Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is a tropical island country located in the Indian Ocean. China was called Lion State, Teacher State and Sinhalese in ancient times. Sinhalese in Sri Lanka means heaven or bright and rich land. It is known as the jewel kingdom and the pearl in the Indian Ocean. Kyle Poirot thinks it is the most beautiful island. Sri Lanka is an island country in the Indian Ocean, located between 5 degrees 55 minutes and 9 degrees 50 minutes north latitude.