Getting an internet connection

It’s been 21 years since Sri Lanka got unrestricted commercial internet access, becoming the first country in South Asia to do so. Sri Lanka has wired and wireless internet. 

Wired Internet

Sri Lanka Telecom is the only wired service provider in the country offering high-speed fibre internet connections. To get this you would need a dedicated building as this is not portable.

Wireless Internet

Sri Lanka boasts of having 3G, 4G, 4G+ and is even testing 5G wireless internet connections. However most parts of the island 2G and 3G works. 4G and 4G+ in the main towns. You need a dedicated router, or else add an internet plan for the existing local SIM. Other devices such as portable routers are also available at the telecommunication operators stores.

Sri Lankans are mostly connected through their mobile devices.

Internet Cafes

Internet cafes are no longer easily found but many coffee shops, malls and hotels offer free wi-fi. We do not recommend one using the free public wi-fi which is available at most bus stands and railway stations or using public computers due to security reasons.

Connection costs

With Dialog, you pay a connection charge of Rs5,000 (US$38, €30), then a monthly charge of Rs2,000 (US$15, €12) for their basic broadband package. SLT has a range of packages for businesses, home, family and light use. The family package, for example, has a connection fee of Rs1,000 (US$8, €6), then a monthly rental charge of Rs1,490 (US$11, €9).

Depending on how much you want to use the Internet, it might pay to shop around in order to find the best deal. Combination packages with a fixed line, mobile contract or television can save you a lot of money.

if buying from an agent make sure he’s an authorised representative of the respective telecom operator. Don’t hesitate to call the operator’s hotline and ask for clarifications. Demand a valid bill for anything you pay.

If buying from an agent make sure he’s an authorised representative of the respective telecom operator. Don’t hesitate to call the operator’s hotline and ask for clarifications. Demand a valid bill for anything you pay.

How to get an Internet connection

In order to apply for an Internet connection in Sri Lanka, you’ll need: to be over 18, your passport with a valid visa.

And you could walk into any of the Dialog Arcades, Mobitel outlets or Hutch/ Etisalat outlets to get a connection

Useful links

Understanding Sri Lanka Internet
Dialog Tourist plan connection

Last Modified: April 12, 2024