| Official Name |
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka |
| Area |
65,525 square km |
| Location |
Island off the south eastern shores of India, 800km north of equator |
| Commercial Capital |
Colombo |
| Population |
20 million |
| Literacy Rate |
89% |
| Languages |
Sinhala, Tamil & English ( English is widely spoken throughout Sri Lanka, with the exception of remote villages. ) |
| Ethnic Mix |
Sinhalese 74%, Tamil 18%, Moor 7% Burgher, Malay & Others 1% |
| Religions |
70% Buddhist, 15% Hindu, 8% Christians and 7% Muslim |
National Flower |
“NIL-MANEL”. Found in abundance in the marshes and waterways of the rural areas, it is a water lily that is also found in other tropical countries. It is often placed on altars of Buddhist temples around the country as an offering to Lord Buddha and the \Hindu God Vishnu, due to its colour which is deep blue/violet hue |
| Major Exports |
Textiles, Garments, Tea, diamonds, rubber, coconut products and gems |
| Currency |
Sri Lanka Rupee (Rs) –>100 cents = 1 Rs |
| Travellers cheques |
You will have no problem changing travellers cheques at any major bank. |
| Credit cards |
Master card and visa are the most commonly accepted cards. American express and diners club are also accepted |
| Visas |
A 30 day visa is granted to most nationals on arrival. Visa extensions are possible on application to the department of immigration. |
| Countries that are given a 30 day visa on arrival |
- Albania
- Armenia
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bahrain
- Belgium
- Bangladesh
- Belarus
- Bhutan
- Boznia – herzegovina
- Brunai
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- China
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech republic
- Denmark
- Doha qatar
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Hong kong
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Italy
- Ireland
- Israil
- Hungary
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgystan
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxemburg
- Macedonia
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Maldova
- Montenegro – serbia
- New zealand
- Nepal
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- Portugal
- Poland
- Romania
- Russian federation
- Saudi arabia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South africa
- South korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Tajikistan
- Thailand
- Turkmenistan
- Ukraine
- U.s.a.
- U.a.e.
- Turkey
- U.k.
- Uzbekistan
|
| Time Zone |
Five and a half hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT + 5 1/2) |
| What to Wear |
Cotton & light clothing in Colombo and other coastal and dry areas. Light Woolens in Kandy and the Hill Country. Visitors to places of worship should be modestly attired. (shorts, and sleeveless cloths are not allowed) - Footwear and headgear must be removed before entering a shrine. |
| Electricity |
Voltage 230 – 240 volts 50 cycles A.C. |
| The right time to travel |
Climatically, the driest and best seasons are from December to March on the west and south coasts and in the hill country and May to September on the east coast. December to March is usually the peak time. |
| Type of currency |
The Sri Lankan currency is the rupee [Rs] which is divided into 100 cents. There are 5, 10, 20. 25, 50 cents and of Rs 1,2,5 and 10. Notes come in denominations of Rs. 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000. |
| Visa requirements and custom formalities |
Regulations relating to Visa is simple and therefore, tourists visiting Sri Lanka can enter the country without the hassle of many formalities.
Citizens from sixty-four countries are eligible to enter Sri Lanka without a prior visa and obtain a visa for between 30-90 days, at the point of entry without any payment. This issuance of Visa depends on the country of origin.
Nationals of countries not classified under the above 64 countries are required to posses a valued visa prior to entering the country irrespective of the purpose of visit. Visa could be obtained from the respective Sri Lanka Diplomatic mission. Tourists should have a return airticket, sufficient foreign exchange reckoned as US$ 15 per day, and a valid travel document to establish their bonafide as tourists. |
| Language of communication - English |
As English is the language of communication many people speak English in hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and wayside inns. English is generally understood by the people. Road signs are written both in English and Sinhala which is the native language of the people. |
| Medical Services. |
Almost all major towns have two to three pharmacies for the sale of medicine. You are recommended to patronize a private hospital for your health service and are advised to obtain an adequate health insurance cover. |
| Vaccinations. |
Vaccination is important. You are required to produce your health card for yellow fever vaccination, if you are entering the country from a yellow fever infected point of departure. You will also have to update Hepatitis A, Polio and Tetanus dose. You are also advised to take anti- malarial precaution, if you plan to travel the beaten track. |
| More info |
www.smallislandbigtrip.com
www.srilankatourism.org |
