1. Sri Lanka and the Maldives
Chapter 25
Sri Lanka and the Maldives

2. History of the Islands Two ethnic groups of ancient Sri Lanka
Tamils
Sinhalese
Violence in the 20th century
tensions between Tamils and Sinhalese led to civil war in the 1980s
continues to erupt there today
Maldives settlement – Buddhists and Hindus from Sri Lanka and India
Maldives religion – adopted Islam by 12th century

3. Pictures from the Maldives
Vihamanaafushi Island, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives
Turtle farming

4. Life in the Islands
“Ethnic Mosaics” – both countries have multi-ethnic populations
Effects of religion on island life
Hinduism and Buddhism influence Sri Lanka art and literature
Islam – Maldives’ state religion, strong cultural influence
Bodu Beru – traditional Maldivian form of music and dance based on drumming

5. Pictures from Sri Lanka

6. Economic Activity in the Islands
Sri Lanka economy base
Rice farming
Crops raised on plantations for export (tea, rubber, coconuts)
Gem mining
Sri Lanka tourist industry collapsed in civil war
Maldives economy differs from others in region
Lack of land limits farming
Most food must be imported
Economic challenges
Sri Lanka – civil unrest, decline of plantation agriculture, deforestation
The Maldives – threat of flooding caused by global warming