Where is Sri Lanka?

Written and fact-checked by | Updated On: January 23, 2026 09:30 ET

Sri Lanka officially the State of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, is an island country located in South-Central Asia. Sri Lanka shares a maritime border with India and the Maldives. It lies in the Indian Ocean, southwest of the Bay of Bengal, and southeast of the Arabian Sea; and separated from peninsular India by the Palk Strait.

Where is Sri Lanka on the World Map

Where is Sri Lanka
About Map: Map showing Where is Sri Lanka located in the World Map.

Where is Sri Lanka Located?

The given Sri Lanka location map shows that Sri Lanka is located in the South Asia. Sri Lanka map also illustrates that Sri Lanka is an island country separated by Indian sub-continent through maritime boundary Pak Strait. Likewise, the entire country lies in the Indian Ocean. Above all, due to its location, it is geo-strategically very significant because it lies in the naval route between the south-east Asia and west Asia.

The country has evidences of a long and colorful history of more than three thousand years old corroborated with one of the longest documented histories of the world. However, at present, the government type of Sri Lanka is a republic and a unitary state which is governed by a semi-presidential system. The official seat of government is situated in the capital city Sri Jayawardenapura-Kotte.

Besides, Sri Lanka is a founding member of SAARC and also a member United Nations, Commonwealth of Nations, Non-Aligned Movement, and G77. The economy of the country is largely depends upon the plantation agriculture. The significant crops are tea, coffee, coconuts, rubber and cinnamon. Moreover, the natural beauty of Sri Lanka is integrated with the title The Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Besides, the country has white beaches and diverse landscapes with rich biodiversity laden with lush tropical forests.

What is the capital of Sri Lanka?

Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is the capital city of Sri Lanka. It is located in the southwestern part of the country. It's lies between latitue of 6.8868° N and longitude of 79.9187° E. It has a population of 115,826, covers an area of 17 km2 (7 sq mi).

Sri Lanka Provinces and Districts

Sri Lanka is divided into nine provinces and twenty-five districts.

ProvinceDistrictLand Area (Sq km / mi)Population
CentralKandy1,917 Sq KM (740 sq mi)1,375,382
CentralMatale1,952 Sq KM (754 sq mi)495,000
CentralNuwara Eliya1,706 Sq KM (659 sq mi)711,644
EasternAmpara4,222 Sq KM (1,630 sq mi)649,402
EasternBatticaloa2,610 Sq KM (1,010 sq mi)526,567
EasternTrincomalee2,529 Sq KM (976 sq mi)379,541
North CentralAnuradhapura6,664 Sq KM (2,573 sq mi)860,575
North CentralPolonnaruwa3,077 Sq KM (1,188 sq mi)406,088
NorthernJaffna929 Sq KM (359 sq mi)583,882
NorthernKilinochchi1,205 Sq KM (465 sq mi)113,510
NorthernMannar1,880 Sq KM (730 sq mi)99,570
NorthernMullaitivu2,415 Sq KM (932 sq mi)92,238
NorthernVavuniya1,861 Sq KM (719 sq mi)172,115
North WesternKurunegala4,624 Sq KM (1,785 sq mi)1,618,465
North WesternPuttalam2,882 Sq KM (1,113 sq mi)762,396
SabaragamuwaKegalle1,685 Sq KM (651 sq mi)840,648
SabaragamuwaRatnapura3,236 Sq KM (1,249 sq mi)1,088,007
SouthernGalle1,617 Sq KM (624 sq mi)1,063,334
SouthernHambantota2,496 Sq KM (964 sq mi)599,903
SouthernMatara1,270 Sq KM (490 sq mi)814,048
UvaBadulla2,827 Sq KM (1,092 sq mi)815,405
UvaMonaragala5,508 Sq KM (2,127 sq mi)451,058
WesternColombo676 Sq KM (261 sq mi)2,324,349
WesternGampaha1,341 Sq KM (518 sq mi)2,304,833
WesternKalutara1,576 Sq KM (608 sq mi)1,221,948

Sri Lanka Facts & Information

Official NameDemocratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
CountrySri Lanka
ContinentAsia
RegionSouth Asia
Coordinates7.8731° N, 80.7718° E
CapitalSri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Largest CityColombo
Administrative Divisions9 provinces and 25 districts
National Day4 February (Independence Day)
Total Area65,610 km² (25,330 sq mi)
Land Area64,630 km²
Water Area980 km² (about 1.5%)
Coastline1,340 km (833 mi)
Highest PointPidurutalagala - 2,524 m (8,281 ft)
Lowest PointIndian Ocean (0 m)
Neighboring CountriesMaritime borders with India and the Maldives
Population (2024 Est.)22.2 million
Population Density340 people per km²
Official LanguagesSinhala, Tamil
Link LanguageEnglish
Major ReligionsBuddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity
CurrencySri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Time ZoneUTC +5:30 (Sri Lanka Standard Time)
Calling Code+94
ISO Alpha-2 CodeLK
ISO Alpha-3 CodeLKA
Internet TLD.lk
GDP (Nominal, 2024 Est.)Approximately USD 90-95 billion
GDP Per Capita (2024 Est.)Approximately USD 4,200
Major AirportsBandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI)
Major SeaportsPort of Colombo, Port of Hambantota, Trincomalee Harbour, Port of Galle, Kankesanthurai Harbour, Oluvil Harbour
Form of GovernmentUnitary semi-presidential constitutional republic
National AnimalSri Lankan Elephant
National BirdSri Lanka Junglefowl
National FlowerBlue Water Lily
Natural ResourcesGemstones, graphite, mineral sands, limestone, clay, hydropower

Places to Visit to Sri Lanka

  • Colombo - Commercial capital known for colonial landmarks, shopping, nightlife, and cultural attractions.
  • Kandy - Sacred city home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic and scenic hill surroundings.
  • Sigiriya - Ancient rock fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning frescoes and views.
  • Anuradhapura - Historic city featuring ancient stupas, monasteries, and sacred Buddhist sites.
  • Polonnaruwa - Well-preserved medieval capital with temples, statues, and archaeological ruins.
  • Nuwara Eliya - Hill station famous for tea plantations, cool climate, and colonial architecture.
  • Ella - Popular mountain village known for waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic train journeys.
  • Galle - Coastal city with the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort and charming colonial streets.
  • Mirissa - Beach destination famous for whale watching, surfing, and sunsets.
  • Yala National Park - Wildlife park renowned for leopards, elephants, and diverse bird species.
  • Udawalawe National Park - Best place to see elephants in their natural habitat.
  • Trincomalee - Eastern coastal city known for pristine beaches and natural harbors.
  • Arugam Bay - Internationally known surfing hotspot on Sri Lanka’s east coast.
  • Dambulla - Cave temple complex with ancient Buddhist murals and statues.
  • Hikkaduwa - Popular beach town known for coral reefs, snorkeling, and nightlife.

Largest Cities in Sri Lanka

CityDistrictProvincePopulationsq kmsq Mi
ColomboColomboWestern752,9933714
Dehiwala- Mount LaviniaColomboWestern245,974218
MoratuwaColomboWestern207,755239
Sri Jayawardenepura KotteColomboWestern135,806177
NegomboGampahaWestern127,7543112
KandyKandyCentral125,3512710
KalmunaiAmparaEastern106,783239
VavuniyaVavuniyaNorthern99,653  
GalleGalleSouthern99,478177
TrincomaleeTrincomaleeEastern99,135