Sri Lanka Travel Guide

Essentials

Safety: the internal conflict in Sri Lanka has made it important for potential visitors to check with their embassies regarding the possible threats to personal safety. Once in the country, all visitors are encouraged to register with their respective embassies, although this is merely a safety precaution. Security personnel may impose curfews and set up road blocks and checks as and when necessary and it is important to carry a copy of your passport at all times.

The conflict has also increased the number of violent crimes against foreigners, including sexual harassment, assault and robbery at tourist sites. Women, in particular, are advised to avoid walking alone at night in remote areas. Be careful when using public transportation as this is the favourite scene for pick-pocketing and bag snatching. Colombo has been particularly vulnerable to attacks and suicide bombings recently but the conflict is spreading.

Money: the Sri Lankan Rupee is the standard currency and offers a good conversion for the Euro, Sterling and many other currencies from developed economies. At present the currency is a little unstable because of the unstable economic situation and the increased threat of civil war in Sri Lanka. Visitors will have to pay a commission to have their currency exchanged at banks. The best place to change currency would be at the airport with the money exchangers who give a better rate than the banks. Credit cards are accepted in the bigger more established joints but not at the smaller shops.

Language: Tamil and Sinhala are the official languages, but English is also spoken by about one tenth of the population. Many of the locals understand English but are shy to speak the language and prefer to answer in either Tamil or Sinhala. All three languages however are widely used to do business and visitors will not have problems communicating in English with staff at hotels and the larger restaurants. Sri Lanka Indo Portuguese language is unique as it is used by the Eurasian community, while Arabic is primarily used by the Muslim community.

Business needs: Colombo is the base for several foreign businesses because of its good location, communication infrastructure and low costs of labour, rent and tax. Business is conducted in a western manner, but there are times when it helps to have an important government contact or two. The other main difference is time frames. Many things in Sri Lanka are delayed with no thought to recriminations. The Sinhalese and Tamils are astute businessmen and often make good business partners.

Typical business hours:

• Government departments: 09:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday.
• Retail: 10:00 to 18:00, every day with some traditional shops closing on Sundays.
• Banking: 09:00 to 13:00, Monday and Saturday, 09:00 to 15:00 Tuesday Friday.