Location: Indian Ocean
Local Time: GMT+5�
Capital City: Colombo (commercial); Jayewardenepura (administrative)
Population: 20.66 million
Area: 65,610357,021 square km, 25,332 square miles.
Language(s): Sinhalese, Tamil, English
Dialling Code: 94
Emergency: Police: 433333. Fire & Ambulance: 422222
TV Standard:
Driving: Driving is on the left. International Driving Permit required. Temporary licence available on presentation of National licence which must be endorsed at the AA office in Colombo. Minimum driving age is 18
Electricity: 230/240V AC 50Hz
Currency: Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR 1 = 100 Cents)
Notes: LKR: 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000, 2,000
Coins: LKR: 1, 2, 5. Cents: 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50
Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques: Credit cards and travellers cheques are accepted. Foreign currency can only be exchanged at authorised hotels, banks and money changers
Opening Hours
Bank: 0900-1500 Mon-Fri
Office: 0900-1700 Mon-Fri
Shops: 0900-1730 Mon-Fri, 0900-1300 Sat
Public Holidays
2012
Note: Poya holidays are observed on the day of each full moon. In general, Hindu and Buddhist festivals are declared according to local astronomical observations and it is often only possible to forecast the approximate time of their occurrence. Some public holidays are followed by an additional holiday for banks only. Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates listed are approximate. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted, however, since Sri Lanka is not a predominantly Muslim country restrictions (which travelers may experience elsewhere) are unlikely to cause problems.
Business/Social Hints: Some persons may prefer not to shake hands with those of the opposite sex. The business community generally speaks English. It is the convention to use the right and not the left hand when shaking hands and passing or receiving anything. Smoking is generally accepted. On social occasions, eg invitation to restaurants or clubs, arrive on time and dress as for business meetings unless suggested otherwise.
Tipping: Service charges are sometimes added to restaurant bills, additional tips of around 10% are discretionary. Tips for taxis are around 10%
