Sri Lanka, officially Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, formerly Ceylon, island republic in the Indian Ocean off the south-eastern coast of India, a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. Sri Lanka is separated from India by the Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar. Lying between the two nations is a chain of tiny islands known as Adam's Bridge. Sri Lanka is somewhat pear-shaped, with its apex in the north. The greatest length from north to south is about 440 km (273 mi); the greatest width is about 220 km (137 mi). The total area of Sri Lanka is 65,610 sq km (25,326 sq mi). The capital of Sri Lanka is the ancient city of Sri Jayavardhanapura- Kotte ; Colombo is the largest city.