Stunning images of Sri Lanka captured from space
US astronaut Scott Joseph Kelly, who is currently posted at the International Space Station, has captured stunning images of Sri Lanka and South India. Kelly, one of the most followed personalities on social media platforms, recently posted breathtaking images of the southern tip of India with a prominent bridge between the country and Sri Lanka.
Kelly has posted another photo showing the sandy beaches of South India and the lash of green that covers the north.
Kelly's photos have rekindled the interest of many people about the beautiful oceanic border between India and Sri Lanka.
Here are some amazing facts about the India-Sri Lanka border:
1. The border between India and Sri Lanka is one of the oldest territorial boundaries. History of political milieu and disputes between the two nations dates back to around 2,500 years.
2. The border is defined by the Gulf of Mannar that is 53 to 80 kilometres wide.
3. There is a series of low islands and reef shoals between the Pamban Island in Tamil Nadu and the Mannar Island in Sri Lanka. The series of islands is called the Adam's Bridge.
4. The Adam's Bridge is also known as the Rama Setu in India. The mythological epic Ramayana depicts Rama building a bridge to the land of Lanka to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana.
5. The Pamban Island, also known as the Rameswaram Island, is India's southern most landmass. It is connected to the mainland via Pamban Bridge, used by the Indian Railways.
6. India has had its fair share of political disputes with its southern neighbours. However, in the second half of the 20th century, both the countries locked horns to claim an uninhibited island named Kachchatheevu around 30 kilometres North-East of Rameshwaram. In 1974, the sovereignty of the island was given to Sri Lanka.
7. International relations between Sri Lanka and India has always been collaborative. So much so that former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa had once said, "India is our relation and all others are our friends".
0 Comments