Discovering the Riches of Sri Lanka

• Geography
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

Discovering the Riches of Sri Lanka

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to describe the physical and human geography of Sri Lanka.

Introduce the learning objective to the students and explain what they will be able to do by the end of the lesson.

What do you already know about Sri Lanka?

Introduction

Welcome to our geography lesson on Sri Lanka! Let's explore the wonders of this beautiful island country.

Start the lesson by capturing the students' attention and generating excitement about the topic.

Where is Sri Lanka located? Which countries are its near neighbours?

Location

Sri Lanka is located in the Indian Ocean, southeast of the Indian subcontinent.

Explain the geographical location of Sri Lanka and its relation to the Indian subcontinent.

Places of interest

Population

Physical Features

Sri Lanka is known for its diverse physical features, including lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and majestic mountains.

Describe the various physical features found in Sri Lanka and emphasize their importance.

What is the highest mountain in Sri Lanka?

Pidurutalagala, the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka at 2,524 m (8,281 ft).

Climate

Sri Lanka has a tropical climate with distinct monsoon seasons, resulting in abundant rainfall throughout the year.

Explain the climate patterns in Sri Lanka and how they influence the country's ecosystems.

What is the 'monsoon'? When does it happen?

Biodiversity

Sri Lanka is a biodiversity hotspot, home to numerous species of plants and animals, including the Sri Lankan elephant and the purple-faced langur.

Highlight the rich biodiversity of Sri Lanka and discuss the need for conservation efforts.

Find two facts about the purple-faced langur or the Sri Lankan elephant

Human Population

Sri Lanka has a population of around 22 million people, with diverse ethnic and religious groups.

Introduce the demographic characteristics of Sri Lanka, emphasizing its cultural diversity.

What are the three most widely practiced religions in Sri Lanka?

Religions of Sri Lanka

Buddhism (70.2%)

Hinduism (12.6%)

Islam (9.7%)

Catholicism (6.1%)

Other Christian (1.3%)

What is the capital city of Sri Lanka and what is its population?

Capital City - Colombo

The capital city of Sri Lanka is Colombo, a vibrant and bustling metropolis.

Provide information about the capital city and its significance in the country.

Colombo population

The city has a population of 752,993 people. The larger urban area has a population of over 2.3 million, while the metropolitan area has a population of more than 5.6 million residents.

Major Cities

Apart from Colombo, other major cities in Sri Lanka include Kandy, Galle, and Jaffna.

Introduce some of the prominent cities in Sri Lanka and their unique features.

Find one fact about one of the cities Kandy, Galle, or Jaffna.

Slide 9: Cultural Heritage

Sri Lanka has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by Buddhism, Hinduism, and various other traditions.

Discuss the cultural heritage of Sri Lanka, including its religious and architectural landmarks.

Slide 10: World Heritage Sites

Sri Lanka is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Highlight the importance of Sri Lanka's World Heritage Sites and their significance.

Find on fact about Sigiriya

What is a World Heritage site?

Slide 11: Economy

Sri Lanka's economy is based on agriculture, tourism, and industries like textiles and tea production.

Discuss the key sectors of Sri Lanka's economy and their contribution to the country's development.

Slide 12: Famous Export

One of Sri Lanka's famous exports is Ceylon tea, known for its unique flavor and quality.

Introduce a notable export of Sri Lanka and explain its significance in the global market.

What is the capital city of Sri Lanka?

1. Jaffna
2. Colombo
3. Kandy
4. Galle

Which ocean surrounds Sri Lanka?

1. Indian Ocean
2. Arctic Ocean
3. Pacific Ocean
4. Atlantic Ocean

What is the official language of Sri Lanka?

1. Sinhala
2. Hindi
3. English
4. Tamil

Which mountain range runs through the central part of Sri Lanka?

1. Rocky Mountains
2. Andes
3. Himalayas
4. Central Highlands

Which famous ancient rock fortress is located in Sri Lanka?

1. Great Wall of China
2. Sigiriya
3. Taj Mahal
4. Machu Picchu

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Homework

Watch the video 'Sri Lanka 10 Best Places' and make a poster about your favourite place

or

Find some Sri Lankan/Ceylon tea and make tea for you family explaining how tea is made