Essential Tourism Guide
Sri Lanka
The Pearl of the Indian Ocean. Discover a land of endless beaches, timeless ruins, welcoming people, oodles of elephants, rolling surf, affordable prices, fun trains, famous tea and flavorful food.
Key Statistics
- Population
22.1 M
Ranked 58th in the world
- Literacy Rate
92.3%
Highest in South Asia
- Annual Tourists
~2.5 M
Pre-pandemic peak volume
National Symbols
- National Flag
The Lion Flag
The national flag of Sri Lanka consists of a gold lion, holding a kastane sword in its right forepaw, in a maroon background with four bo leaves in each corner. The yellow border represents the Sangha (Buddhist monks) and the unity of the nation.
- National Flower
Blue Water Lily
The Nil Manel (Nymphaea nouchali) was declared the national flower of Sri Lanka in 1986. It is found in all parts of the island and grows mainly in shallow water. The flower represents purity and truth in Buddhist culture.
Government & Geography
-
Official Name
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
-
Government Type
Unitary semi-presidential constitutional republic
-
Capitals
Colombo (Executive), Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (Legislative)
-
Location
South Asia, island in the Indian Ocean, southeast of India
-
Official Languages
Sinhala, Tamil
-
Religion
Buddhism (70%), Hinduism, Islam, Christianity
Practical Information
Visa Information
Most visitors require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to arrival. It allows for a 30-day stay and can be applied for online. Citizens of Singapore, Maldives, and Seychelles are exempt.
Clothing Guidelines
Lightweight cotton clothing is ideal for the tropical climate. However, when visiting temples and religious sites, modest attire is mandatory: shoulders and knees must be covered.
Working Week
The standard working week is Monday to Friday. Full Moon Poya days are Buddhist public holidays where most businesses and shops are closed, and no alcohol is sold.
Business Hours
Government: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Mon-Fri) Banks: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Mon-Fri) Shops: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Daily, though some close Sundays)
- Climate
Sri Lanka is tropical and warm year-round. The country experiences two monsoon seasons affecting different parts of the island at different times, making it a year-round destination.
Avg Temp
27°C (80°F)
Avg Temp
Dec-Mar (West/South)
May-Sep (East/North)
- Economy & Currency
The economy is transitioning from a predominantly rural-agricultural economy towards a more urbanized economy driven by services.
Currency
Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Key Exports
Textiles, Tea, Spices
Major Industry
Tourism