POPULATION.
The total population is 18 million people. Ethnically, the population is diverse: Sinhalese – descendants of light-skinned immigrants from North India – make up 74%, Tamils - dark-skinned representatives of the Dravidian population of South India – 18%, 7% of the population are “Lankan Moors” – Muslims descended from Arab traders of the Middle Ages, and also small groups Eurasians – “burghers”, descendants of the Portuguese and Dutch, Chinese, Europeans and the remnants of the natives – “Veddas”. See Countryvv for labor market in Sri Lanka.
RELIGION.
Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Islam.
CLOTHES.
With the exception of the central part of the island, Sri Lanka is a country of eternal summer, and only for resorts like Nuwara Eliya you may need a sweater or a light jacket. To climb Adam’s Peak (2024 m) you need to dress very warmly. The central highlands can get very damp at times. As in any traditional Asian country, women can afford to wear shorts only on the beach. Sunbathing “topless” is also unacceptable. You will have to take off your shoes to visit Buddhist or Hindu temples, so it is good to have a pair of socks with you, as the stone floors can be either very cold or, conversely, hot from the sun. Women in the temple are encouraged to wear long enough skirts, and their shoulders should also be covered. It is better for men to wear trousers for visiting temples, but not short shorts. In temples, one should not wear a headdress, which in other places is absolutely necessary for protection from the hot sun. Please bring sunscreen/anti-sun cream and mosquito repellent/spray if you plan to travel inland. Any light clothing and footwear you need, and very inexpensively, can be purchased in Sri Lanka. It is better to bring your own diving equipment, as you can only rent it in major resorts. It is better to bring your own bath towels. since you can only rent it in large resorts. It is better to bring your own bath towels. since you can only rent it in major resorts. It is better to bring your own bath towels.
A VISA
for a stay of up to 30 days is free, it is obtained at the airport for all types of Baltic passports.
CUSTOMS.
It is allowed to import duty-free 1.5 liters of spirits, 2 bottles of wine, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, as well as perfumes and souvenirs for an amount not exceeding 250 US dollars. Sri Lankan currency cannot be imported into the country; you can take out no more than 250 rupees. Import and export of foreign currency is not limited, the amount of more than 10 thousand US dollars in cash, as well as valuable jewelry, electronics and equipment, must be declared upon entry.
THE COST OF LIVING.
Sri Lanka is one of the cheapest countries for tourists, and the cost of services in resort areas varies depending on the season. 1 liter of fuel – 40 Sri Lankan rupees, 1 newspaper – 12 rupees, 1 pizza – 305 rupees, 1 liter of milk – 70 rupees, 300 gr. a bottle of Coca-Cola – 12 rupees, 500 gr. coffee pot of instant coffee – 125 rupees. A portion of tea with milk – 50 rupees, 1 banana – 5 rupees, 1 mango fruit – 15 rupees, 1 coconut – 10 rupees, 1 pineapple – 15 – 30 rupees, a good lunch in a restaurant – 600 – 700 rupees (in 1995 prices.) In shops and non-state stores, you can bargain, while the price can be brought down by an average of a third.
RENT A CAR
costs an average of $20 – $30 per day, but the roads – left-handed, with very heavy and chaotic traffic in populated areas and winding in mountainous areas – create significant difficulties for an inexperienced driver. If you have an international driver’s license, you must obtain a free permit from the Traffic Authority in Colombo.
MONEY.
Sri Lankan rupees are subdivided into 100 cents. In circulation are coins in denominations of 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents, 1, 2, 5 and 10 rupees. Banknotes in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 rupees. Unfortunately, in crowded places there is no guarantee against pickpockets, so for the safety of your money, you should deposit it in a hotel safe along with documents. Just in case, stock up on a photocopy of your passport and air tickets at home. It is highly recommended to travel with credit cards or traveler’s checks, which are easy to cash in Sri Lanka. Banking hours 09 -13/14 on weekdays, in Colombo and Kandy you can exchange money at other times. In order to be able to convert the rest of the rupees when leaving, take an exchange check. The US dollar exchange rate is 95 | Sri Lankan rupees (May 2002).
TIPS.
Where you pay 10% for service, i.e. in most restaurants and hotels, tipping is optional, and it is also optional to tip a taxi driver or cycle rickshaw. Luggage porters at the hotel charge 10-20 rupees for a heavy suitcase. You can leave 50-100 rupees for the senior porter at check-out, and 20-50 dollars for your regular driver or guide at the end of the program. In general, it should be borne in mind that a significant part of the earnings of people employed in servicing foreign tourists is formed at the expense of tips, which employers take into account when determining their salaries.
ELECTRICITY.
Voltage 230 – 240 volts, triple plugs – with grounding. In hotels, you can ask for an adapter, but it is better to bring your own.
DRINKING WATER
Only bottled mineral water is recommended. DO NOT USE UNBOILED WATER!
VACCINATIONS AND HEALTH.
Vaccinations are not required if basic hygiene and behavior in tropical countries are followed. Beware of heatstroke, sunburn and insect bites – wear a hat, sunscreen and mosquito repellant. There are quite a lot of pharmacies in the country, it is not difficult to get medicine, but for chronic diseases, medicines must be taken with you.
AIR TICKETS
Upon arrival in Sri Lanka, any air ticket must be reconfirmed no later than 72 hours. Representatives of the host company will kindly help you to do this. PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU WILL NEED TO PAY AIRPORT TAXES IN YOUR LOCAL CURRENCY WHEN YOU DEPARTURE FROM COLOMBO – THE AMOUNT OF APPROXIMATELY US$12.
PURCHASES.
Precious stones, clothing, batik, tea, spices, embossing, wooden handicrafts.
