a republic in S Asia, occupying the island of Sri Lanka and neighbouring islands: settled by the Sinhalese from S India in about 550 bc; became a British colony 1802; gained independence in 1948, becoming a republic within the Commonwealth in 1972; civil war (1983–2009) between government forces and Tamil separatist guerrillas. Exports include tea, cocoa, cinnamon, and copra. Official languages: Sinhalese and Tamil; English is also widely spoken. Religion: Hinayana Buddhist majority. Currency: Sri Lanka rupee. Capital: Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte. Pop: 20 876 917 (2017 est). Area: 65 610 sqkm (25 332 sq miles)

an island in the Indian Ocean, off the SE coast of India: forms the main part of the republic of Sri Lanka. Area: 64 644 sq km (24959 sq miles)