The Sinhalese came from northern India in about 540 BC. (2,540 years ago) They speak Sinhalese and live primarilyin the southwest. Ninety percent of them are Buddhists.The Tamils are divided into two distinct groups. The Sri Lankan Tamils, whose roots on the island date back nearly 2,000 years, are concentrated in the northern and eastern coastal regions--particularly around Jaffna. The Indian Tamils were brought from southern India in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to work as laborers on the large agricultural estates in the south-central hill country. Both groups practice the Hindu religion and speak the Tamil language

Both Sinhalese and Tamil are official languages. The Burghers are largely English speaking. English is used extensively in administration and education.Sri Lanka's literacy rate of about 86 percent compares favorably to that of most South Asian countries. Schooling is free and compulsory from ages 5 to 13. Free secondary and college and university education is also available.Buddhism, which came to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC, is the predominant religion and the foundation of Sinhalese culture. Kandy, the ancient capital, is located in the foothills of the hill country and is the center of traditional culture. Here Sri Lanka's most prized possession, the sacred tooth of Buddha, is enshrined in the Temple of the Tooth.

The government-supported health system provides free medical care. A successful family planning pro-gram has lowered birthrates significantly. Sri Lankans have a low incidence of major endemic and infectious diseases. The infant mortality rate in 1991 was 25 per 1,000 live births, one of the lowest in Asia.