Stunning Sri Lanka in Ten Words Quiz

Answer: rock fortress

Sigiriya, often referred to as "Lion Rock", is an ancient rock fortress in central Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fortress, built on a 200 metre high rock, was constructed by King Kashyapa in the 5th century. It has impressive frescoes, water gardens and the remains of the royal palace. Sigiriya is a symbol of Sri Lankan engineering and artistry, and its unique design reflects both strategic military planning and artistic sensitivity.

Answer: largest city

Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, is a vibrant port city on the west coast of the island. The country's largest city, it is a melting pot of cultures with a rich colonial history influenced by the Portuguese, Dutch and British. The city is known for its bustling markets, historic landmarks such as Colombo Fort, and modern skyscrapers.

A hub for trade, politics and tourism, Colombo balances its colonial past with rapid urban development.

Answer: sacred mountain

Sri Lada, also known as Adam's Peak, is a sacred mountain in central Sri Lanka. At 2,243 metres, it is revered by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians alike. On the summit is a footprint known as "Sri Pada", believed to be the footprint of Buddha, Lord Shiva or Adam, depending on the religious tradition. Pilgrims from around the world undertake the challenging climb, especially during the pilgrimage season, to offer prayers at the summit.

Answer: major language

Sinhala is the official language of Sri Lanka and is spoken by the Sinhalese, who make up the majority of the population. It belongs to the Indo-Aryan family of languages and has its own unique script. The language has evolved over centuries with influences from Pali, Sanskrit and other regional languages. Sinhala plays an important role in the island's cultural and literary heritage, with ancient texts such as the Mahavamsa chronicling the history of the Sinhalese people.

Answer: historic site

Located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to the island's colonial past. First built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later fortified by the Dutch, the fort is a blend of European architecture and South Asian traditions.

Its cobbled streets, historic churches and ramparts overlooking the Indian Ocean attract visitors from all over the world. As well as being an architectural gem, Galle Fort is a vibrant city with shops, cafes and residences.

Answer: religious relic

Sri Dalada Maligawa, or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. Located in Kandy, it houses a tooth relic believed to belong to the Buddha. The temple is a major pilgrimage site and its grand architecture reflects the deep reverence in which the relic is held.

The annual Esala Perahera festival, with colourful processions and traditional dancers, celebrates the sacred tooth and attracts thousands of devotees and tourists.

Answer: national park

Yala National Park, located in the south-east of Sri Lanka, is one of the country's largest and most famous wildlife sanctuaries. Known for its high density of leopards, the park also boasts a diverse range of animals including elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles and numerous bird species. Yala's diverse landscapes range from dry scrubland to wetlands and it is an important conservation area for Sri Lanka's wildlife, attracting nature lovers and photographers alike.

Answer: national flower

The Araliya, also known as the Frangipani or Temple Flower, is the national flower of Sri Lanka. This fragrant, delicate flower is often associated with temples and religious rituals, and its white or pink flowers symbolise purity and peace. The Araliya tree is often found in gardens and along roadsides, adding a serene beauty to the landscape.

Its importance in Sri Lankan culture extends beyond its aesthetic value, as it is also used in traditional medicine.

Answer: traditional drum

The yak bera is a traditional Sri Lankan drum used in cultural and religious performances, particularly Kandyan dance and Buddhist rituals. The drum is made of wood and stretched animal skins and produces deep, resonant sounds. It is often used to accompany ceremonial processions and dances and plays a key role in the island's artistic heritage.

The yak bera represents the rhythm and soul of Sri Lanka's rich cultural traditions.

Answer: rice dish

Kiribath, or milk rice, is a traditional Sri Lankan dish made by cooking rice with coconut milk until it has a creamy, sticky consistency. It is usually prepared for special occasions such as New Year celebrations, weddings and religious festivals. Kiribath is often served with lunu miris, a spicy onion sambal, or jaggery for a sweet contrast.

A symbol of prosperity and good fortune, kiribath occupies a central place in Sri Lankan culinary culture.