GENERAL INFORMATION
TRAVEL IDEAS
- Colombo, 3 days
- Sri Lanka Highlights Tour, 6 days
Pagoda Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
Alu Vihare monastery
Lionrock of Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Climate
Sri Lanka has a tropical climate. Upland areas are cooler and more temperate and coastal areas are cooled by sea breezes. There are two monsoons, which occur May to July and December to January.
The average annual temperature is about 32°C (about 90°F) in the lowlands and about 21°C (about 70°F) in the higher mountainous regions.
Language
The official languages of Sri Lanka are Sinhala, or Sinhalese, and Tamil. Sinhala is spoken by 74 per cent of the population. Tamil, a Dravidian language of Southern India, is spoken by people living in the northern and eastern provinces.
English, is still widely spoken.
People
About 74 per cent of the population of Sri Lanka is of Sinhalese descent. The largest minority groups are the Sri Lankan Tamils and the Indian Tamils, which together account for about 18 percent of the population.
The remaining population includes the descendants of Moors (Arabs), Burghers (Dutch), Malays, and Veddas.
Religion
Buddhism is the prevailing religious faith, which was introduced into Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC. As practiced in Sri Lanka, Buddhism exhibits elements of both the Hindu and Islamic traditions. About 69 percent of the population is Buddhist, 15 percent is Hindu, 8 percent is Christian, and 8 percent is Muslim.
Time Difference
Sri Lanka standard time is 11 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time and 14 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time.
Duty Free
The following items may be imported into Sri Lanka by visitors aged 18 years and over without incurring customs duty:
- 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 340g of tobacco.
- 2 bottles of wine and 1.5 liters of spirits.
- A small quantity of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette.
Restrictions
Only two members of a family are entitled to free import allowances. Precious metals, including gold, platinum and silver jewellery), must be declared on arrival in Sri Lanka.
Currency
Sri Lanka Rupee = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of SLRs1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of SLRs5, 2 and 1, and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cent. There are also a large number of commemorative coins in circulation.
Currency Exchange
Foreign currency must be changed only at authorized exchanges, banks and hotels, and these establishments must endorse such exchanges on the visitor's Exchange Control D form which is issued on arrival and must usually be returned at time of departure.
Credit Cards
American Express, Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted. Diners Club has more limited acceptance.
Travellers Cheques
The rate of exchange for travellers cheques is better than the rate of exchange for cash. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars.
Social Conventions
Shaking hands is the normal form of greeting. Punctuality is appreciated. A small token of appreciation, such as a souvenir from home or company, is always welcomed. Visitors should be decently clothed when visiting any place of worship.
Tipping
Most hotels include a service charge of 10%. Extra tipping is optional.
Shopping
Sri Lanka is indeed a shopper's paradise with a wide range of handicrafts at very reasonable prices. The country is also famous for gems and silverware. Many hotels have their own shopping arcades. Goods purchased at the Duty-Free Complex in the Airport have to be paid in foreign currency. Tea here is arguably the best in the World. Gift packs can be purchased.
What to Wear
Light cotton dresses and light weight suits. A wide-brimmed beach hat and sunglasses, comfortable shoes/sandals. In the hill country, sweaters will be necessary. Visitors should be decently clad when visiting any place of worship. Beachwear is NOT suitable for temples and shrines. All visitors to Buddhist and Hindu temples are expected to take off their shoes. Topless sunbathing is prohibited.
Getting Around
By Air: The major domestic airport is Ratmalana at Colombo. There are daily flights to smaller airports around the country.
By Rail: Trains connect Colombo with all tourist towns.
By Road: Traffic drives on the left. Most roads are tarred, with a 56kph (35mph) speed limit in built-up areas and 75kph (45mph) outside towns.
- Bus: An extensive network of services of reasonable quality is provided by the Sri Lanka Central Transport Board.
- Taxi: These are available in most towns.
- Car Rental: This is available from several international agencies. Driving Permit should be obtained before departure. The minimum age for driving is 18.
