Chapter 6. The Geography of Sri Lanka
Location and size. An island in the Indian Ocean, south-east of India and separated from it by the Palk Strait; area about 65,610 km² [10].
Relief. A central highland massif surrounded by lowland plains. The highest peak is Pidurutalagala (about 2,524 m); other notable peaks include Kirigalpotta, Totapola and Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada, about 2,243 m). Most rivers rise in the central hills and flow outward; the Mahaweli is the longest (about 335 km). Coasts feature beaches, lagoons, dunes, mangroves and coral reefs [10][11].
Geology. Much of the island is made of ancient Precambrian crystalline rocks, with younger sedimentary rocks in the north-west and north [11].
Climate. Temperature varies mainly with altitude. Rainfall is controlled by monsoons:
| Season | Months (approximate) | Main effect |
|---|---|---|
| South-west monsoon | May–September | Heavy rain in the south-west and hills |
| First inter-monsoon | March–April | Convectional thunderstorms |
| North-east monsoon | December–February | Rain mainly in the north, east and hills |
| Second inter-monsoon | October–November | Convectional rain and cyclones |
Traditional climatic zones are the wet zone (south-west and central hills, with high annual rainfall), the dry zone (north, east and south-east, with a distinct dry season) and the intermediate zone [10].
Natural vegetation and biodiversity. Rainforests, montane forests, dry-zone forests, mangroves, grasslands and scrub. Sri Lanka is part of a global biodiversity hotspot with many endemic species; protected areas and national parks conserve wildlife [10].
Population and settlement. About 22 million people, with the highest densities in the south-west and around the Colombo metropolitan region; administrative divisions include nine provinces and 25 districts [10].
Agriculture and resources. Paddy (rice), tea, rubber, coconut, spices and horticulture; irrigation systems in the dry zone, including ancient tanks and modern schemes like the Mahaweli development; fisheries, gems, graphite, minerals and renewable energy such as hydropower, solar and wind [10].
Environmental and hazard issues. Floods, landslides, droughts, coastal erosion, deforestation, human–elephant conflict, pollution and the effects of the 2004 tsunami; disaster management and sustainable development are major themes.
Review: Which monsoon brings heavy rain to the south-west of Sri Lanka, and in which months? (Answer: the south-west monsoon, May to September.)