About Sri Lanka

Capital : Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte  

Commercial Capital :  Colombo 

Area : 65,610 sq. km (25,332 sq. miles) 

Population :  Approximately 22 million  

Languages : Sinhala, Tamil, and English are the main languages. English is widely spoken and understood in most tourist areas. 

Religion : • Buddhism – 69%      • Hinduism – 16%       • Islam – 8%        • Christianity – 7% 

Time Zone :  GMT +5:30      

International Airport : Bandaranaike International Airport — located approximately 34 km north of Colombo.  

Entry Regulations :  Visitors to Sri Lanka must hold a valid passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of return. Visa regulations may vary depending on nationality, so travelers are advised to check the latest requirements before departure. 

Official visa information: Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) 

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) : 1 Rupee = 100 cents 

Exchange Rates : Daily exchange rates are published by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. 

Banking Facilities : Banks are generally open from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday to Friday. 24-hour banking facilities are available at the airport. ATMs accepting Visa, MasterCard, and Cirrus cards are widely available throughout the country.  

Credit Cards : Most international credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express, are accepted at major hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and commercial establishments.

Electricity : Electricity is supplied at 230–240 volts, 50Hz. Sri Lanka commonly uses 3-pin square plugs, so travelers may require an adapter for round-pin appliances.

Climate : Sri Lanka enjoys a warm tropical climate throughout the year, with average temperatures around 27°C in Colombo. Hill country regions are generally cooler, especially during the evenings.

What to Wear : Lightweight cotton or linen clothing is recommended due to the tropical climate. If visiting the hill country, carrying a light sweater or jacket is advisable. When visiting temples or religious sites: • Shoulders and knees must be covered • Avoid sleeveless tops, shorts, and short skirts • Footwear must be removed before entering temples • Socks are recommended, as temple grounds can become hot during the day

Tipping: Tipping is customary and appreciated for most services.

Medical Services : Government hospitals across the country provide free medical care. The principal public hospital in Colombo is the National Hospital of Sri Lanka. Private hospitals and medical centers are also available in Colombo and other major cities.

Public Holidays : In Sri Lanka, Saturdays, Sundays, and every Full Moon Day (known as Poya Day) are public holidays. On Poya Days: • Public entertainment venues remain closed • Alcohol sales are prohibited However, hotels generally make special arrangements for their in-house guests.