The coastal areas and northern half are flat, the central and south central areas are hilly and mountainous. Sri Lanka rich in Natural resources like, limestone, graphite, mineral sands, gems, phosphates, clay, hydropower

When taking about Environment - current issues, deforestation; soil erosion; wildlife populations threatened by poaching and urbanization; coastal degradation from mining activities and increased pollution; freshwater resources being polluted by industrial wastes and sewage runoff; waste disposal; air pollution in Colombo

Climate:
At tropical beach level the thermometer soars into the mid 80's F. (29 C) but, within four hours' journey by road or rail, lies the breathtaking hill country where the temperature drops to the 50's F (10 C). As quickly as the climate changes, so does the dramatic scenery. An equally short journey will bring you to he ruined cities of Sri Lanka's ancient civilization. On these journeys, you can see palm-fringed beaches, a wealth of wildlife, exotic flora, plains and highlands, rivers, lakes and waterfalls. These are true beauties of Sri Lanka. - a calm and serene countryside matched by an enticingly simple way of life.

CLIMATE, CLIMATE ZONES, MAIN SEASONS (AVERAGE TEMPERATURE)

RAINFALL AND SEASONAL DISTRIBUTION

The average annual rainfall varies from about 1000 mm 39 inches over a small region in the arid parts of the north-west and south-east of the Island to over 5,000 mm 197 inches at a few places in the Kegalle and Nuwara Eliya districts (on the south-western slopes of the central hills). 

Rainfall during the south-west monsoon is mostly over the south-western parts of the island.  At the beginning it occurs in the south-western low country. As winds strengthen, it spreads gradually to the interior, with considerable heavy rain in the hill country from June to August, South-west monsoon rainfall exceeds 3,000 mm 118 inches at a few places in the Kegalle and Nuwara Eliya districts. 

During the North-east monsoon, the eastern half of the Island receives from about 200 mm 8 inches to over 1,200 mm 47 inches of rain. The higher rainfalls are experienced over the Rangala range of hills. 

During the inter-monsoon period, winds are generally light except for the sea breeze which develops from about noon and is also responsible for the thunder showers that occur in the afternoon or evening. These showers may occur anywhere over the Island. Another source of rain during these periods is depressional activity. 

Depressions are responsible for a good part of the precipitation during the inter-monsoon period, October to November, Rainfall during this period is therefore widespread and exceeds 500 mm 20 inches at many place. Taking the island as a whole, this is the rainy period of the year. Conditions are similar during the other inter-monsoonal period, from March to April, but the rainfall is less, mainly because of less depressional activity.