Introduction

Sri Lanka is a country rich in natural resources, which play a vital role in its economy and daily life. These resources support agriculture, industry, and energy production, making them essential for national development.

Agriculture is one of the oldest and most important economic activities in Sri Lanka. A large portion of the population depends on farming for their livelihood.

Natural Resources of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has a variety of natural resources, including:

1. Land Resources

Sri Lanka has fertile soil, especially in river valleys and plains. These lands are suitable for cultivating crops such as rice, tea, rubber, and coconut.

2. Water Resources

The country has many rivers, tanks, and reservoirs. The Mahaweli River, the longest river in Sri Lanka, plays a key role in irrigation and hydroelectric power generation.

Ancient kings built irrigation systems like tanks and canals, which are still used today.

3. Forest Resources

Sri Lanka has tropical forests that provide timber, medicinal plants, and wildlife habitats. Forests also help maintain ecological balance and prevent soil erosion.

4. Mineral Resources

Sri Lanka is famous for its valuable minerals such as:

Gemstones (sapphires, rubies)
Graphite
Ilmenite and mineral sands

These resources contribute to exports and industrial development.

5. Marine Resources

Being surrounded by the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka has rich marine resources, including fish, coral reefs, and other sea products. Fisheries are an important source of income and food.

Agriculture in Sri Lanka

Agriculture is the backbone of Sri Lanka’s rural economy.

1. Paddy Cultivation

Rice (paddy) is the staple food of Sri Lanka. It is mainly grown in wet zones and irrigated dry zones using tank systems.

2. Plantation Crops

Sri Lanka is globally known for plantation agriculture:

Tea – Grown in central highlands (Nuwara Eliya, Kandy)
Rubber – Grown in wet zone areas
Coconut – Grown in coastal and intermediate zones

Tea is one of the country’s major export crops.

3. Other Crops

Farmers also grow:

Vegetables (carrots, beans)
Fruits (banana, mango, pineapple)
Spices (cinnamon, pepper, cloves)

Sri Lanka is especially famous for its high-quality cinnamon.

Importance of Natural Resources & Agriculture

Economic Importance

Provides employment to a large population
Generates export income (tea, rubber, gems)
Supports industries

Environmental Importance

Maintains ecological balance
Protects biodiversity
Supports sustainable development

Social Importance

Ensures food security
Supports rural livelihoods

Challenges

Sri Lanka faces several issues related to natural resources and agriculture:

Deforestation
Soil erosion
Water scarcity in dry zones
Climate change impacts
Overuse of natural resources

Proper management and sustainable practices are necessary to protect these resources.

Natural Resources & Agriculture of Sri Lanka – Quiz

Choose the correct answer for each question.

1. Which sector is known as the backbone of Sri Lanka’s rural economy?
A. Industry
B. Agriculture
C. Tourism
D. Mining
Answer: B

2. What is the staple food crop of Sri Lanka?
A. Wheat
B. Rice
C. Corn
D. Barley
Answer: B

3. The longest river in Sri Lanka is:
A. Kelani River
B. Mahaweli River
C. Kalu River
D. Gin River
Answer: B

4. Which crop is Sri Lanka famous for exporting?
A. Coffee
B. Tea
C. Wheat
D. Corn
Answer: B

5. Coconut is mainly grown in:
A. Highlands
B. Coastal areas
C. Deserts
D. Polar regions
Answer: B

6. Which natural resource is Sri Lanka famous for?
A. Oil
B. Coal
C. Gemstones
D. Uranium
Answer: C

7. Rubber is mainly grown in:
A. Dry zone
B. Wet zone
C. Desert
D. Mountains only
Answer: B

8. Ancient irrigation systems were built by:
A. Colonizers
B. Farmers
C. Ancient kings
D. Traders
Answer: C

9. Which of the following is a mineral resource?
A. Rice
B. Timber
C. Graphite
D. Fish
Answer: C

10. Forests help to prevent:
A. Floods only
B. Soil erosion
C. Earthquakes
D. Volcanic eruptions
Answer: B

11. Which crop is grown in the central highlands?
A. Coconut
B. Tea
C. Rice
D. Sugarcane
Answer: B

12. Marine resources include:
A. Gold
B. Timber
C. Fish
D. Coal
Answer: C

13. Cinnamon is an example of:
A. Grain
B. Spice
C. Mineral
D. Fruit
Answer: B

14. Which resource is used for hydroelectric power?
A. Wind
B. Water
C. Coal
D. Oil
Answer: B

15. Soil erosion mainly affects:
A. Air
B. Land productivity
C. Oceans
D. Climate only
Answer: B

16. Which sector provides most rural employment?
A. Banking
B. Agriculture
C. IT
D. Transport
Answer: B

17. Which of the following is a plantation crop?
A. Rice
B. Tea
C. Carrot
D. Mango
Answer: B

18. Overuse of natural resources leads to:
A. Development only
B. Environmental damage
C. Increased rainfall
D. Snowfall
Answer: B

19. Fisheries belong to which resource category?
A. Land
B. Marine
C. Mineral
D. Forest
Answer: B

20. Sustainable use of resources means:
A. Using without limits
B. Protecting for future use
C. Ignoring conservation
D. Destroying ecosystems
Answer: B

Natural Resources and Agriculture of Sri Lanka