Tips for Tourists

Where’s the toilet?

Call it washroom, loo, W.C., lavatory or toilet. Sooner or later you will find you need one and quickly. It happens to everyone so if you’re out and about in Sri Lanka, what to do? There are some public toilets in Colombo but better not to venture there. There are other opportunities for tourists in […] Read more

Should I always carry my passport?

In Sri Lanka always carry your passport If you are visiting Sri Lanka as a tourist (or are a foreigner living here) you need to carry your passport when you go out of your hotel or home. But why? Well, it’s been a law for many years, not just since the Easter 2019 bombings. […] Read more

What to do in an emergency in Sri Lanka?

What to do in an emergency in Sri Lanka? Try to keep calm and don’t panic. Do what the authorities tell you. Only use your mobile phone to call for help when the crisis has passed. When it’s safe to phone, contact your tour agent in Sri Lanka to let them know where you are […] Read more

Alcohol, Beer, Wine, Arrack, Toddy and Gin

Alcohol in Sri Lanka Spirits, wines and Sri Lankan beer are available at public bars, restaurants, wine shops, stores and some supermarkets. However, the sale of alcohol is prohibited on Poya days, public holidays and on occasional government-designated “dry” days. The dedicated liquor retail outlets are open 09.00 to 21.00 daily, including Sundays, unless it’s […] Read more

What to wear?

For women, light cotton dresses of the drip-dry wash and wear variety are the most comfortable year-round attire. A wide-brimmed beach hat and sunshades are recommended. Compared to shoes, slippers or sandals will be more comfortable. Medium weight slacks and sweaters will be necessary for the hill country where the temperature can go down as […] Read more

Can I take antiques out of Sri Lanka?

Yes, but genuine antiques can only be exported with permission. Anything that’s over 50 years old is considered an antique. For such export, special permission should be sought with supporting documents from the Department of National Archives Philip Gunewardena Mawatha, Colombo 7 Telephone: 0112 694 523 Open from Monday to Friday 08.30 -16.00 You are […] Read more

Marriage in Sri Lanka

Can I legally get married in Sri Lanka? Marriage in Sri Lanka – The answer is yes. Once you have married in Sri Lanka you must get your marriage certificate certified by the Consular Affairs Section of the Ministry of External Affairs in Colombo for the marriage certificate be legally recognised outside of Sri Lanka. […] Read more

Selective abortions are illegal

Sri Lankan women cannot have legal selective abortions. The only way that a doctor will perform an abortion is if it is to save the mother’s life. Even if the pregnancy is a result of rape or assault, she cannot get an abortion out of choice. Why is this important for foreigners? If you are […] Read more

Transportation: Tuk-Tuks, Cars, Mini Car Taxi

Always use a taxi with a meter A lot of tuk-tuks (three-wheeler taxis) and taxis in Colombo have meters and can be hailed anywhere. If a driver says the meter doesn’t work, wave him on. Or do a deal on the fare that you’re happy with, and make sure the driver understands where you want […] Read more

Safety

Safety in public Safety in Sri Lanka is to keep your wits about you. Theft can occur, especially when travelling by train or in a crowded bus. It is sensible to secure your valuables, passport and credit cards, out of sight and not to leave bags, computers, phones, cameras, etc., unattended while travelling. Even in […] Read more