Sri Lanka Travel Guide

Full Name

Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

Former Name

Serendib, Ceylon

Capital City

Colombo; note - Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte is the legislative capital

Government Type

republic

Area Size

total: 65,610 sq km

Time Zone

UTC/GMT +5:30 hours

Climate

Sri Lanka's climate can be described as tropical, and quite hot. Its position between 5 and 10 north latitude endows the country with a warm climate, moderated by ocean winds and considerable moisture. The mean temperature ranges from a low of 16°C in Nuwara Eliya in the Central Highlands to a high of 32° C in Trincomalee on the northeast coast. The average yearly temperature for the country as a whole ranges from 28 to 30 °C. Day and night temperatures may vary by 4 to 7. In January, the coolest month, many people wear coats and sweaters in the highlands and elsewhere. May, the hottest period, precedes the summer monsoon rains.

Geography

The island of Sri Lanka lies in the Indian Ocean, to the southwest of the Bay of Bengal and to the southeast of the Arabian Sea. It is separated from the Indian subcontinent by the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait. According to Hindu mythology, a land bridge to the Indian mainland, known as Rama's Bridge, was constructed during the time of Rama by the vanara architect Nala. Often referred to as Adam's Bridge, it now amounts to only a chain of limestone shoals remaining above sea level. According to temple records, this natural causeway was formerly complete, but was breached by a violent storm (probably a cyclone) in 1480. The width of the Palk Strait is small enough for the coast of Sri Lanka to be visible from the furthest point near the Indian town of Rameswaram.

Languages

Sinhala (official and national language) 74%, Tamil (national language) 18%, other 8% note: English is commonly used in government and is spoken competently by about 10% of the population

Culture

The island is the home of two main traditional cultures: the Sinhalese (centered in the ancient cities of Kandy and Anuradhapura) and the Tamil (centered in the city of Jaffna). In more recent times a British colonial culture was added, and lately Sri Lanka, particularly in the urban areas, has experienced a dramatic makeover in the western mold. Until recently, for example, most Sri Lankans, certainly those in the villages, have eaten traditional food, engaged in traditional crafts and expressed themselves through traditional arts. But economic growth and intense economic competition in developed countries has spilled over to most of Sri Lanka, producing changes that might variously be identified as progress, westernisation or a loss of identity and assimilation. Esala Perahera is the grand festival of Esala held in Sri Lanka. It is very grand with elegant costumes. Happening in July or August in Kandy, it has become a unique symbol of Sri Lanka. It is a Buddhist festival consisting of dances and richly-decorated elephants. There are fire-dances, whip-dances, Kandian dances and various other cultural dances. The elephants are usually adorned with lavish garments. The festival ends with the traditional 'diya-kepeema'. Being one of the largest producers of tea in the world, Sri Lankans drink a lot of tea.

History

The Sinhalese arrived in Sri Lanka late in the 6th century B.C., probably from northern India. Buddhism was introduced beginning in about the mid-third century B.C., and a great civilization developed at the cities of Anuradhapura (kingdom from circa 200 B.C. to circa A.D. 1000) and Polonnaruwa (from about 1070 to 1200). In the 14th century, a south Indian dynasty seized power in the north and established a Tamil kingdom. Occupied by the Portuguese in the 16th century and by the Dutch in the 17th century, the island was ceded to the British in 1796, became a crown colony in 1802, and was united under British rule by 1815. As Ceylon, it became independent in 1948; its name was changed to Sri Lanka in 1972. Tensions between the Sinhalese majority and Tamil separatists erupted into war in 1983. Tens of thousands have died in an ethnic conflict that continues to fester. After two decades of fighting, the government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam formalized a cease-fire in February 2002, with Norway brokering peace negotiations.

Travel Information

The national airline is SriLankan Airlines (UL). Colombo Bandaranaike (CMB) (Katunayake) is 29km north of the city. Buses go to the city regularly (journey time - 1 hour). Taxis are available. There are trains to Maradana Station, located 1.6km (1 mile) from the city centre (journey time – 1 hour). Airport facilities are Duty-free shop, restaurant, bar, snack bar, bank, post office, tourist information and car hire. Main ports: Colombo, Galle, Hambantota, Kankasanthurai, Point Pedru and Trincomalee. For more information, contact the Sri Lanka Port Authority.

Accommodation

Sri Lanka offers a wide choice of accommodation. There are several international-class 5-star hotels. There are also many park bungalows run by the Department of Wildlife Conservation, which are furnished and equipped for comfort rather than sophistication.

Visa Requirements

Visas not required by nationals of The EU, Australia, Canada and USA, who will be issued with visas free of charge for a period of 30 days on arrival at Colombo Airport, except the following: nationals of Malta and the Slovak Republic who do require a visa. Passport valid for at least six months from date of entry required by all nationals of countries referred to above. All business visitors from countries referred to above require a visa. Nationals of countries not referred to above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements. Visitors can request to extend their stay by applying to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, 23 Station Road, Colombo 3. This is issued at the discretion of the authorities who must be satisfied that the applicant has at least US$30 per day for the stay and holds an onward or return ticket for travel. Apply to consulate or consular section at embassy or high commission. British nationals, travelling as tourists, may obtain a visa upon arrival, upon port of entry into Sri Lanka, for up to 30 days.

Getting Around

The major domestic airport is Ratmalana at Colombo. There are daily flights to smaller airports at Batticaloa, Gal Oya, Palali and Trincomalee. Departure Tax An embarkation tax of LKR1,000 is payable at the Bandaranaike International Airport. Trains connect Colombo with all tourist towns, but first-class carriages, air conditioning and dining cars are available on only a few. New fast services operate on the principal routes, including an intercity express service between Colombo and Kandy, otherwise journeys are fairly leisurely. Traffic drives on the left. Flashing lights mean that the driver is asserting right of way. Avoid remote areas and travelling at night. An extensive network of bus services of reasonable quality is provided by the Sri Lanka Central Transport Board. Private bus drivers are paid according to the number of passengers and can often drive rather dangerously. Taxis have yellow tops and red and white plates. In Colombo, taxis are metered but it is advisable to agree a rate before setting off. Drivers expect a 10% tip. Car hire is available from several international agencies. Air-conditioned minibuses are also available. Motorised rickshaws are also readily available for hire in towns and villages. Chauffeur-driven cars are less expensive and recommended. The Central Transport Board provides intensive urban bus operations in Colombo, where there are also private buses and minibuses. Fares are generally collected by conductors. Services are often crowded.

Health & Safety

Food and waterborne diseases are a primary cause for ill health in travellers. Visitors should only drink bottled water, avoid ice in drinks, and take care to eat well-cooked food. Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all travellers to Sri Lanka. Cholera is regarded as a serious risk and precautions are advised, while typhoid is more of a problem in rural areas. Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required by travellers coming from infected areas. Malaria, Chikungunya fever, Japanese encephalitis and dengue fever are a risk and protection against mosquito bites is essential. Prophylactics for malaria are strongly recommended. There is also a particular danger from contaminated seafood. Travellers are strongly advised to take out good travel insurance, and seek medial advice at least three weeks before leaving for Sri Lanka. There is a risk of terrorism in the country, and although foreigners have not been the targets of previous attacks, there is a risk of being caught up in incidents. Travel to Sri Lanka should be avoided for the time being if possible. There has been a dramatic increase in political violence, and visitors should avoid public gatherings and political demonstrations. Violent crime against foreigners is infrequent, but there have been cases of sexual assault and robbery in rural areas and women are advised to take care when travelling alone.

National Holidays

1 Jan - New Year's Day. 15 Jan - Tamil Thai Pongal Day. 1 Feb - Navam Full Moon Poya Day. 4 Feb - National Day. 16 Feb - Maha Sivarathri Day. 3 Mar - Medin Full Moon Poya Day. 1 Apr - Milad un-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet). 2 Apr - Bak Full Moon Poya Day. 6 Apr - Good Friday. 13-14 Apr - Sinhala and Tamil New Year. 1 May - May Day. 1-2 May - Vesak Full Moon Poya Days. 31 May - Adi Poson Full Moon Poya Day. 30 Jun - Poson Full Moon Poya Day. 29 Jul - Esala Full Moon Poya Day. 28 Aug - Nikini Full Moon Poya Day. 26 Sep - Binara Full Moon Poya Day. 13 Oct - Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). 25 Oct - Vap Full Moon Poya Day. 8 Nov - Deepavali. 24 Nov - Il Full Moon Poya Day. 21 Dec - Eid al-Adha (Hadji Festival Day). 23 Dec - Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day. 25 Dec - Christmas Day.

Currency

Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR)

Electricity

230v AC

Working Hours

Government offices hours 9.00am -5.00pm, Monday to Friday Bank hours 9.00am to 1.00pm or 3.00pm, Monday to Saturday Post office hours 8.30am - 5.00pm, Monday to Friday 8.30am – 1.00pm on Saturday.

Emergency Numbers

1 691095/699935