Territorial Changes:
1. Incorporation of the Northern Province: In 1948, the Northern Province was not part of Sri Lanka. It was incorporated into the country through the Indo-Lanka Agreement of 1987, ending the civil war between the Sri Lankan government and the Tamil Tigers.
2. Loss of Kachchativu Island: Kachchativu Island, located northwest of Sri Lanka, was ceded to India as part of an agreement in 1974 to resolve maritime disputes in the Palk Strait.
3. Maritime Boundary Adjustments: The present map of Sri Lanka reflects more detailed and internationally recognized maritime boundaries with neighboring countries, particularly India and the Maldives.
Internal Administrative Divisions:
1. New Provinces: Since 1948, Sri Lanka has undergone several changes to its provincial structure. New provinces have been created and boundaries have been adjusted to address administrative and political considerations.
2. Number of Districts: The number of districts in Sri Lanka has increased since 1948. The current administrative structure comprises 25 districts to facilitate better governance and decentralization.
3. District Boundaries: The boundaries of existing districts have been modified over time to improve geographic coherence and administrative efficiency.
Road Networks and Infrastructure:
1. Improved Infrastructure: The present map of Sri Lanka shows advancements in road networks, major highways, and improved transportation infrastructure compared to the map from 1948.
2. New Infrastructure: Since 1948, numerous construction projects, including bridges, dams, power plants, and airports, have been completed, affecting the country's infrastructure landscape.
Urbanization:
1. Growth of Urban Centers: Significant urban growth can be observed on the present map of Sri Lanka, reflecting the expanding populations and development of city centers like Colombo, Kandy, and Galle.
2. Changed Land Use Patterns: Urbanization has led to changes in land use patterns, such as the emergence of suburbs and industrial zones that weren't present in 1948.
Overall, the present map of Sri Lanka reflects territorial changes, modifications to administrative divisions, infrastructure advancements, urban growth, and the impact of development projects that have transformed the country's geography and society since 1948.
