agent Division level have been formed to assist the District Development Council in the formulation and implementation of Development Plans for the district. For the first time a foundation has been laid to plan and devise development at the district level.
The system of proportional representation introduced for the first time in local elections had special political significance. Proportional representation would ensure that local authorities are more representative of the wishes of the voters than has been the case in the past.
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INTERNATIONAL
RELATIONS
18

The main theme of Sri Lanka's international relations is to pursue an independent foreign policy which is opposed to imperialism and colonialism in all manifestations. It would also seek to preserve and protect the sovereignty, integrity and freedom of the country.
Sri Lanka has been in the forefront of the movement for general and complete disarmament, At the special session of the U.N. General Assembly on disarmament, Sri Lanka had the opportunity to move a resolution on disarmament and supported the plea for the establishment of a world disarmament authority.
In terms of the Constitution, the State is pledged to promote international peace, security and co-operation and to establish a just equitable international economic and social order. It shall also endeavour to 'foster, respect for international law and treaty obligations in dealings among other nations'.
Sri Lanka pursues a policy of strict nonalignment which dates back to the historic Afro-Asian (Bandung) conference held in 1955.
International relations have been widened since the assumption of office by the present government. Thus a separate Ministry,. viz; Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been constituted to deal with such functions as foreign relations, foreign representation in Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka representation abroad, . protocol and external publicity.

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FOREIGN TRADE AND COMMERCE

The three traditional export crops, tea, rubber and coconut still continue to dominate the export market although the percentage of earnings of these three crops to the total export earnings have been on the decline in recent years. As customs records reveal, these crops accounted for 58 per cent of the total export earnings in 1980 whereas they registered 65 and 73 per cent in the two preceding years 1979 and 1978 respectively. During the year 1980 the total value of industrial exports reached a figure of Rs. 5496 million, the growth rate of which was more than that of the three traditional export crops combined. The performance of the minor agricultural crops in the export earnings is also noteworthy.
The export quantities of the three traditional crops during the years 1977, 1978, 1979 and 1980 were:
1977
1979
1980
1978 ('000 Kg.)
185,758 192,515 187,545 184,212 136, 359 138,045 128, 189 120,890
Tea Rubber 'Coconut
(Products) Copra Co conut Oil Desiccated
Coconut
830
458 9, 108
924 30, 326 32, 408
275 3,043
30, 340 - 40, 108 40,288 31,422
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The value of the principal commodities of Sri Lanka's International trade covering the four-year span ending 1980 were:
Exports (Rs, Mi11ton)
1979
1980
1977
1978
6,401 2,021 1,271
5,722 2, 491 1,699
6,170 2,590 1, 234
Tea
3,503 Rubber
931 Coconut (Products) 496 Minor Agricultural Crops Industrial Products
941 Gems Other
129 Total exports
340
་ 723
825
840
298
1,944
531
315 13,206
3,737
490
321 15,285
5,496
458
485 17,273
Imports. (RMi11ion)
1977
1978
1979
1980
917 925 197
689 2, 192
620
884 1,691
929
756 1,788 1,915
150
531
1,536
1,721
Rice Flour Sugar Textiles and Apparel Petroleum Products Fertilizers Chemicals
Machinery and Equipment Transport Items Building Materials Other Imports Total
1,441
51 120
2, 403
252 446
3,912
673 502
8,090 1,333
544
286 232
1,846
988
2,900 1,615
4,212 2,421
129
150
368 1,559
4,570
7,550 6,00714, 68722, 560
610 10, 247 33,637
20

The pattern of trade by principal trading partners showed no substantial change except for the significant increase recorded in trade with the Middle East countries in recent years.
Exports (Value Rs. Million)
1977.
1978
1979
1980
500 528
925 1,038
1,585 1,231
1,925 1,278
United States of America United Kingdom Germany, Federal Republic of China "Iraq
Saudi Arabia Pakistan India U.A.R. Japan Iran U.S.S.R. Netherlands Italy Others Total (all countries)
261
565 438
956 356
458 175
627 534
689 10
110 304
560 321
766 123
57-8 125
197 186
367 110
308 2,667
5,062 6,638 13,206
902 857. 465 449 686 194
432 1,037
327 477 485
427 5,731 15,285
918 848 613 607 568 567 567 552 549 519 473
363 6,926 17,273
Imports (Value Rs. Million)
1977
1978
1979
1980
398 747 327
1,590 1,385 1,396
21
3,020 1,597 2,088
704 2,335 1,360 1,213.
482
358 126 537 231
1,350
405 1,204
691
4,303 3,528 3,244 2,082 1,595 1,521 1,493 1,310
H H H H N w
Japan Saudi Arabia United Kingdom Iraq India Singapore United States of America France Germany, Federal Republic of China Netherlands Hongkong Australia Others Total (all countries)
222 284 107
834 453 380 214
738 4,026 14,687
1,224 1,039
477
519 1,078 5,424 22,560
1,178
840 773 690
653 10,427 33,637
291 2,379 6,007

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The present trade policy of the Government is being directed towards export promotion, revision of the tariff and eliminating where possible licensing and control procedures. Import duties on a number of essential consumer items, scarce commodities, intermediate and capital goods have been reduced. As regards exports, duties were. halved on some 'minor agricultural crops, while certain others were exempted in toto. Many non-traditional exports continue to be exempt from export control restriction.
Bilateral payments agreements are being replaced by trade agreements with provision for payments in convertible currency.
Among the significant export promotion measures was the setting up of the Greater Colombo Economic Commission which is the authority for establishing the Sri Lanka Investment Promotion Zone. The objectives of these zones are the promotion of exportoriented foreign investment with a package of incurements which include liberal tax incentiv a and the provision of complete infrastructure facilities within each zone. The Export Credit Guarantee Corporation would as its name implies, assist exporters to obtain bank loans on easy terms and also protect them from risk of non-payment by buyers abroad.
GIS - 493
380
az

Consequent to the liberalization of trade, there has been a substantial increase of investment goods which rose from RS. 746 million in 1977 to Rs. 8144 million in 1980 with machinery and equipment accounting for Rs. 4,212 million.
A summary of import expenditure by major categories for the periods 1977-1980 is given below.
(Value Rs.M.)
1927
to total Imports Per cent
(Value Rs. M.)
1978
Per cent to total Imports
(Value Rs.M.)
1979
to total Imports Per cent
(Value Rs. M.)
1980
Per cent to total Imports
Consumer
Goods
2,534 42 5,618 387,824 35 9,884 29
2,648 445,591 389,143 41 15,495 46
Intermediate
Goods Investment
Goods
· 746 12 3,367 235,459 248,141 24
Other
(Unclassified) Total
79 1 110 1 134 1 118 1 6,007 100 14,687 100 22,560 100 33,637 100
1977
1978
1979
1980
No. of tourists arrivals 153,655 192,592 250,164 321,780 Foreign Exchange earn
ings (Rs. Million)
363.1 870.0 1209.4 1830.3

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A category-wise analysis showed that in 1980 the import of consumer goods declined by 6 per cent mainly due to low imports of rice, flour and sugar. The increase in the imports of intermediate goods could be attributable to the rise in crude oil prices.
Apart from trade delegations from foreign countries visiting Sri Lanka the country is well represented by Trade Commissioners and Commercial Representatives who form part of the diplomatic missions abroad.
Sri Lanka is famous for her wide range of tourist attractions which include long stretches of sunny beaches, best tropical low lands and the scenic splendour of its central range of mountains. With a rapid expansion in the facilities made available to the tourists such as tourists restaurants and hotels, the inflow of tourists in recent years has shown a steady increase together with corresponding increase in the foreign exchange earnings from these. .
PRIMARY INDUSTRIES
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AGRICULTURE Sri Lanka is predominantly, an agricultural country. The Agricultural Sector accounts for about 28 per cent of the country's Gross Domestic product. More than half of the island's labour force or approximately 1.8 million in 1971 work on the land or are directly or indirectly engaged in agriculture and allied pursuits. Agriculture, forms the main source of livelihood to the majority, of the people particularly in the rural sector.
Agriculture in Sri Lanka could broddly be divided into two major sectors - plantation agriculture and the peasant economy. Plantation agriculture is concentrated on large holdings with production for commercial purposes and generally to cater to the needs of the export market. Associated with the plantation sector are the three main traditional export crops, tea, rubber and coconut. Peasant agriculture on the the other hand is characterised by small holdings which provide subsistence crops for home consumption or the domestic market. Paddy, cereals, coarse grain, legumes and edible root crops form the nucleus of the peasant economy.
The pattern of plantation agriculture saw vast changes with the introduction of the Land Reform Law of 1972 which placed an upper ceiling at 50 acres of privately-owned agricultural land. Land in excess above the ceiling level has ben vested in the State land managed by State-sponsored institutions.. About 58 per cent of tea land, 31 per cent of rubber and 10 per cent of coconut land thus became vested in the State.

Page 25
The total extent of tea land is 244,710 hectares with small holdings accounting for 30 percent of the total area under tea cultivation. The overall production of tea was estimated at 191.4 million kilogrames. Based on foreign exchange earnings, the tea industry occupies an unrivalled position in the country.
Srilanka is one of the largest producers of 'natural' rubber. The extent under rubber cultivation is 222,312 hectares, about. 30 percent of which being classified as small holdings. The estimate of natural rubber production in 1980 was 133.2 million kilogrammes. Local consumption of rubber is on the increase. Rubber is used in the manufacture of tyres and tubes, cushions, mats, surgical gloves and toys.
The largest extent under plantation agriculture is coconut which has been estimated as 451,472 hectares. Unlike tea and rubber, coconut lands are diffusely scattered with heavy, concentrations along the coastal belts and their hinterland particularly in the south west, north west and eastern parts of Sri Lanka. Estimates of production in terms of nut equivalent is 2,026 million nuts. The three major coconut products showed a substantial decline in exportable quantum as compared with 1979 figures. Coconut shell-grit, coir fibre, bristle and mattress are being exported as minor coconut products.
The coconut palm has a variety of uses. Apart from the processing of coconut products for the export market distillation of toddy, arrack and vinegar manufacture are important

23.

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primary industries in Sri Lanka.
Stretching along the northern and eastern provinces are large extents of the Palmyrah palm which thrives successfully in these parts of the island. It has been estimated that about 75 per cent of Palmyrah palms still remain 'unexploited'.
Apart from the three major export crops much attention continues to be focussed on the promotion of certain minor crops with an export potential and the development of animal husbandry. Minor crops so identified are cocoa, coffee, cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, cloves and agro-industrial crops, citronella and papaw. The area under these crops. has not been accurately assessed though estimates available give a figure in the region of 25,000 to 35,000 hectares. Steps to diversify the island's existing export structure to minimize its dependence on the three major export crops appear somewhat promising.
With a view to increasing productivity of minor export crops, the Government has introduced a:ischeme of assistance which gives producers of these crops enhanced rates of subsidies.
Peasant agriculture deals mainly with the cultivation of food crops for domestic consumption. The most important peasant crop is rice (Paddy), the staple food of the people and is grown mostly on small holdings. The
24

asweddumized or the potentially cultivable paddy land has been estimated at 658,964 hectares, of which nearly 60-65 per cent is in the dry zone, the balance extent being in the wet zone regions of the island.
Paddy is cultivated during two seasons, the 'Maha' and the Yala' roughly corresponding to the two monsoon periods. The wet zone normally receives sufficient rain in both seasons. In the dry zone on the other hand rains occur only during the 'Maha' seas on and therefore water 'conservation is of utmost importance. Paddy cultivation in the dry zone is therefore subject to seasonal fluctuations.
- Other subsidiary food crops are Kurakkan, Maize, Coarse grain, legumes as pulses, green gram, and black gram, chillies, tobacco, vegetables, edible root crops as manioc and Sweet potatoes. These crops are generally cultivated in 'chenas' or 'clearings of secondary forest growth.
Intensive cultivation of chillies and red onions is carried on in Jaffna land Vavuniya districts. About 2,250 hectares are under potato cultivation which is confined mainly to Nuwara Eliya, Badulla and Jaffna districts.
Cultivation of ' orchard crops specially fruits as pineapple, passion fruit and mango varieties has been considerably intensified to cater to export needs.
An agro-based industry which has assumed importance in recent years is. sericulture. Allied Products Development Authority has

Page 27
been set up to promote sericulture. The Authority operates a . central sericulture station at Pallekelle with five sub-stations at Horana, Agalawatte, Jaffna, Anuradhapura and Elpitiya. Mulberry plantations cover an extent of about 150 hectares at present with an estimated production of 2,000 kilogrammes of cocoons.
Tamankaduwa, Ambewela/Bopatalawawa, Undugoda, Ridiyag ama, Wirawila and Karagoda/ Uyangoda farms serve as the nucleus of milk supplies to the National Milk Board's processing plants.

Sri Lanka's Mid-Year estimates of Livestook Population in 1980 comprised 1.64 million neat cattle, 0.84 million buffaloes, 0.52 million sheep and goats and 6.34 million poultry.
FISHERIES
Sri Lanka being an island has a coastline of 1,632 kilometres. The presence of a continental shelf around the island is significantly important as it provides an ideal breeding ground for edible marine
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species. These coastal waters teem with fish of many kinds, the best known species being Seer, Paraw, Blood fish, Sharks, Skates, Rock fish, Kumbala, Herrings, Sardines, Sprats etc. Fish production is mainly concentrated in the coastal waters though possibilities of developing inland fishing exist. Gourami, Tilapia, Trout, Common and Silver Calp are among species found in reservoirs and tanks which . constitute inland water masses of Sri Lanka. There is also a great potential for brackish water fish production particularly in the estuaries and lagoons along the north-east, north-west and south-west coasts.
The total fish production in 1980 was estimated at 183,000 metric tons of which marine fisheries inclusive of trawler landings accounted for 163,000 metric tons. 'Fresh water fish production is somewhat meagre being in the region of about 11 percent of the total 'catch'. 'Wet fish' consumption in the island is about 90 percent while the balance is consumed in the form of dried fish preserved, salted and smoked fish.
Exports of fish and fish products fetch something of the order of Rs. 250 million and consist of Prawns, Lobsters, Shark fins, Fish mews and beche-de-mer.
The fishing industry in Sri Lanka provides employment for about 70,000. Recent socioeconomic surveys on the fishing population also reveal that over 80 percent of the families inhabiting the coastal belts depend mainly on fishing as their sole occupation.
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FORESTRY
Each climatological region of Sri Lanka has its distinctive types of forest, vegetation, which comprises the evergreen monsoon forests in the wet zone and the semi-evergreen forests of the dry zone.
The wet zone forests are characterised by tall lofty trees with dense under-growth.
The semi-evergreen forests on the other hand are typical of those in tropical lands with hard wood species and yield some of the best and valuable timber varieties in the world. Semi-evergreen forests are void of 'thick' undergrowth and often merge into thorny scrubland and shrubs. Sub-tropical montane forests exhibit species somewhat similar to those of cooler climates.
The indigenous flora of the island have been cleared in most parts for purpose of agriculture and settlement. Forests are also being exploited for timber production and extraction.
Sri Lanka's forest area is estimated to be in the region of 2.5 million hectares. This figure includes national parks, intermediate zones, nature reserves, sanctuaries and the demarcations classified as 'jungle corridors' which account for 0.62 million hectares. Forests cover about 40 per cent of the island's land area.
Kalutara, Galle, Ratnapura and Nuwara Eliya districts account for an appreciably large forest area in the wet zone and semievergreen montane zone. Large concentrations

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of dry zone forests occur in the districts of Kurunegala, Puttalam, Mannar, Vavuniya, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruva,
Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Amparai.
The State Timber Corporation maintains its own mechanised logging plants and extraction plants. Items of production include soft timber, logs, railway sleepers, transmission posts (electricity) and fuel wood.
MINING
Sri Lanka has no coal and iron that could be economically exploited. Seismic surveys for oil drilling have been carried out in the north-western coast.
The island's mineral resources are rich and promising, most important among them being graphite (plumbago), gem stones, ilmenite, rutile, zircon, quartz sand, lime stones and industrial clays. Graphite (plumbago) mining is the largest and most important mining activity. These mines are worked by the State Graphite Corporation at Bogala, Kaharagaha and Kolangaha. Average production at these mines is about 8,000 metric tons a year.
Ilmenite production in 1980 was 30,000 metric tons while rutile accounted for 12,000 metric tons. Precious and semi-precious stones occur in the layers of alluvium and river gravels where sapphire, ruby, topaz, garnet, termaline and crysoberyl (alexandrite and cats eye) are mined using traditional methods. The value of gem exports as based on
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Customs data was in the region of Rs. 458 million.
Important among mineral discoveries made in recent years are the Seruwila Copper Magnetite prospect and Eppawela Rock Phosphate deposits.
ELECTRIC POWER
The head streams of Sri Lanka's important rivers gushing through the Central Mountains serve ideally for the development of her hydro-electricity potential. The institutional agency for generation, transmission and supply of electricity is the Ceylon Electricity Board which has an installed capacity of 420 megawatts, 88 percent of which represent hydro power. Laxapana, Polpitiya, Wimalasurendra and Ukuwe la plants account for
· 97 percent of the total hydro power supply, Circuit transmission lines cover 16,000 kilometres. With the demand for electricity supply on the increase Bowatenna and Canyon hydro plants are being installed with a potential of 70 megawatts. Work has also commenced on Victoria, Kotmale and Maduru Oya Projects under the Mahaweli Scheme. Electrification of rural areas has been undertaken. A total of 2,100 villages have so far been provided with electricity supply under this scheme.
There are in all 168,000 domestic consumers, 35,000 commercial users and 4,500 industrial users covered by the Board's generating plants, with an estimated consumption of 1,040 million K. W. H. of power.

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SECONDARY INDUSTRIES

Secondary industries in the island
may broadly be categorised as (a) Large-scale factory production and manufactures 6) Statesponsored industries and (c) Business undertakings vested in the State under provisions of Business Undertakings (Acquisition Act) of 1:971.
Large-scale factory
production and Manufactures cover mainly the private sector and include a wide range of items such as food, beverages, toabcco, textiles, wearing apparel, leather products, rubber, plastic, soap, chemicals, cattle and poultry feed, fabricated metal products, machinery, transport equipment, electrical goods and apparatus.
State-sponsored industries comprise solely the Corporation Sector. There are nineteen State sector institutions functioning under the aegis of the Ministry of Industries and Scientific Affairs. These include ceramicy! cement, fertilizers, paper, plywoods, tyres, petroleum products, mineral sands, graphite mining, hardware, steel products and sugar. Three other State sponsored institutions function under the Ministry of Rural Industrial Development and cover mi lk production, condensed and powdered milk products, small industries, fats and oils. The two corporations for the manufacture of Ayurvedic drugs and pharmaceuticals function under the Ministry of Health. The National Textiles. Corporation and We aving Supplies Corporation are attached to the Ministry of Textiles Industries.
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Business undertakings vested under provisions of Business Undertaking (Acquisition) Act of 1971 comprise those relating to oi:1 milling, soap manufacture, gas, textile and weaving materials, tiles and bricks, assembling and manufacture of motor vehicles.
The value of industrial production continues an upward trend and is in the region of Rs. 18,000 million as available data reveal.
30

This figure excludes the processing industries associated with the three important plantation crops, tea, rubber and coconut.
A breakdown of the components of the overall value of manufacturing production for 1980 is given below.
(Rs. Mn.)
(a) Food, beverages and tobacco
3,900 (b) Textiles, wearing apparel
and leather production
1,900 (c) Chemicals, petroleum products,
rubber and plastic manufactures
9,400 (d) Non-metallic mineral products
1,000 (e) Paper and paper products
475 (f) Fabricated metal products,
machinery & transport equipment
620 Sri Lanka has no coal; prospects for iron ore appear feasible at Seruwavila, where iron ore deposits are known to occur. Graphite (Plumbago) mining and gemming are important mining industries. The quantum of production in the gem industry has not been estimated though Customs records reveal a value of Rs. 458 million from gem exports during 1980.

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TRANSPORTATION

The transport system of the island has been patterned to meet her commercial and agricultural needs. Sri Lanka's position, midway in the Indian Ocean has been significantly important in the development of sea-borne traffic.
• There are about 26,800 kilometres of roads covering different parts of the country. The network system of roads converges on important towns linking . Colombo, the capital and providing easy means of access. Though the age old vehicular transport drawn

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by bullocks still survives, there has been a phenomenal increase in motor transportation over the years. This has been particularly, evidenced from the following . registration figures of motor vehicles during the past 5 years.
REGISTRATIONS
(No. of Motor Vehicles)
YEARS
Cars Omni- Lorries Motor Total
buses & Cycles Cabs
Vans
1976
93769 13142. 39279 23384 169574 1977
97010 14123 40174 244 35 175742 1978
103798 14994 45237 29643 193672
1979
114453 17317 51665 45087 228522 1980
120873 20752 61158 79803 282586 The Central Transport Board, the first nationalised venture of the State seeks to provide an efficient
all-island motor transport service.
The Board operates a total of 516.6 million kilometres with a route coverage of 49,600 kilometres carrying a total of 1,780 million passengers. With an estimated strength of 7,500 vehicles, the Board maintains a daily average of 5,600 buses operating on various routes in the island.
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The Sri Lanka railway is state owned and has a total track of 1,500 kilometres. The nailway operates a network of routes, connecting Colombo with Kandy, the hill . capital, Nuwara Eliya (via Nanu Oya), Bandarawela, Badulla, Galle, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Jaffna, Trincomalee, and Battiaaloa. Passenger and goods haulage of the Sri Lanka Railways was estimated at 94.0 million and 1.0 million. metric tons respectively during 1980.
Sri Lanka has three ports of commercial significance namely Colombo, Galle and Trincomalee. A total of 20.5 million metric tons of cargo including bunkers and sailing craft were handled by these three ports in 1980.
The Ceylon Shipping Corporation, a State Owned statutory body, operates liner services to the Continents, Far East, the Middle East and other countries. The Corporation owns 8 vessels with a total dock-weight of 85,966 tons. The Central Freight Bureau helps to acquire shipping space for Sri Lanka Cargo.
Sri Lanka has a series of navigable canals linking Colombo, Negombo, Chilaw and Puttalam. There is a continuous waterway stretching from Kalutara in the South to Puttal am in the north, a distance of about 190 kilometres.
Systematic development of inland waterways to popularise this form of transportation is being reviewed. As part of this

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programme, the old Hamilton Canal, a continuous waterway to Puttalam during the Dutch period, is being restored.
Air Ceylon, the national Air Carrier has been replaced by Air Lanka and high priority is being given to international services.
The International Air Port (Katunayake), 34 kilometres from the metropolis is the premier air port of Sri Lanka. Ratmalana, 13 kilometres from Colombo, Palaly, off Kankesanturai, 19 kilometres from Jaffna town are other Air Ports available for regional and international services. Amparai. 'and
Condor

Batticaloa serve as aerodromes for landing of local Aircraft.
Foreign air lines operating through the International Air Port are : Aeroflot Soviet Air Lines, K. L. M. Royal Dutch Air Lines, Indian Air Lines Corporation, B.0.A.C., Pakistan International Air Lines, Swissair, Singapore Air Lines, Thai Airways International, U.T.A., French Air Lines, and Korean Air Lines.
An Air Port authority has been established with a view to maintaining international standards in regard to Air transportation.
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RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Research activities in Sri Lanka are mainly confined to the State Sector and covers State sponsored institutions and statutory boards. Private organisations and individuals. too, conduct research studies embracing various socio-economic fields.
The National Science Council of Sri Lanka established in 1968 is a pivotal organisation in the development of scientific research. Functions of the National Science Council could broadly be outlined as: (a) to advise the Minister of Industries and Scientific Affairs on matters relating to science and technology in the economic development of the country, (b) to co-ordinate research activities in various fields of science and also promote fundamental and applied research and (c) to formulate a policy for science and technology in Sri Lanka. Six Statutory working committees cover scientific fields as policy research, science education, research science and technical information, research grants, environment and social science research.
The Ceylon Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research popularly known as the C.I.S.I.R. has been a pioneer institution in the development of industrial research. Established by an Act of Parliament dated 12 April, 1955, its aims and functions include, inter alia, investigation and research with a view to (a) improving a industry technology, expansion, and promotion of new industries, (b) foster training programmes for research workers (c) dissemination of technical

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information and (d) assist State departments, universities and various statutory bodies in the development of industrial research and applied sciences.
The C.I.S.I. R. undertakes a wide range of testing and advisory activities in both public and private sectors.
The Atomic Energy Authority helps research institutions and university authorities in Sri Lanka to obtain technical assistance from the International Atomic Energy Agency (I. A. E. A.). It collaborates with this organisation in pursuing a programme of regional co-operation on nuclear science and technology.
In the field of agricultural research, the three institutes for the development of agro research relating to the main plantation crops, viz. Tea, Rubber and Coconut continue to serve almost the entire plantation sector in Sri Lanka.
The Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka established in 1925 is located at St. Coombs Estate, Talawakele in the heart of the teagrowing region. The T.R.I. is financed and maintained by the tea industry and conducts research on improved technology in the production and management of the tea crop.
The Rubber. Research Institute at Dartonfield, Agalawatta was constituted under the Rubber Research Ordinance of Sri Lanka's Legislative Enactments. It is financed by a cess on the quantum of rubber exports.
A scheme for coconut research was initiated in the early 'twenties' with the

establishment of the Coconut Research Institute at Bandirippuwa Estate, Lunuwila. The Coconut Research Board established in 1971 conducts various aspects of research on the cultivation and growth of the coconut palm, inter cropping on coconut land and the development of animal husbandry.
The Board maintains experimental stations and nurseries in the main coconut growing regions of the island. Maintenance of pilot plants for processing of coconut products and fabrication of experimental processing equipment also come under the purview of the Coconut Research Board.
The Agrarian Research and Training Institute was established in February 1972 as a statutory body under the sponsorship of the Sri Lanka Government in association with the F.A.0./U. N. D.P. and covers research on land economic, tenure, production of field crops, co-operative and credit marketing, extension services etc.
The main objects of the A.R.T.I. are (a) to undertake, foster and co-ordinate agrarian research, (b) examine institutional factors relating to agricultural development and (c) afford training facilities to state officers, local institutions and rural farmers.
The data bank of the A.R.T. I. provides a wealth of material to the research worker on agro-socio-economic fields.
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EDUCATION AND THE ARTS
| 36

The ancient system of education in Sri Lanka was primarily the responsibility of the Buddhist clergy. The Portuguese and later the Dutch advocated certain educational reforms during their occupation of the country. The se reforms, however, were generally influenced by the zeal and religious fervour of the missionaries at the time. The British occupation in early nineteenth century marked a series of reforms which latterly were the beginning of an integrated national education structure.
The highlight of the educational reforms during the pre-independence era was the introduction of the 'Free Education Scheme' in 1945. The recommendations of a subcommittee that education be 'free' from the Kindergarten to the University and the adoption of the mother-tongue as medium of instruction were accepted in principle.
An important landmark in the national education structure during recent years was the decentralisation of the Department of Education in 1966. The Department of Education which had functioned as a separate institution for nearly a century was amalgamated with the Education Ministry, thus developing authority and responsibility under a regional set up. The island was divided into a number of education regions each of which was administratively under the control of a Director of Education.
Sri Lanka thus has a complete system of edcuation from the Kindergarten to the University and technological institutions.

Page 39
School attendance is compulsory between ages of 6 and 15 years.
There are 9,800 schools, with a somewhat equal distribution of elementary and secondary schools, the balance comprising Pirivenas or Temple Schools. Overall teaching staff including those in training colleges totalled 144,000. Pupils on roll were in the region of 3.3. million giving a pupil teacher ratio of 23 in 1980.
Far reaching charges were effected by the present Government since 1977. Higher Education has been given a further stimulus with the setting up of a new Ministry entitled the Ministry of Higher Education to monitor the work of all Educational and other research institutions in the field of higher education. University Grants Commission has also been set up. There are at present eight universities.
Pictorial tradition of Sri Lanka dates back to the 3rd Century B.C. with the introduction of Buddhism to this country. Painting came with other aspects of culture and formed more a part of moral edification than aesthetic decor. The themes of these paintings were selections from Jataka Stories which related the life of the Bodhisathva. The Sigiriya Frescoes dating to about the 5th Century A.D. were among the earliest paintings of any note.
The masks of Sri Lanka are among the most colourful of the Folk Art. These masks are used in ritual dances and in the popular masquerade 'Kolam' where actors don several masks suited for their respective roles. A

folk art of mediaeval Sri Lanka was
the Rukada, depicting the art of the puppetry.
The Kandyan dance assumed a cultural consciousness in the life of the community and finds its expression in the Ves Natuma, Nai yandi, Udekki and Pantheru dances. Apart from the spectacular display of artistic excellence these dance forms provide entertainment and educative value.
The Arts Council of Ceylon and the National Institute of Arts and Art Crafts cater primarily to the cultural needs of the country. These two organisations help promote development of arts and Crafts in Sri Lanka.
The Government College of Dancing and Ballet now functions as a faculty of the University of Kelaniya. Distinguishable among Tamil dance forms in Sri Lanka are the Alarippu, Varnam, Jathiswaram, Patham and Thillana dances. The se constitute the main divisions of Baratha Natyam popularly performed in Sri Lanka.
The four art galleries of Sri Lanka are located in Colombo. The Art Gallery at Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha caters to the artistic needs of the general public. The Lionel Wendt Theatre apart from its Art Gallery stages amateur shows, stage plays and other performances. Samudra Art Gallery at the Samudra Hotel of the Ceylon Tourist Board exhibits ancient and modern art and crafts of Sri Lanka. Kalagaraya, the art gallery of Alliance Francaise De-Colombo has dual facilities for an art gallery and 'curio shop where local arts and crafts are readily available.
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The Lumbini Theatre, the Nawa Ranga Hala, John de Silva Theatre and Tower Hall Theatre are mainly for the Sinhala theatre-goer with cultural pageants, amateur plays and variety shows.
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RECREATION
EFS.

Apart from the theatre, symphony orchestra, the cinema and social clubs which provide entertainment, recreational facilities in the form of indoor and outdoor sports exist. Outdoor recreational activities in Sri Lanka include popular games of sports such as cricket, rugby, football, soccer, hockey, golf, lawn tennis, netball and amateur athletics.
The Royal Colombo Golf Club, Model Farm Road, Colombo 8, and the Ceylon Lawn Tennis Association, Edinburg Crescent, Colombo 7 offer excellent facilities for those interested in golf and lawn tennis.
Aquatic sports such as fishing, swimming, skin-diving, water skiing, yachting and rowing continue to be popular.
The Ceylon Anglers' club, Colombo, Sea Anglers' club, Trincomalee, Kinross Swimming and Life .Saving club and some of the popular Swimming clubs offer temporary membership facilities to foreigners visiting Sri Lanka.
The coastal strip and the sea board off the Metropolis serve ideally for skin diving Under water sports on the coastal belt off Colombo, Hikkaduwa, Negombo and Trincomalee have become quite attractive and popular.
A highly competitive form of aquatic sport is Yachting. The three Yacht clubs of note in Sri Lanka are the Royal Colombo Yacht Club, Ceylon Motor Yacht Club, Bolgoda Lake, amidst palm-fringed landscape 19 kilometres from the city and the picturesque Darrawela Lake Yacht Club 124 kilometres from Colombo in the heart of the mountain region 1,200 metres above sea level.
Billiards, table tennis, carrom, chess and bridge are important among indoor sports activities.
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Class.
BOOK CARD -
* " "No,...380 TITLE. FACTS...ON...SRI..LANCA.. AUTHOR.DEPT. OF...CENSUS... STATISTICS PRICE.
... DATE P. 01..031983
Date Lent
Borrower
Date Returned
Remarks
0. maahy. 16[oylai
alam.
CLASS 1 qis - 493
CLASS
ETE
ACCO 1
NO.
380

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Designed and Printed by : Printing Division
Department of Census and Statistics, P.0. Box 563, Colombo 7, Sri Lanka.