The island of Sri Lanka lies off the southern tip of India in
the Indian Ocean, a verdant paradise that is the cradle of the
Buddhist faith. Apart from hundreds of miles of the world's most
beautiful palm-fringed beaches, Sri Lanka boasts no fewer than
seven World Heritage Sites listed by Unesco, ranging from sacred
cities, palaces and cliff-top citadels to colonial strongholds,
spanning close to 3,000 years of history. To complete the picture
of perfection, Sri Lanka is situated just three degrees north of
the Equator, meaning the weather is constantly hot, humid and
tropical. Sunny skies are the order of the day; even in the brief
monsoon season there is always a daily spell of sunshine.
There has, however, been trouble in paradise. Modern Sri Lanka
has experienced indigenous terrorism, particularly in the north of
the island and the metropolis of Colombo city, but the beautiful
beaches and towns of the south and southeast coast have been
largely unaffected. Anyone travelling to Sri Lanka is advised to
acquaint themselves with the current political and security
situation before embarking on their visit. To compound matters, the
island's tourism infrastructure is still recovering from the
effects of the catastrophic tsunami, which devastated coastal areas
in December 2004.
Adventurous visitors who enjoy some mystery and wonderment will,
however, marvel at the ancient sites of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa,
Sigiriya, Dambulla and Panduwasnuwara, where the remains of a great
civilisation are to be seen. The cities of Colombo and Kandy show
the influence of the foreign colonial powers that fought for
control over the strategic, lush island in the 16th, 17th and 18th
centuries. Dutch-inspired buildings stand cheek to jowl with
Victorian British mansions and Portuguese fortifications.
Sri Lanka offers leisure and pleasure opportunities at a gentle
pace; this is no package holiday destination but rather one to be
savoured by discerning travellers who enjoy discovering their own
diversions.
Climate
Sri Lanka has a tropical climate with high humidity,
tempered by sea breezes on the coast. The average temperature is
about 81ºF (27ºC). January is the coolest month, becoming
especially cold in the highlands, and May is the hottest time of
year. Monsoon season is between May and July, and December and
January.
Language
Most people speak Sinhala, which is the national and
official language. Tamil is also spoken, and English is spoken at
most tourist establishments.
Time
Money
The unit of currency is the Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR), which is
divided into 100 cents. Major credit cards are widely accepted, and
travellers cheques in US Dollars are recommended. ATMs are becoming
more common, but outside the main cities they are unlikely to
accept international cards. Credit cards should be used with
caution due to the potential for fraud. Foreign currency can be
exchanged at bureaux de change, banks and hotels, but exchanging
cash is more expensive than exchanging travellers cheques. Banks
are closed on Sundays.
Passport Visa
Visitors should be able to show the immigration
officials proof of sufficient funds for their stay in Sri Lanka
(minimum US$15 per person per day). Passengers must also hold
return or onward tickets and all documents needed for the next
destination. Visa-exempt nationals should have a passport valid for
three months beyond period of stay, otherwise passports should be
valid for two months after expiry date of visa.
Entry Requirements
United States citizens require a passport valid for at least
two months beyond the expiry date of the visa, which is issued on
arrival for a stay of up to 30 days for touristic purposes. A
return or onward ticket, all documents needed for further travel
and sufficient funds are required.British citizens require a passport valid for at least two
months beyond the expiry date of the visa, which is issued on
arrival for a stay of up to 30 days for touristic purposes. A
return or onward ticket, all documents needed for further travel
and sufficient funds are required.Canadian citizens require a passport valid for at least two
months beyond the expiry date of the visa, which is issued on
arrival for a stay of up to 30 days for touristic purposes. A
return or onward ticket, all documents needed for further travel
and sufficient funds are required.Australian citizens require a passport valid for at least two
months beyond expiry date of the visa, which is issued on arrival
for a stay of up to 30 days for touristic purposes. A return or
onward ticket, all documents needed for further travel and
sufficient funds are required.South Africans must hold a passport valid for at least two
months beyond the expiry date of the visa, which is issued on
arrival allowing for a stay of up to 30 days for touristic
purposes. A return or onward ticket, all documents needed for
further travel and sufficient funds are required.Irish nationals require a passport valid for at least two
months beyond the expiry date of the visa, which is issued on
arrival for a stay of up to 30 days for touristic purposes. A
return or onward ticket, all documents needed for further travel
and sufficient funds are required.New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for at least two
months beyond the expiry date of the visa, which is issued on
arrival for a stay of up to 30 days for touristic purposes. A
return or onward ticket, all documents needed for further travel
and sufficient funds are required.
Embassy Consulates
United States Embassy, Colombo: +94 (0)11 249 8500.
British High Commission, Colombo: +94 (0)11 243 7336-43.
Canadian High Commission, Colombo: +94 (0)11 522 6232.
Australian High Commission, Colombo: + 94 (0)11 246 3200.
South African High Commission, Colombo: + 94 (0)11 5635
966.
Honorary Consul of Ireland, Colombo: +94 (0)11 258 7895.
New Zealand High Commission, New Delhi, India (also responsible
for Sri Lanka): +91 (0)11 2688 3170.
Health
Food and waterborne diseases are a primary cause for ill
health in travellers. Visitors should only drink bottled water,
avoid ice in drinks, and take care to eat well-cooked food.
Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all travellers to Sri
Lanka. Cholera is regarded as a serious risk and precautions are
advised, while typhoid is more of a problem in rural areas. Yellow
fever vaccination certificates are required by travellers coming
from infected areas. Malaria, Chikungunya fever, Japanese
encephalitis and dengue fever are a risk and protection against
mosquito bites is essential. Prophylactics for malaria are also
strongly recommended. There is also a particular danger from
contaminated seafood. Travellers are strongly advised to take out
good travel insurance, and seek medial advice at least three weeks
before leaving for Sri Lanka.
Safety
There is a risk of terrorism in the country, and although
foreigners have not been the targets of previous attacks, there is
a risk of being caught up in incidents. There has been a dramatic
increase in political violence, and visitors should avoid public
gatherings and political demonstrations. The Sri Lankan Government
and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) have been involved
in long-standing conflict which has resulted in indigenous
terrorism, particularly in the north and northeast of the country,
with attacks and abductions occurring almost daily, and fighting
between the rebels and the government. Visitors should keep
themselves informed of developments and remain vigilant. As a
result of the conflict much of the north and east remains heavily
mined, particularly around the A9 road to Jaffna; foreign
governments are advising against travel to the north or east of the
country. Fatal attacks in Trincomalee continue almost daily.
Attacks have also taken place in central and southern Sri Lanka, in
areas popular with tourists, and civilians have been targeted.
Attacks have also occurred in the south, including the tourist town
of Galle. Yala National Park is currently closed due to security
concerns; there have been a number of attacks since October 2007.
Security has been increased in the south of the country,
particularly in Colombo, and road check points are common. There
have been recent bomb explosions on public transport in central
Colombo. Violent crime against foreigners is infrequent, but there
have been cases of sexual assault and robbery in rural areas and
women are advised to take care when travelling alone.
Electricity
Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round,
three-pin plugs are used.
Business
In Sri Lanka, due to a warm climate, the dress etiquette
may vary according to various sectors of business. In the more
formal sectors, men will be required to wear lightweight suits, but
a more casual approach is acceptable during the warmer months
depending on regulation. Appointments are to be made in advance and
business cards to be swapped upon first engagements. It is
considered rude to be late for meetings. Business hours are
generally 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday with an hour taken at
lunch.
Communications
The international country dialling code for Sri
Lanka is +94. The outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant
country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City or area codes
are in use, e.g. (0)11 for Central Colombo. International direct
dial facilities are available in Colombo and other major cities.
Mobile phone operators provide GSM 900/1800 frequency networks with
coverage across all the main parts of the island. Internet cafes
are available in the main towns and resorts.
Duty Free
Travellers to Sri Lanka over 18 years do not have to pay
duty on the following items: 2 bottles wine and 1.5 litres spirits;
perfume up to 59ml and 250ml eau de toilette; and souvenirs to the
value of US$250; 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars and 340g of tobacco.
For family members travelling together free import applies for two
members. Passengers must declare personal effects to ensure free
export when they arrive in Sri Lanka. Restricted items include
firearms, ammunitions, explosives and weapons, plants, fruits,
birds and by-products, medication (unless it is for personal use),
and goods for commercial purposes. Prohibited items include drugs
or narcotics, pornographic material, and material that ridicules
religious belief systems.
