Sri Lanka

Basic Indicators

Source: UNICEF: The State of the World's Children Report

Population: 20,238,000 (2009)
National language: Sinhala, Tamil
Per capita income: US$ 1,990/year (2009)
Life expectancy: 74 (2009)
% of population using
improved drinking water sources: 90% (2008)
% of population using
adequate sanitation facilities: 91% (2008)
Under 5 Mortality Rate: 15/1,000 live births (2009)

Sri Lanka, slightly larger than West Virginia, is an island nation located in the Bay of Bengal to the south of India. Fighting between the government and a separatist movement in the northeast has consumed much of the country’s resources and cost thousands of lives. The extensive damage and loss of lives caused by the tsunami of 2004 only compounded the country's problems.

Sri Lanka is probably best known for its production of tea. Ceylon tea is the country’s main export. Farmers grow rice, sugarcane, grains and tea. The country also has deposits of rare gems, including diamonds, rubies and emeralds.

Plan works with more than 24,000 children, along with their families and communities, in 8 districts. Except in emergency situations, Plan does not provide direct assistance. Instead, we help communities develop, grow and, ultimately, support themselves.

Hear from the children

An essential part of Plan's work is empowering children to discuss the issues that matter to them and to take part in decisions that affect their lives. To help you learn about these issues, the children in Plan communities have put together a series of publications called "See Our World": Read what the children have to say about their lives.