Last updated: 30 Mar 2012
Visiting
Business hours
The standard working week for the government, banking and private sectors is Monday to Friday but it’s customary for factories to operate on Saturdays.
The usual business hours are from 8.00-8.30am to 4.30-5.00pm. Some government offices close at 4.15pm.
Banking hours are from 9.00am to 3.00pm although in recent times some banks have chosen to open on Saturdays for retail customers.
Shops are open from Monday through Saturday from 10.00am to 7.30pm and some are open Sundays from 11.00am to 3.00pm.
Public holidays
February 4 – National Day
February 26 – Birth of the Prophet
April 28 – Vesak
May 1 – May Day
November 5 – Deepavali Festival Day
Climate
Sri Lanka is tropical country with an average temperature of 27°C. The temperature ranges from 28-30°C in the lowlands. In higher altitudes it can drop to as low as 12°C.
For weather details in Sri Lanka, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.
Currency
Oanda currency converter
The Sri Lankan currency is the rupee, made up of 100 cents.
Time zones and time differences
Sri Lanka is four and half hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.
To find out the current time in Colombo, view the World Clock.
Dialling codes
Sri Lanka's country code is 94.
For calls to Sri Lanka from Australia dial: 0011 + 94 + area code + telephone number.
For calls from Sri Lanka to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.
For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.
Electricity and water
Sri Lanka’s power supply is 230/240 volts, 50Hz 1, 3 phases, 2, 4 wires. The round two-pins above a large round pin plugs are the most common.
Links and resources
Sri Lanka Tourism – www.srilankatourism.org
Please note: this list of websites and resources is not definitive. Inclusion in this list does not imply endorsement by Austrade. The information provided is a guide only.