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Fast Facts about Sri Lanka
  • Sri Lanka has no natural lakes, making fresh water a precious commodity. Several of the country’s 17 rain-fed rivers have been dammed to create large reservoirs. Starting with King Pandukabhaya in the 4th century B.C., the kings of Sri Lanka built a network of smaller reservoirs called “tanks” in the driest regions to help with crop irrigation. These ancient reservoirs have been maintained and are still in use today.
  • Traditional clothing for both men and women includes garments for the lower body made of long, wrap-around cloths. Historically, the quality of the garments varied based on the wearer’s caste. During British colonial rule, it was prohibited for Sri Lankans to wear Western clothing. After the country gained independence in 1948, Sri Lankan noblemen began wearing Western clothing as a sign of status, and in the past few decades it has gained increasing prominence in the general population.
Sources: World Vision and Oxford Business Group, 2003.

Sri Lanka, a large tropical island off the southeast coast of India, has a unique culture with a 2,500-year heritage. Buddhism is the dominant religion, and its festivals and pilgrimages play an important part in Sri Lankan culture. Hindus, Muslims, and Christians are present in smaller numbers.

Sri Lankan people are warm and friendly and have one of the highest literacy rates in Asia. Sinhalese is the language of 75 percent of the population, and approximately 18 percent use Tamil as their primary language.

Sri Lanka’s population density of 757 people per square mile is among the highest in Asia. Most people live in rural areas.

Besides agriculture, your sponsored family may work in the factories producing tiles or making ropes from coconut fiber.

Arranged marriages are a Sri Lankan tradition. In many urban areas the practice is declining, but it is still prevalent in the countryside. Children usually wait until they are between 18 and 22 to get married.

The people of Sri Lanka elect a president every seven years and a national assembly every five years.

Where is the project located?
Wennappuwa is situated 15 miles north of Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. The majority of residents were resettled into the area by the government in 1989.

How do the people make a living?
More than 85 percent work long hours for very little pay in the coconut fiber or tile manufacturing industries.

What are the goals of the project?
World Vision staff members are working to help promote sustainable development opportunities and bring hope to the community. Our top priorities include education, health and sanitation, shelter, and improving the local infrastructure.

What challenges does the community face?
Families in Wennappuwa face the tremendous pressures of poverty each day of their lives. Harmful addictions like alcohol and gambling create additional challenges.

What are World Vision’s first priorities for the project?
We are already beginning to build relationships within the community, identify community leaders and provide them with tools for improving their leadership skills, assess the health status of children in the community, improve educational facilities, and join with the local government to prepare improved water and sanitation systems.
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