Getting to and from Colombo

Visas

Weather and temperature

Government

Dress

Health

Money and costs

Entering places of worship

Other facts

Getting to and from Colombo

International flights

Colombo is easy to access, with direct flights from most capital cities in the world.

Sri Lankan Airlines flys Colombo from London, Manchester, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth.

Most airlines fly to Colombo with or without a stopover including KLM, Qatar Airlines, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, and Thai Airways.

Visas

Most western countries do not need a tourist visa to enter Sri Lanka for a short time.

Nationals from countries including Australia, New Zealand, UK and USA are granted landing visa for 30 days at the port of entry in Sri Lanka. Two (02) months extension beyond 30 day shall be granted at the Department of Immigration & Emigration (Head Office) if required.

Please visit the following website for more information:

http://www.immigration.gov.lk/html/visa/visit.html

Weather and Temperature

Climatically, Sri Lanka has no off-season for tourists. Truly it is an ‘Island Paradise’. At sea level the temperature ranges from 25° to 28° C and in the hill country it varies from 12° to 16°C. Rainfall is received mainly during two monsoons with occasional inter-monsoonal showers. Heaviest rainfall is experienced during the southwest monsoon (May-September) with lesser rainfall in the northeast monsoon (December to February).

Government

Sri Lanka, is a free, independent and sovereign nation with a population of 18.774 million (1998 mid year estimates). Legislative power is exercised by a Parliament, elected by universal franchise on proportional representation basis. A President, who is also elected by the people, exercises executive power including defense. Sri Lanka enjoys a multi party system, and the people vote to elect a new government every six years.

Dress

Cotton garments are the ideal as Sri Lanka is a tropical island. However, viscose/cotton mixed garments are commonly worn. Light clothing is recommended in the lowland areas and light
woolen clothing is suitable in the hill country. A sun hat and sun glasses may help to escape the heat during day time.

Health

Travellers are advised to drink from reliable sources i.e. restaurants in the hotel and credible eating places. Tap water in the hotel is safe to drink, but the hotel supplies free bottled water.

Money and Costs

Australia and European countries have a great exchange rate against the Sri Lanka Rupee.

Entering Places of Worship

Visitors to Buddhist temples are advised to be properly clad covering the body in full. Briefs, shorts, bear backs and bare shoulders are against accepted norms. When entering Buddhist and Hindu shrines footwear and headgear should be removed.

Other Facts

Currency: Rupee

Time Zone: GMT/UTC +5

Dialling Code: 94

Electricity: 230 - 240V, 50 cycles AC

Weights & measures: Metric