Climate
Due to the location of Sri Lanka, within the tropics between 5o 55′ to 9o 51′ North latitude and between 79o 42′ to 81o 53′ East longitude, the climate of the island could be characterized as tropical. The mean annual temperature in Sri Lanka manifests largely homogeneous temperatures in the low lands and rapidly decreasing temperatures in the highlands. In the lowlands, up to and altitude of 100 m to 150 m, the mean annual temperature various between 26.5 0C to 28.5 0C, with an annual temperature of 27.5 0C.
Dress
Light sweater is frequently required at night. Topless sunbathing is officially illegal. The use of bikinis is generally considered acceptable while on the beach. When swimming inland, in rivers or lakes, ask for local advice regarding swimwear as covering with a sarong may be necessary. Away from the beach, be aware that dress standards are comparatively conservative and it is respectful to wear loose, long and lightweight clothing. Shorts should always be knee-length. For the religious sites you need to cover your knees and shoulders.
Telephone & Internet
Sri Lankan IDD code is +94 and TLD (Top Level Domain) is (.lk). In Sri Lankan there are 3 main mobile networks are available and you can buy a SIM cad (Passport Info Need) and you may to-up at anywhere you required. Wi-Fi Zones are readily available at most of the hotels. International call charges in Sri Lanka is comparatively cheap. Sri Lanka most famous mobile networks are Mobitel / Dialog / Etisalat.
What to Declare
Tourists will have to declare currency, travelers cheques, drafts, etc. upon arrival, other valuable items like gold, silver, gems, jewelry, must be declared too.
VISA
From the 1st of January 2012 the Department of Immigration and Emigration has specified that all Business or Holiday travelers to Sri Lanka must obtain Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in order to enter the country. The ETA fees differ based on the country of the applicant, the type of visa and duration of stay. Payments should be made through the ETA website and not at the port of entry to Sri Lanka.
Currency
Currency: Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR) 1 = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of LKR 5000 / 2000 / 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of SLRs10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. There are also large numbers of commemorative coins in circulation.
Credit Card
Credit & Debit cards: Most of maor cards are widely accepted in most of the cities. Diners Club has more limited acceptance. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
Working Hours
Normal working Hours are from 8.30 AM to 5.00 PM Monday to Friday, 9 am to 1 pm on Saturday. Sundays and public holidays are not working days.
Time Difference
Sri Lanka is 5.30 Hours ahead of Greenwich Time. (GMT +05:30) Colombo.
Transport – Taxis
One could find taxis (Radio Cabs) operated by a number of companies. These are available on quick call within Colombo and suburbs. If the taxis are not metered be prepared to bargain the fare. Metered Auto-Rickshaws (Three Wheelers) are readily available in Colombo city and if not metered you need to bargain and confirm the price before get-in. Trains: traveling by train is the best way to see the country. Train routes cover the hill country, down south, northern dry zone and most other places of interest. Buses: Buses run by state along with privately maintained coaches maintain a comprehensive, island-wide network, which makes traveling cheaper and convent. Air-conditioned coaches operate between cites.
Medical Facilities
There are many public and private hospitals; nursing homes and other institutions providing medical services in the city of Colombo and in all other cities throughout the country. All the public hospitals services are 100% free and it is recommended to go to the Government hospital for any urgent medical requirements especially accidents.
International Airports
Sri Lanka’s fully operating International Airport is “Bandaranayake International Airport” situated in Katunayake off 30Km from commercial capital city Colombo and another International Airport recently started in Mattala southern coast and its operating few international flights per week.
Radio Stations
There are several radio stations transmitting on Sinhala, English & Tamil languages. The names and frequencies of stations are as follows Yes FM 89.5, TNL Radio 101.7, E-FM 100.4.
News Papers
News Papers are published in English, Sinhala and Tamil languages. The names of these newspapers are as follows. Daily news, The Island, The Sunday times, Sunday leader, Midweek Mirror, Sunday Observer, Lankadeepa, Diwaina. Most of the newspapers available online.
Television
There are 8 famous TV channels in Sri Lanka. These channels are as follows. Rupavahini (SLRC), I.T.N., Channel Eye (Discovery Channel), Swarnavahini, Sirasa TV, ETV (Sky News), Dynavision (Telecasts CNN), MTV (Telecasts BBC), In addition to the above TV Stations there are two cable- TV operators operating in Sri Lanka. Some of the TV channels are available on the Internet.
Tourist Police
Special Tourist Police Units are available to assist our visitors. (011 – 2421070 / 011-2437059)
Tourist Info Hotline
1912 (From any network)
Language
The Official languages are Sinhala, Tamil and English. However, English is widely used as a medium of communication in commercial circles.
Accommodation
Sri Lanka offers a wide variety of accommodation which ranges from international chain Hotels to informal Guest Houses.
Electricity
230/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Round three-pin plugs are usual, with bayonet lamp fittings
Maritime Areas
Terrotorial Sea 12 Nautical Miles / Contigous Zone – 24 Noatical Miles / EEC Exclusive Economic Zone – 200 Nautical Miles / Continental Shelf – Edge of the Continental Margin
