About Sri Lanka

The Country

Sri Lanka is an island in Indian Ocean 650 Km north at the equator. It comprises 65,610 Sq. Km and has 1,330 Km at coastline. There is a 30 Km divide between the island and India. 1,215 Km to the west are the Maldives and to the south nothing but thousands at Kilometres at Ocean until Antarctica.

Climate

The climate is tropical Hill country areas are cool (200C - 100C) coastal areas are warm (250C - 270C) but 3 refreshed by sea breeze. The northeast monsoon blows from November to February. The southwest monsoon from May to September Rainfall can be sudden and torrential.

Getting there

Sri Lanka Airline is the national carrier Main international carriers to Sri Lanka are Emirates, Qatar, Cathay, Thai and Singapore.

International Airport is 32Km away from the commercial capital Colombo. You are advised to book your ticket at your usual travel agent as it is cheaper to do so Visas.

Nationals from 24 countries are export from Visa requirements and received permission to stay in Sri Lanka for 30 days. There can extend their stay for varying periods. Usually not more than go days.

Currency

The local currency is the Sri Lanka Rupees divided in 100 cents. There are notes at many denominations from Rs. 2000 to Rs. 10.00.

Credit Cards

Major international credit cards are widely accepted in large Hotels, restaurants and shops. But you are advised to keep some cash ready at any time.

Custom Allowance

Free import at 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 3759 at tobacco, 2 bottles at wine and 1.5 litters at spirits a small quantity at perfume or 250ml at eau de toilette Precious metals including gold, platinum and Silver and jewellery must be declared on arrival. (Antiques anything more than so years old) cannot be taken out at the country But you can buy replicas by an authorized dealer and keep the receipt with you for you to take it out at the country.

Electricity

230 - 240v 50 cycles AC, Plugs with three round proms are used. If you trowel with a laptop computer bring a stabilizer.

Holidays

There are fixed and movable holidays but it won't affect the tourist.

In addition there is a Poya holiday on the day at each full moon. Government affairs, banks and some shop are closed on that day.

Media

Daily newspapers published in English with International current affairs. These newspapers are widely available in the island.

Public and private Radio and Rupavahini channels carry news in English or there are some English Electronic Media.

Access to Internet is available in all the hotels, and widely available internet cafes provide the service for a small price.

Telephone

International direct dialling is available at everywhere in the Island. Government and private mobile phone networks cover the whole country.

Safety

Sri Lanka is the most safety country in Asia now without bombs or natural disasters are very rear. Pickpockets not common in the country you are advanced not to linger alone on beaches after dark.