Language: Most people speak Sinhala, which is the national and official language. Tamil is also spoken, and English is spoken at most tourist establishments.
Currency: The unit of currency is the
Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR), which is divided into 100 cents. Major credit cards are widely accepted, and travelers cheques in US Dollars are recommended. ATMs are becoming more common, but outside the main cities they are unlikely to accept international cards. Credit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud. Foreign currency can be exchanged at bureaux de change,
banks and hotels, but exchanging cash is more expensive than exchanging travelers cheques. Banks are closed on Sundays.
Time: Local time is GMT +5.30.
Electricity: Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round, three-pin plugs are used.
Communications: The international country dialing code for Sri Lanka is +94. The outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the
United Kingdom). City or area codes are in use, e.g. (0)11 for Central
Colombo. International direct dial facilities are available in Colombo and other major cities. Mobile phone operators provide GSM 900/1800 frequency networks with coverage across all the main parts of the island. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts.
Duty Free: Travelers to Sri Lanka over 18 years do not have to pay duty on the following items: 2 bottles wine and 1.5 liters spirits; perfume up to 59ml and 250ml eau de toilette; and souvenirs to the value of US$250; 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars and 340g of tobacco. For family members traveling together free import applies for two members. Passengers must declare personal effects to ensure free export when they arrive in Sri Lanka. Restricted items include firearms, ammunitions, explosives and weapons, plants, fruits, birds and by-products, medication (unless it is for personal use), and goods for commercial purposes. Prohibited items include drugs or narcotics, pornographic material, and material that ridicules religious belief systems.
Tourist OfficeMinistry of Tourism, Colombo: +94 (0)11 441 464 or www.srilankatourism.org
EmergencyEmergencies: 691 095/699 935
Embassies
Sri Lanka Embassy,
Washington,
United States: +1 202 483 4025.
Sri
Lanka High Commission,
London, United Kingdom (also responsible for
Ireland): +44 (0)20 7262 1841.
Sri Lanka High Commission,
Ottawa,
Canada: +1 613 233 8449.
Sri Lanka High Commission,
Canberra,
Australia (also responsible for
New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6239 7041/2.
Sri Lanka High Commission,
Pretoria,
South Africa: +27 (0)12 460 7690.
United States Embassy, Colombo: +94 (0)11 249 8500.
British High Commission, Colombo: +94 (0)11 243 7336-43.
Canadian
High Commission, Colombo: +94 (0)11 522 6232.
Australian High Commission, Colombo: + 94 (0)11 246 3200.
South African High Commission, Colombo: + 94 (0)11 5635 966.
Honorary Consul of Ireland, Colombo: +94 (0)11 258 7895.
New Zealand High Commission,
New Delhi,
India (also responsible for Sri Lanka): +91 (0)11 2688 3170.
