profile of
sri lanka
Geography
An island of approx. 65,610 sq. Km. Sri Lanka lies in the Indian Ocean off the southern tip of the coast of India. It lies between 5°55' and 9° 55' north of the equator and between the eastern longitudes 79° 42' and 81° 52'.
Climate
Warm and fine year round. Average temperatures around 27° C in Colombo going down as the land rises to the hill country to as low as 10° C. The island has two wet seasons between May and July in the south-west and December/January in the north-east. Climatically Sri Lanka has no off-season. Bring sunny warm days are the rule and are common even during the wet season. Sea temperatures as a rule remain around 27° C.
Population
Nearly 19.3 million, 74.5% Sinhalese, 11.9% SL Tamils, 4.6% Ind. Tamils 8.3% Moors, 0.3% Malays, 0.2% Burghers and 0.2% Others. Literacy rate average 90.01%- one of the highest in Asia .
Religions
Predominantly Buddhism but also Hinduism, Islam and Christianity.
Language
Communication is rarely a problem because English is widely spoken in all parts of the country. Place names and signboards are in the national languages and often in English. Official languages – Sinhala, Tamil and English. National languages- Sinhala and Tamil.
Time
Sri Lanka's Standard Time is 5 ½ hours ahead of Greenwich.
Water
Filtered water and mineral as well as bottled drinking water are available. The yellow King coconut is a popular thirst quencher, and of course, the most popular drink is hot cup of tea.
Tea
Ceylon tea is considered the best in the world. It is sold every where. The Ceylon tea promotion Bureau sells special high quality gift tea packs at their sales points at Bandaranaike International Airport katunayake, at the Colombo Passenger jetty and the office of the Bureau, 574 Galle Road, Colombo 03. Monday to Friday 0900- 1700 hrs. Saturday 0900-1300. Tel : 2553652. The Ceylon Tea Counter situated at the lobby of the airport sell the best Ceylon Tea. Packetted tea is available at this counter. Note: Tea could be purchased for local currency, at the airport, only at the Tea counter in other lobby. No local currency is accepted at the Tea counter within the transit & Departure Lounge. Tea can be the best gift to buy from your last Sri Lanka rupees. The export Duty on tea is Rs.4.00 per kg, for quantities in excess of the duty free allowance of 10kg.
Antiques
No antique could be exported. Also restricted is the export of rare books, palm leaf manuscripts, and rare anthropological material. For the export of rare books and palm leaf manuscripts and antiques (sometimes allowed on special application), permits are necessary from the director of National Archives and the Archaeological Commissioner, respectively, Articles more than 50 years old are considered antiques.
Gems
Sri Lanka Gem & jewellery Exchange (SLGJE) is a Government institution, which comes under the purview of the National Gem and jewellery Authority of Sri Lanka (NGJA) it functions as a service center to facilities the export oriented gem and jewellery trade. The “SLGJE” houses 38 shops which offer for sale a wide range of precious and semi precious gems as well as jewellery both handcrafted and machine made. There are 52 members of the Exchange out of which 32 are life Members. Gem testing laboratory which is a part of the “SLGJE” and operated by the “NGJA”, offers a free gem testing facility to foreigners. Sri Lanka Gem & jewellery Exchange, Level 4 & 5, East Low Block, World Trade Center, Echelon square- Colombo – 01.
Tourist Police Division
A fully fledged tourist Police force has been established at Sri Lanka Tourism premises. Its functions are to re-establish a network of tourist police Stations in key tourist areas for visitors, both local and foreign to enjoy a hassle free holiday. The division will also ensure that Sri Lanka are also protected from negative practices such as use of children for commercial sex, drugs, and other undesirable activities. You may contact the Tourist Police Division for assistance and inquiries at Tel: 2421451.
Currency
Sri Lanka has a unified exchange rate for foreign currencies which floats in response to basic exchange market developments.
Sri Lanka currency
Sri Lanka has a decimal currency system. One Sri lanka rupee is divided into 100 Sri Lanka cents. Currency notes are in the denominations of Rs.10/-,Rs.20/-,Rs.50,Rs.100/-,Rs.200/-,Rs.500/-,Rs.1000/-,Rs.2000/-. Denominations are clearly marked in figures on both sides of notes and stated in English in addition to Sinhala and Tamil. Coins commonly in use are the following denominations: 5 cents, 10 cents, 25 cents, 50 cents, one rupees two rupees five rupees ten rupees.
Currency Regulations
Visitors to Sri Lanka bringing in excess of US $10,000 should declare the amount to the Custom. All unspent monies, which were converted from foreign currencies declared on arrival, can be re-converted to original currency. You are required to produce encashment receipts.
Credit cards
Many hotels and shops accept reputed Credit Cards. No surcharge should be permitted for its use. Cash advances are possible against credit cards in certain banks.
Important
Retain some of your hotel and shopping receipts, specially for gems. These would make Customs clearance easy.
Banking Facilities
Banking facilities have grown and widened tremendously to cope with the sophisticated needs of today's businessman. Sri Lanka and foreign banks provide an expanding range of services to investors.
Visa rules
Nationals of over 24 countries are exempt from visa requirements. However, the visa they obtain at the point of entry is formally valid for only 30 days. For details contact: the Department emigration and immigration, Ananda Rajakaruna Mw., Maradana, Colombo 10. Tel: 5329000, 5329316/20/21/25. The Government of Sri Lanka will take action against visitors to the country who overstay their visas. Hotels and houses which harbour such persons are also liable to prosecution.
Passport photos
Most photographic Studios in Colombo supply, urgent passport size photo for visa and other requirements.
Airport Entry
Entry to the Bandaranaike international Airport, Katunayake, is restricted except for embarking passengers. Those who wish to meet incoming passengers may do so by purchasing a ticket.
Embarkation Tax
Rs. 1500/- at Bandaranaike international Airport, Katunayake.
Departure and Transit Lounge
There are several shops in the Transit & Departure Lounge of the Bandaranaike International Airport , Katunayake Which sell gems, ceramics, handicrafts, batiks, cut-flowers, books and picture postcards of Sri Lanka . Payment is accepted only in Foreign Currency.
Duty Free Shops
The duty free shop at the Transit & Departure Lounge of the Bandaranaike Airport, Katunayake has an extensive range in well Known brands of liquor, hi-fi equipment, wrist watches, cameras, films, perfumes, cosmetics, electrical appliances, cigarette lighters and souvenirs. Payment is accepted only in foreign currency. Passengers arriving in Sri Lanka could also buy their requirements of duty free liquor from the duty free counter which is situated after immigration checkpoints.
Custom Formalities
Visitors are required to re-export articles brought in as personal effects. Make sure that you take back cameras and photographic equipment and any transistor radios, recorders and sound equipment Declared on arrivals. The Customs check is usually oral. However, random examinations of baggage is carried out.
Baggage concessions
ARRIVAL
• Declare all your currency, valuable equipment, jewellery and gems. • If you have nothing to declare you can go through the GREEN CHANNEL. • Your Baggage should NOT contain goods for others, goods in COMMERCIAL quantities and PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED GOODS. Some of them are: Dangerous Drugs, Weapons & Explosive Devices, and Gold. • You are required to take back all your personal effects at your departure. • You are entitled to: • I. 1-1/2 liters of spirits, 2 bottles of wine. • II. A small quantity of perfume and travel souvenirs not exceeding US $ 250/- in value. • Professional Teams- Filming and Photographic equipment will be allowed on a refundable deposit of the duty payable on the items.DEPARTURE
Permitted
• You are entitled to take out what you have declared and brought into the Country and whatever you have purchased locally like gems. Jewellery and Sri Lanka products out of the funds brought in and declared to CUSTOMS on your arrival. • 10 kilos of SRI LANKA TEA duty free. • Foreign Currency declared and brought into the country. Unused Sri Lanka currency should be reconverted to Foreign Currency at departure.Not Permitted
• All currencies in excess of your declared amounts on arrival. i. Any Gems and Jewellery or valuable equipment not declared on arrival or NOT PURCHASED in Sri Lanka out of Funds declared and brought into the Country. ii. Gold (Crude, Bullion or Coins) • Sri Lanka Currency in excess of Rs. 250/- • Firearms, explosive and dangerous weapons.. • Antiques, statues, treasures, old books, etc. • Animals, birds and reptiles and their parts ( dead or alive). • Tea, Rubber and Coconut Plants. • Dangerous drugs.Warning.
Do not carry dangerous drugs. Drugs mean death by law and effect.
Exports
Purchases made in Sri Lanka out of foreign currency brought in, can be exported duty free, up to certain limits.
Export Facilitation Activities
The National Gem & Jewellery, Authority (NGJA) has widened its' scope by moving in to its' new Head office building and centralizing, following facilities needed for the Export activities on a common floor.
• Export Division. • Export Promotion Division. • Gem Testing & Certification Laboratory. • Sri Lanka Customs (Gem Unit) • Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (Ltd). • Post Office. • Air Forwarding Facilities.For Further Details:
Contact: Manager (Export Promotion)
National Gem & Jewellery Authority, 25, Galle Face Terrace, Colombo 03.
Protected Flora and Fauna in Sri Lanka
Purchase and Export without License of any wild animal, bird or reptile dead or alive, also the export of parts of such animal, bird or reptile, such as skins, horns, scales and feathers is prohibited under the Fauna and Flora protection Ordinance. Occasional exports are, however, permitted exclusively for bona fide scientific purposes. It is prohibited to export over 450 plant species without special permits. All applications for special permission to export Fauna should be made to Director, Department of Wild Life Conservation, 382, new kandy road, Malabe and Flora should be made to the Director, Forest Department, 82 Rajamalwatta Road , Battaramulla.
Permits For Photographing, Filming & Recording at Historical Sites
Tourist Who wish to visit and/or photograph in Sri Lanka are required to obtain a ticket from the central cultural Fund. Remember that in Sri Lanka, Buddhism is a living religion and most ancient monuments are still venerated. Photography should not be done in a manner causing disrespect to the shrines, images or monuments. Posing of models in front of statues and paintings is prohibited.
A single round ticket for two months validity will cost US$ 40 This will entitle the holder to:
• View historic monuments in Sri Lanka. (Except Dambulla, Dalada Maligava & Isurumuniya Temples) • Photography is permitted in a manner which does not cause disrespect to the monument or affect religious susceptibilities. • Entry to all archaeological museums.There will be separate charges at each site for those who do not obtain round tickets. The cost of entry tickets to Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa or Sigiriya is US $ 20 per adult and half rate per child per site, while to Kandy- US $ 12, Nalada-US $ 5,Ritigala-US $ 8, Medirigiriya- US $ 5 (accepted in rupee value per adult and half rate per child) Tickets are available at the office of the Central Cultural Fund, 212/1 Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 07. Tel: 2587912, 2500733, 2581944 or Central Cultural Fund Project offices at Anuradapura, Polonaruwa, Sigiriya and Kandy. These permits will not cover photography at Dalada Maligawa (the Temple of the sacred Tooth Relic,) Kandy and the Aukana Temple. In kandy permits are obtainable daily at Temple entrance. Only authorized guides attached to the Temple are permitted, within the shrine. Entrance fees Rs.500/-(Rates subject to change).
Aukana
The Permit could be obtained at the temple premises. Rs.20/- (Entrance Fees) (Above rates depend on existing on exchange rates and are subject to change.)Rubbings
The taking of rubbing of sculpture at protected monuments is generally discouraged. It is allowed only with prior authority. Obtain permission from the Archaeological Office in Colombo or at the site.
Temple Entry
All visitors to Buddhist and Hindu temple are expected to be unshod and have their heads uncovered. Buddhists do not object to visitors offering flowers at the feet of the Buddha. If you wish to make any donation or contribution put it into a till in the temple. You may not be allowed entry to the inner sanctum of Hindu temples. It is best to be decently clad when visiting any place of worship. Sun and beach wear is not the ideal for temple and shrines. Briefs, shots, bare shoulders and backs may not be appreciated. You need not be stiff and
Overdressed. Just comfortable and decently covered.
What to wear
Light cotton dresses of the drip-dry wash-and-wear variety and light-weight suits are the most comfortable year round attire. A wide-brimmed beach hat and sun-glasses are recommended. Slippers or sandals will be more comfortable than shoes. Medium weight slacks and pullovers will be necessary in the hill country where the temperature can go down to as low as 50oF (10oC).
Bars
Alcoholic drinks are freely available at public bars, restaurants, wine shops, stores & super markets. However sale of liquor is prohibited on poya days (Full moon Days). Most hotel bars and restaurants also observe this rule.
Electricity
230-240 VOLTS 50 CYCLES A.C.
Holidays
Sri Lanka has a five day week. In addition to Saturdays and Sundays and special public Holidays, the full moon (poya) day of each month is a public holiday. All places of entertainment (including cinemas) and bars are closed on poya day. Hotels make special arrangements for customers to order their drinks the day before a poya Holiday.
Communication
Television
Sri Lanka has two state owned TV channels Rupavahini and the Independent Television Network (ITN). In addition to these, there are private channels – MTV, Sirasa TV, TNL, ETV, ART TV, Swarnavahini, Derana, MAX TV, TV Lanka & Shakthi TV. 11 Station cable and satellite TV services available. ART TV carries CNN news bulletins. ETV MTV carries Fox news and ART TV are exclusive English channels. English movies and documentaries are featured on other channels as well.
Radio
In addition to the state run Sri Lanka Broad-casting Corporation (SLBC), several new private radio stations are on the air on FM bands. Over 15 radio channels in sinhala, English and Tamil. Yes FM, E, TNL, Lite, SUN FM, Neth FM, Real Radio offer latest contemporary music & programming. Gold FM and Classic offer vintage fare.Newspapers
English Dailies: Morning Leader, Ceylon Daily News, The Island , Daily Mirror, Week end Express. On Sundays: Sunday Observer, Sunday Island the Sunday Times, the Sunday Leader, The Nation, Lakbima News.
Telegraph, Telephone & Telex
International telegraph, telex and telephone services are available at the Central Telegraph Office, Duke street , Colombo 01. Tel: 2326267. International Direct Dial (IDD) telephone services are readily available through your hotel, or from the roadside public pay-phones situated in all parts of Colombo and its suburbs, and in several provincial towns, too. Many private Communication centers too provide these facilities.
Courier Services
• EMS Lanka (International) – D.R. Wijewardna Mw., Colombo 01, Tel: 2447844, 2328359 Ext. EMS . EMS (Domestic) Post Master General's office, Colombo 01. Tel: 2447844. • FedEx Express- 65C, Dharamapala Mw, Colombo 07. Tel: 4522222, 2255846, 2487871. • Aramex- 14, Albert Crescent, Colombo 07. Tel: 2679777, 4728100. • Antron Express (Pvt) Ltd - No. 16/5, Elliot Place, Borella. Tel: 2370840. • TNT International Express – 315, Vauxhall St., Colombo 02. Tel: 2308444. • DHL- 130, Glennie St., Colombo 02. Tel: 4798600. • Domestic Express- 35/8, Polhengoda Rd, Colombo 05. Tel: 0717471747, 4619918.Inland
Colombo and most provincial towns are linked by direct dial telephone service. Each provincial exchange where direct dialing facilities are available has a code number, which precedes the subscriber's number. When dialing within the same exchange, do not dial the code. Example: From kandy to Travel Information Center , Colombo , Tel: 011-2437059. within Colombo , 2437059. From Colombo to Tourist Information Office, Kandy , 081-2222661, within Kandy 2222661. There are card operated pay-phones. The phone cards are easily obtainable from the shops near the pay-phone kiosk. The minimum cost of a phone card is Rs100/-. When touring, it is best to obtain a phone-card before setting out.
Mobile Phones
There are four mobile telephone services operating in Sri Lanka. All of them – Mobitel, Hutch, Dialog GSM- serve Colombo and the suburbs, and Kandy. Except for Hutch all others have Island-wide coverage. A wide range of services and packages are offered by all. Information can be sort through the wide network of centers in Colombo and suburbs. The four services offer varying tariff and service packages, and it is best to study all before picking on one. Some packages, of little day-to-day benefit, may hide high call costs. These mobile phone services are ideal for business travelers who need quick contact during a short and busy stay. They are also good for investors at the initial stage of setting up business. Mobitel: 0712755777, Dialog GSM: 0777678678, Hutch: 0785785785.
Freight Service
Baggage Express: 414/18, Bloemendhal Rd, Colombo 13. Tel: 2391707, Fax: 2391709, Hotline 0777562420, 0717562420 International Moving, Sea, Air & door to door service, Quality export packing.
Postal
For information on postal rates contact, the General Post Office, Bristol street , Colombo 01. Tel: 2326203. Speed Post Sri Lanka (domestic courier service) Tel: 2447766, 2440907.
Philatelic Bureau
The Sri Lanka Philatelic Bureau, General Post Office, Bristol St, Colombo 01, has an exhibition and sales outlet for all Sri Lanka stamps first day covers, special issues, etc. of interest to the philatelist. Tel: 2325588, 2326153, 2326177.
Tourist Guide Lecturers
Trained Registered Guide Lecturers carry identity cards issued by the Ceylon Tourist Board. They could be hired through the Travel information center, Tel: 2437059, or Approved Travel Agents or President, National Tourist Guide Lecturers Association of Sri Lanka, 37/35, Temple Road, Colombo 10. Tel/Fax: 2681241.
Tipping
Tipping is optional. It is left to the customer to tip if satisfied with service. Most hotels and restaurants including a service charge of 10% in any bill. In the event of your wishing to give tip, about 10 per cent of the bill is generally considered a fair tip.
Useful Addresses
Sri Lanka Tourism- Colombo
.Sri Lanka Tourism, Travel information center, 80, Galle road, Colombo 3. Tel: 2437059, 2437060, 2437055.
Sri Lanka Tourism- K andy
Travel information center, Cultural triangle office, 16 Deva veediya, kandy . Tel: 081-2222661 Sri Lanka Tourism also maintains an information center at the Bandaranaike international Airport, Katunayake- Tel: 2252411.
Complaints
Complaints regarding Tourist services could be made to: the Director, Corporate Division, Sri Lanka Tourism- Tel: 2437057.
Airport
Bandaranaike International Airport , Katunayake. Tel: 2252861/7(General) - 2255555.
Flight Information
Tel: 019733-2677/2377.
Automobile Association of Ceylon:
40, Sir Macan Marker Mawatha, Galle Face, Colombo 03. Tel: 2421528-9.
Accident Service
Regent Street, Colombo 08. Tel: 2691111.
Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH).
Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 07. Tel: 2691131-34, 2686421-24.
Central Bus Station
Olcott Mawatha, Colombo 01. Tel: 2328081. (Inquiries).
Central Telegraph office
Duke Street, Colombo. Tel: 2432424 (Courier Service) 2350591 (Call Center).
Colombo General Hospital
Regent street, Colombo 08, (24 hour Patient Treatment) Tel: 2691111.
Colombo North Hospital:
Sri jayawardanenapura. Tel: 2778610-12
Colombo South Hospital:
Kalubowila. Tel: 2763065.
Dept. of Immigration & Emigration.
Ananda Rejakaruna mawatha. Maradana, Colombo 10, Tel: 5329000, 5329316/20/21/25.
Dept: of wild life Conservation.
382, new kandy Road , Malabe. Tel:2560380-4, 2503735
Police Emergency Colombo: Tel: 2433333. Police Emergency Service: Tel 119. Fire and Ambulance: Tel: 2422222. General Post office:Bristol st, Colombo 01, Post Restante: Tel: 2326203.
Port Health office.New jetty, (for yellow Fever Immunization).
Sri Lanka Tourism.80, Galle Road , Colombo 03. Tel: 2437055, 2437059, 4237060.
Tourist Information Center .Kandy - Tel: 081-2222661
International airport- Tel: 2252411
Sri Lanka Gem & Jewellery Exchange.Level 4,5 East low block, World trade Center, Echelon Square , Colombo 01. (36 Shops) Tel: 2597470, 2597226.
Sri Lankan Airlines.Level 19-22,25 East Tower, World Trade Center , Echelon Square , Colombo 01.
Tel: 019 7335555 Flight Information- Tel: 019733-2677/2377.
Sri Lanka Customs (Dept): Custom's House, Times of Ceylon Bldg., Colombo 01. Tel: 2470945.
Colombo jetty Tel: 2421141/5
Sri Lanka Government Railway.Fort Railway Station Tel: 2421281, Inquiries: 2434215.
Sri Lanka Red Cross Society.106, Dharmapala Mw, Colombo 07. Tel: 2691095.
SL Planetarium.Stanly Wijesundera Mw, Colombo 07. Tel: 2686499.
Tourist Police.Sri Lanka Tourist Board, No 80, Galle Road , Colombo 03. Tel: 2421451.
Zoological Gardens.Dehiwala. Tel: 2712751-3
ICRC.