Sri Lanka

D

Energy

In 2003 the total amount of electricity generated was about 7.3 billion kWh, while the amount consumed was 6.80 billion kWh. Approximately 40 per cent of the power was produced by hydroelectric facilities.

E

Currency and Banking

The monetary unit of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan rupee of 100 cents (109.82 rupees equalled US$1; early 2008). The bank of issue is the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

F

Trade and Commerce

In 2004 annual imports cost US$8 billion and exports earned US$5 billion. The chief exports in 1994 were clothing (46 per cent of export earnings), tea (13 per cent), pearls (7 per cent), and rubber (2 per cent), followed by coconut products, graphite, and precious and semi-precious stones. Foodstuffs, mainly rice, flour, and sugar, make up a significant share of imports. Other imports include petroleum products, chemicals, machinery, and transport equipment. Sri Lanka’s chief trading partners are Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, South Korea, and India.

G

Labour

In 2006 about 8.37 million Sri Lankans were economically active, most being unskilled workers. Approximately 34 per cent worked in agriculture, 39 per cent in services, and 23 per cent in industry. About one third of all workers were organized in some 1,300 trade unions. Progressive labour legislation has been enacted, covering minimum wage, health, and welfare, but enforcement has proven difficult because of staff shortages.

H

Transport

In 2003 a network of about 97,286 km (60,451 mi) of roads; approximately 81 per cent were paved, main national routes. The best-developed road system is that in the plantation areas. In 2002 there were 34 motor vehicles per 1,000 people in Sri Lanka, which gave a ratio of 13 passenger cars per 1,000 people. Railway track totalled about 1,449 km (900 mi) in 2003.

Sri Lanka’s main international airport is Katunayake, just north of Colombo. The government-owned airline, Air Lanka, provides domestic and international services.