(Last updated: 30 Mar 2011)

Visas

Visitors from 72 countries including Australia are granted a tourist visa for up to 30 days that can be obtained on arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport. This visa can be extended for up to 90 days by the Department of Immigration and Emigration.

Business travellers to Sri Lanka are advised to have a valid business visa prior to arrival, which will be granted by the Sri Lankan Mission on submission of letter of invitation, purpose of business visit and duly perfected visa application and valid passport.

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.

Airports

The Bandaranaike International Airport is located at Katunayake some 30 kilometres from the city of Colombo. Taxis can be hired from the airport at a cost of Rs1300 for the trip or there is a bus and rail network that connects the airport to Colombo and other major cities.

Ground transport

Taxi services are available 24-hours a day in Colombo and for metered cabs the fare is approximately 45 rupees per kilometre. All drivers speak fluent English and should be given precise instructions about the destination.

Travellers can also hire cars from reputed travel agencies either with or without a chauffeur. The Sri Lanka Government railway has regular train services between major cities and towns throughout the island. A bus service operated by the regional transport boards also has links to all major cities and towns.

A large number of three-wheelers are also available and as these vehicles are not metered, it’s best to negotiate a price before engaging their services.

Hotels

Business travellers are advised to confirm hotel accommodation prior to arrival through their travel agent. Bookings can also be made directly with hotels. Five-star hotels are priced from US$90–$150. Less expensive options include three-star hotels and guesthouses in Colombo and resort hotels on the coast and throughout the country. Visitors can also book accommodation at self-service apartments at competitive rates.

Security and health

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Sri Lanka. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

For the past 19 years there has been armed conflict between the Sri Lanka Government and a Tamil separatist group and travel is restricted in the northern and eastern parts of the country. Australians visiting Sri Lanka for long periods are advised to register with the Australian High Commission.

Health

It’s advisable to take precautions against malaria and cholera. A valid international certification of vaccination is also required if visitors are arriving from areas affected by cholera and yellow fever.

Drink bottled water and wash fresh fruits or vegetables thoroughly before consumption.

Tipping

Tipping is optional. Most hotels are restaurants include a service charge of 10 per cent in any bill. However a tip of between five to 10 per cent of the bill is acceptable if a customer is satisfied with the service provided.

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.

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

January 1 – Duruthu Full Moon Day*
January 14 – Tamil Thai Pongal Day*
February 1 – Navam Full Moon Day*
February 4 – National Day
February 26 – Birth of the Prophet
March 1 – Medin Full Moon Poya Day*
April 1 – Bak Full Moon Poya Day / Sinhala and Tamil New Year*
April 2 – Good Friday
April 28 – Vesak
May 1 – May Day
June 1 – Poson Full Moon Poya Day*
July 1 – Esala Full Moon Poya Day*
August 1 – Nikini Full Moon Poya Day*
September 1 – Binara Full Moon Poya Day*
September 11 – Eid al-Fitr
October 1 – Vap Full Moon Poya Day*
November 1 – Il Full Moon Poya Day*
November 5 – Deepavali Festival Day
November 17 – Eid al-Adha
December 1 – Duruthu Full Poya Day / Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day*
December 25 – Christmas Day

*Dates to be confirmed

Currency

Oanda currency converter

The Sri Lankan currency is the rupee, made up of 100 cents.

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.