Where is Sri Lanka Located?

by countryaah · Published December 10, 2020 · Updated December 19, 2024

Where is Sri Lanka located on the map? Sri Lanka is an independent nation located in Southern Asia. Check out the following images to see location of Sri Lanka on maps.

Sri Lanka Location in World Map

Location Information of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, off the southeastern coast of India. Known for its rich cultural history, biodiversity, and beautiful landscapes, Sri Lanka offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern developments. With its tropical climate, stunning beaches, mountainous terrain, and rich history, Sri Lanka is a popular travel destination in South Asia.

Latitude and Longitude

Sri Lanka is located between 5° and 10° North latitude and 79° and 82° East longitude. Positioned just above the equator, this island country enjoys a warm tropical climate year-round, with diverse ecosystems ranging from dry coastal plains to lush mountain ranges.

Capital City and Major Cities

Capital City: Colombo

The capital city of Sri Lanka is Colombo, which serves as the country’s commercial and political center. Located on the western coast, it has a population of approximately 750,000 in the city proper, with a metropolitan area population of over 5 million. Colombo is known for its bustling harbor, colonial architecture, and vibrant street life. Major landmarks include the Galle Face Green, Independence Memorial Hall, and the National Museum of Colombo.

Coordinates: 6.9271° N, 79.8612° E

Colombo serves as the primary gateway for international trade and tourism, with its port playing a crucial role in the region’s economy. The city also houses most of the nation’s banking and financial institutions, making it the economic hub of Sri Lanka.

Major Cities

Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte: Located just to the east of Colombo, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is the official capital of Sri Lanka, housing the Parliament and many government offices. It has a population of around 115,000 and is primarily a suburban area of Colombo. Coordinates: 6.9271° N, 79.9739° E.
Kandy: Known for its historical and cultural significance, Kandy is a major city located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. It was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and is home to the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa), a UNESCO World Heritage site. Kandy has a population of about 125,000 and is a focal point for traditional festivals and ceremonies. Coordinates: 7.2906° N, 80.6337° E.
Galle: Situated on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, Galle is an important city with historical and cultural significance, particularly because of its well-preserved Dutch colonial architecture. The Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the major tourist attractions in the city. Galle’s population is around 100,000. Coordinates: 6.0535° N, 80.2200° E.
Negombo: Located near Colombo on the west coast, Negombo is known for its beaches, fishing industry, and proximity to the Bandaranaike International Airport. It has a population of approximately 144,000. Coordinates: 7.2088° N, 79.9789° E.
Jaffna: Jaffna is the capital of the Northern Province and is located on the Jaffna Peninsula in the northern part of Sri Lanka. It is an important cultural center for Sri Lanka’s Tamil population. The city has a population of around 88,000. Coordinates: 9.6615° N, 80.0222° E.

Time Zone

Sri Lanka follows Sri Lanka Standard Time (SLST), which is UTC +5:30. The country does not observe Daylight Saving Time. This places Sri Lanka 10.5 hours ahead of New York City (during standard time) and 13.5 hours ahead of Los Angeles.

Time difference with New York City: Sri Lanka is 10.5 hours ahead of New York City.
Time difference with Los Angeles: Sri Lanka is 13.5 hours ahead of Los Angeles.

Climate

Sri Lanka enjoys a tropical climate, characterized by high humidity and temperatures that remain warm year-round. The island experiences two monsoon seasons, which influence the weather patterns across different regions.

Climate Zones

Coastal and Lowland Areas: The coastal areas of Sri Lanka experience a hot and humid climate with average temperatures ranging from 26°C to 32°C (79°F to 90°F). Rain is common throughout the year, particularly during the Southwest Monsoon (May to September) and the Northeast Monsoon (December to February).
Central Highlands: The central highland region, including cities like Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, enjoys a cooler climate with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). These areas are ideal for tea plantations and are popular among visitors seeking cooler climates.
Rainfall: Sri Lanka’s rainfall varies significantly by region. The Southwest Monsoon brings rain to the southwestern part of the island, while the Northeast Monsoon affects the northern and eastern regions. The wettest months typically are from May to September in the southwest and October to January in the northeast.

Economic Status

Sri Lanka’s economy is classified as a lower middle-income country. The nation has made significant strides in economic growth, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing, and services.

Key Sectors

Agriculture: Sri Lanka has a rich agricultural heritage, and tea remains the country’s most important export. Other key agricultural products include coconuts, rubber, spices, and rice. The country is also a significant producer of cinnamon and cardamom.
Manufacturing: Sri Lanka’s manufacturing sector is dominated by the production of textiles and garments, which are major exports, particularly to Europe and North America. The country is also known for its production of electronic goods, footwear, and construction materials.
Tourism: Tourism is one of the most rapidly growing sectors of the economy, contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings. The country’s beaches, heritage sites, and national parks attract millions of visitors each year.
Services: The services sector, particularly banking, finance, and information technology (IT), has expanded rapidly in recent years. Colombo has become a regional financial and business hub.

Economic Challenges

Despite positive growth, Sri Lanka faces challenges such as income inequality, high public debt, and a trade deficit. Additionally, the economy has been impacted by external factors such as global commodity price fluctuations and the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tourist Attractions

Sri Lanka is renowned for its diverse range of tourist attractions, from pristine beaches and lush tea plantations to ancient temples and wildlife sanctuaries.

1. Sigiriya Rock Fortress

One of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks, Sigiriya, is an ancient rock fortress that was once the royal residence of King Kassapa. The fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features stunning frescoes, water gardens, and panoramic views from the summit. Coordinates: 7.9576° N, 80.7603° E.

2. Temple of the Tooth (Kandy)

The Temple of the Tooth in Kandy houses one of Buddhism’s most sacred relics—the tooth of the Buddha. It is a major pilgrimage site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is also famous for its annual Perahera Festival, which showcases Sri Lanka’s traditional culture. Coordinates: 7.2906° N, 80.6337° E.

3. Yala National Park

Yala National Park, located in the southeastern part of the country, is famous for its wildlife, including leopards, elephants, and a variety of bird species. It is one of the most popular national parks in Sri Lanka, attracting nature lovers and photographers. Coordinates: 6.8791° N, 81.4924° E.

4. Galle Fort

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Galle Fort is a historic fortification built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and expanded by the Dutch in the 17th century. The fort is known for its colonial architecture, charming streets, and vibrant markets. Coordinates: 6.0535° N, 80.2200° E.

5. Beaches

Sri Lanka boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, including Unawatuna, Mirissa, and Bentota. These beaches are known for their clear waters, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing.

6. Nuwara Eliya

Known as “Little England,” Nuwara Eliya is a hill station in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. It is famous for its tea plantations, cool climate, and scenic beauty. Nuwara Eliya is a popular destination for those seeking a retreat from the tropical heat. Coordinates: 6.9500° N, 80.7833° E.

Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens need a tourist visa to enter Sri Lanka. The process can be completed online through the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, which is available for short stays (up to 30 days). The ETA is valid for tourism, business, and transit purposes.

Documents required for a Sri Lankan visa:

A valid passport (with at least 6 months of validity)
Proof of onward travel
Visa fee payment

Visitors can extend their visa for up to 60 days while in Sri Lanka, and the extension can be applied for at the Department of Immigration and Emigration.

Distance to New York City and Los Angeles

Distance from Colombo to New York City: The approximate distance from Colombo to New York City is 13,000 km (8,078 miles), with flight times typically ranging from 17-19 hours, depending on layovers.
Distance from Colombo to Los Angeles: The distance from Colombo to Los Angeles is approximately 14,000 km (8,700 miles), with flight durations typically between 19-21 hours, including layovers.

Sri Lanka Facts

Size	65,610 km²
Residents	22.05 million
Languages	Singhala and Tamil
Capital	Sri Jayewardenepura, actually: Colombo
Longest river	Mahaweli (335 km)
Highest mountain	Pidurutalagala (2,534 m)
Currency	Sri Lankan rupee