Most visits to Sri Lanka are trouble-free. A formal
ceasefire agreement between the Tamil Tigers (LTTE)and the Sri Lanka
Government was signed on 22 February, and the ceasefire is still holding.
Former conflict areas in the North and East of the country have been
opened up to vehicular traffic, and scheduled flights have begun to Jaffna.
However, visitors are advised not to travel to the North and East of the
country unless they are travelling on business with an international
agency or NGO. The infrastructure is basic with no emergency services, and
few places to stay. There are many areas, which remain heavily mined and
many are still not clearly marked. This is particularly a problem around
the A9 road to Jaffna. The threat from civil disturbances remains
particularly in the East. Recreational travel is possible to Trincomalee
and Nilaveli, but travellers should check the security situation before
they go. Visitors should continue to take sensible precautions and remain
vigilant. Following recent developments, including the terrorist bombing
of a night club in Bali on 12 October, UK nationals world-wide should be
aware of the risk of indiscriminate attacks on civilian targets in public
places, including tourist sites.
Since the signing of the ceasefire the chances of being caught up in a
terrorist attack in Colombo have diminished. Travellers should, however,
remain vigilant and avoid demonstrations and political gatherings.
Travellers should also take particular care when attending large public
events.
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Whilst most of Sri Lanka was unaffected by fighting between the security
forces and the Tamil Tigers, the conflict in the Jaffna Peninsular was
intense and the situation in this area remains uncertain. There were
also frequent attacks in the East of the country (Eastern Province,
Batticaloa and Ampara Districts). Since the ceasefire the roads into
both areas have been opened up to traffic and scheduled flights to
Jaffna have begun. However, visitors are strongly advised not to travel
to these areas unless they are working for an international agency or
NGO. The conflict areas were heavily mined, and travel off the main
roads should be avoided. Always take notice of signs warning about the
danger from mines and do not step off of metalled roads. The
infrastructure in the North and East remains basic with no emergency
services, and few hotels or guesthouses. Travel to Trincomalee and
Nilaveli can be undertaken but visitors should be confined to those
areas. There have been civil disturbances in recent months, including in
Trincomalee; travellers should therefore check the security situation
before they go. Visitors should continue to avoid areas north of
Puttalam, Anuradhapura and Nilaveli as well as the eastern side of the
island south of Trincomalee including Batticaloa
Other major cultural centres, the hill country and
coastal tourist resorts have been largely unaffected although the Temple
of the Tooth in Kandy suffered considerable damage from a LTTE bombing in
February 1998. The threat of terrorist activity has diminished, but
visitors should remain generally vigilant.
There has been a long-standing conflict in Sri Lanka involving the Tamil
Tigers (LTTE). Whilst the conflict has mostly been confined to the North
and East there have been terrorist attacks within Colombo and other
parts of the country. Since the 22 February ceasefire the threat of
further attacks has diminished. However, visitors should take particular
care, remain vigilant and avoid demonstrations and large gatherings. Any
curfews that may be imposed must be observed.
While most visits to Sri Lanka remain trouble-free, there has been a
small increase in the number of reported thefts from hotels and
guesthouses. Visitors should take precautions to safeguard their
valuables especially passports and money. Visitors to remote areas
should make arrangements through reputable travel companies and exercise
caution. Women visitors, in particular, should take sensible precautions
when travelling alone and be wary of befriending strangers.
Visitors should take care when bathing in the sea, as there are
dangerous undercurrents and strong riptides. If in doubt, follow local
advice e.g. from your hotel.
There have been attacks against ships in and around Sri
Lankan waters. Mariners are advised to take appropriate precautions.
There have been a number of serious accidents involving
trains, and buses can be very unsafe. We advise visitors to use
alternative forms of transport where possible. Taxis and hire cars are
inexpensive and readily available in Colombo and tourist areas.
Dangerous driving and poor roads are the cause of
frequent traffic accidents.
There are severe penalties for all drug offences and
crimes related to the abuse of children.
Although Sri Lankan attitudes to informal European
styles of dress are generally relaxed, visitors should consider religious
or other sensibilities. Do not enter a Buddhist temple wearing headgear or
with bare legs. Always remove footwear. Nude or topless bathing is
generally not allowed.
British nationals do not require a visa to visit Sri
Lanka for tourism and are normally allowed a one-month stay at each time
of entry. A visa is required for all other purposes. Those wishing to
extend their stay in Sri Lanka should seek an extension from the
Department of Immigration and Emigration. To overstay without
authorisation attracts a fine and possible detention.
Whilst many medical personnel have received their
training in the UK and other Western countries, emergency medical
treatment is not available countrywide and injured persons are brought to
Colombo for treatment. The options for repatriation to the UK or
neighbouring countries in an emergency are limited. Medical facilities are
not always of a standard expected in the UK and treatment in private
hospitals can be expensive. Malaria exists in parts of Sri Lanka and the
dengue fever bearing mosquito is found throughout Sri Lanka. Outbreaks of
this disease increase during the monsoon season and visitors are advised
to contact their GP for advice before travelling.
Videoing and photography should be limited to
traditional tourist sites and are prohibited near military and government
installations.
Photographing people next to statues of the Buddha can
cause offence and should be avoided.
Photographing people next to statues of the Buddha can
cause offence and should be avoided.
All flights must be reconfirmed at least 72 hours before
departure.
It is essential that travellers take out full insurance
cover for medical treatment and accidents. It is advisable to have cover
for unexpected losses such as cancelled flights, stolen cash, cards,
passport or luggage. Travellers are advised to check carefully what other
risks their insurance policy covers.
It is not possible to change Scottish or Northern Irish
bank notes.
It is a requirement for foreigners to be able to show
some identity if requested by, for example, the Police. Visitors should
carry passports at all times as a form of identity. It is strongly
recommended that all British nationals who are residents, and visitors of
over three months register with the British High Commission.
Q. What is the current security situation in
Sri Lanka?
A. A ceasefire agreement signed on 22 February
remains in place. Most visits to Sri Lanka are
trouble-free.
Q. Can I travel to the North or East of the
Country?
A. Travel to the North and East should be
avoided unless accompanying an international agency
visit or NGO activity. You can travel to Trincomalee
or Nilaveli, but there have been civil disturbances in
those areas recently so you should check the security
situation before you go.
Q. If there is a ceasefire why cannot I go to
Jaffna?
A. There are considerable risks involved in
travel within the former conflict zones. Large areas
contain unmarked minefields. The infrastructure is
basic, with no emergency services and few places to
stay. The security situation is fragile, particularly
in the East where there have been a number of violent
clashes.
Q. Is there any specific threat to British or
other foreign nationals?
A. No travel is risk free. The LTTE have not in
the past deliberately targeted British nationals or
tourists.
Q. Should I take any special precautions?
A. Use common sense. Be aware of your
surroundings and avoid large gatherings
GEOGRAPHY: Sri Lanka is an island off the southeast coast of
the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is separated from India by the Indian
Ocean, in which lie the chain of islands called Adam's Bridge. Sri Lanka
has an irregular surface with low-lying coastal plains running inland
from the northern and eastern shores. The central and southern areas
slope into hills and mountains. The highest peak is Pidurutalagala
(2524m/8281ft).
LANGUAGE: Sinhala, Tamil and English.
GOVERNMENT: Socialist Republic since 1978. Gained independence
from the UK in 1948. Head of State: President Chandrika
Kumaratunga since 1994. Head of Government: Prime Minister
Sirimavo R D Bandaranaike since 1994.
RELIGION: Buddhist, with Hindu, Christian and Muslim
minorities.
TIME: GMT + 6.
ELECTRICITY: 230/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Round 3-pin plugs are
usual, with bayonet lamp fittings.
COMMUNICATIONS:Telephone: IDD facilities are available
to the principal cities. Country code: 94. Outgoing international code:
00. Phone cards are available at post offices and shops. Fax: The
General Post Office in Colombo (address below) provides a service. Many
hotels also have facilities. Telegram: These can be sent from all
post offices. Post: Airmail to Europe takes up to a week.
Press: Daily newspapers published in English include the Daily
News, The Island and The Observer.
BBC World Service and Voice of America frequencies: From time
to time these change.
BBC:
MHz
17.79
15.31
11.10
5.975
A service is also available on 1413kHz.
Voice of America:
MHz
15.16
11.72
9.770
6.160
Sri Lanka
Location: Indian sub-continent.
Sri Lanka Tourist Board
Street address: 80 Galle Road, Colombo 3, Sri Lanka
Postal address: PO Box 1504, Colombo 3, Sri Lanka
Tel: (1) 437 059 or 437 060 or 427 055. Fax: (1) 437
953.
PASSPORTS: Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the
length of stay required by all.
VISAS: Required by all except nationals of the following
countries who will be issued with visas free of charge on arrival at
Colombo airport (for touristic visits only):
(a) 1. nationals of EU countries for a maximum stay of 30 days
(nationals of Finland and Sweden may stay for up to 90 days);
(b) 2. nationals of Australia, Bangladesh, Malaysia, New
Zealand, the Philippines and the USA for a maximum stay of 90 days;
(c) 3. nationals of Albania, Bahrain, Bosnia-Herzegovina,
Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary,
Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Korea (Rep. of), Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania,
Maldives, Norway, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Saudi
Arabia, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Switzerland, Thailand,
Turkey and United Arab Emirates for a maximum stay of 30 days;
(d) nationals of CIS countries (except Georgia and Kyrgyzstan) for a
maximum stay of 30 days.
Note: All business visitors require a visa.
Types of visa and cost:Tourist: £28. Multiple-entry
Business: £84 (up to 3 months); £144 (up to 12 months). Transit:
£28. Prices given are for UK nationals. Prices vary according to
nationality; contact the Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy or
High Commission) for further details.
Validity: As above. Visitors can request to extend their stay
by applying to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Station
Road, Colombo 04 (tel: (1) 503 629 or 503 631 or 503 638;
fax: (1) 597 511). This is issued at the discretion of the authorities
who must be satisfied that the applicant has at least US$25 per day for
the stay and holds an onward or return ticket for travel.
Application to: Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy or
High Commission); see address section.
Application requirements: (a) Valid passport. (b) Completed
application form. (c) 1 passport-size photo signed on the back by
applicant. (d) Fee with self-addressed envelope, stamped for £4, for
return of passport. (e) Proof of sufficient funds for duration of stay.
Business: (a)-(e) and, (f) A letter from sponsor in the
applicant's own country accepting financial responsibility for the
applicant and guaranteeing his/her return to home country. The company
must ensure that the applicant does not undertake any activities which
are illegal in Sri Lanka or which conflict with the cultural, moral and
religious values of that country.
Working days required: 4.
Temporary residence: Enquire at Embassy or High Commission.
Money
Currency: Sri Lanka Rupee (SLRe, singular; SLRs, plural) = 100
cents. Notes are in denominations of SLRs1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and
5. Coins are in denominations of SLRs5, 2 and 1, and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2
and 1 cents. There are also a large number of commemorative coins in
circulation.
Currency exchange: Foreign currency must be changed only at
authorised exchanges, banks and hotels, and these establishments must
endorse such exchanges on the visitor's Exchange Control D form
which is issued on arrival and must usually be returned at time of
departure.
Credit cards: American Express, Visa and MasterCard are widely
accepted. Diners Club has more limited acceptance. Check with your
credit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other
services which may be available.
Travellers cheques: The rate of exchange for travellers
cheques is better than the rate of exchange for cash. To avoid
additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take
travellers cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.
Exchange rate indicators against Sterling and the US Dollar:
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the
Sri Lanka Rupee against Sterling and the US Dollar:
Date
Aug'99
Oct'99
Nov'99
May'00
£1.00=
115.35
118.13
117.37
110.88
$1.00=
71.48
71.73
71.28
74.70
Currency restrictions: The import and export of local currency
is limited to SLRs1000. The import of notes from India and Pakistan is
not allowed, otherwise the import of foreign currency is not restricted
but subject to declaration. Export of foreign currency is limited to the
amount declared on import.
Banking hours: 0900-1500 Monday to Friday.
Duty Free
The following items may be imported into Sri Lanka by visitors aged
18 years and over without incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 340g of tobacco; 2 bottles of wine
and 1.5 litres of spirits; a small quantity of perfume and 250ml of eau
de toilette.
Note: (a) Only two members of a family are entitled to free
import allowances. (b) Precious metals, including gold, platinum and
silver (including jewellery), must be declared on arrival in Sri Lanka.
(c) There is no gift allowance.
Jan 12000 New Year's Day. Jan 9 Eid al-Fitr
(End of Ramadan). Jan 15 Tamil Thai Pongal Day. Feb 4 Independence
Commemoration Day. Mar 18 Eid al-Adha (Hadji Festival Day –
holiday for Muslims only). Apr 13-14 Tamil and Sinhala New Year. Apr
21 Good Friday. Apr 24 Easter Monday. May 1 May Day. Jun
17 Milad un-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet). Oct 26 Deepavali
Festival. Dec 25 Christmas Day. Dec 30 Eid al-Fitr (End of
Ramadan). Jan 1 2001 New Year's Day. Jan 15 Tamil Thai
Pongal Day. Feb 4 Independence Commemoration Day. Mar 8
Eid al-Adha (Hadji Festival Day – holiday for Muslims only). Apr 13
Good Friday. Apr 16 Easter Monday. Apr 13-14 Tamil and
Sinhala New Year. May 1 May Day. Jun 7 Milad un-Nabi
(Birth of the Prophet). Oct 16 Deepavali Festival. Dec 20 Eid
al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). Dec 25 Christmas Day.
Note: (a) In addition to the above there is a poya
holiday 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. (b) Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings
of various phases of the Moon and the dates given above are
approximations. 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 travellers may
experience elsewhere) are unlikely to cause problems.
1: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from
travellers over one year of age arriving from infected areas.
2: Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera
vaccination certificate is not a condition of entry to Sri Lanka.
However, cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are
essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether
these precautions should include vaccination as medical opinion is
divided over its effectiveness. See the Health appendix.
3: Malaria risk, predominantly in the benign vivax
form, exists throughout the year in the districts of Amparai,
Anuradhapura, Batticaloa, Badulla, Hambantota, Jaffna, Kandy, Kegalle,
Kurunegala, Mannar, Matale, Matara, Moneragala, Polonnaruwa, Puttalam,
Ratnapura, Trincomalee and Vavuniya. The malignant falciparum
strain is also present and is reported to be highly resistant to
chloroquine.
4: All water should be regarded as being potentially
contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice
should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Bottled water and
a variety of mineral waters are available at most hotels. Unpasteurised
milk should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is
advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water.
Pasteurised and sterilised milk is available in some hotels and shops.
Avoid dairy products made with unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat
and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry
increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before
arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice
without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.
Hepatitis A, B and E are present and precautions should
be taken.
Dengue fever occurs.
Health care: Treatment is free at government hospitals and
dispensaries; 24-hour treatment is available at Colombo General
Hospital. Some hotels also have doctors.
AIR: Sri Lanka's national airline is Air Lanka (UL).
Approximate flight times: From Colombo to London is 13
hours 45 minutes, to Hong Kong is 5 hours 10 minutes, to the Seychelles
is 3 hours 55 minutes and to Tokyo is 12 hours.
International airport:Colombo Bandaranayake (CMB) (Katunayake)
is 32km (20 miles) from the city. Buses go to the city every 30 minutes.
Taxis are available. There are trains to Maradana station (1.6km/1 mile
from the city centre); travel time – 1 hour 25 minutes. Airport
facilities include duty-free shop, restaurant, bar, snack bar, bank (24
hours), post office, tourist information (24 hours) and car hire.
Departure tax: SLRs500. Transit passengers and children under
two years are exempt.
SEA: International ports include Colombo, Talaimannar,
Trincomalee and Galle. Passenger services to Sri Lanka are operated by Flagship
Cruises, Holland America, Nauru Line, Norwegian American, P&O, Royal
Viking, CIT and Cunard. Cargo/passenger lines running
services to Sri Lanka include Bank, Hauraise, Lloyd, Triestine and
Swedish American.
AIR: The major domestic airport is Ratmalana at
Colombo. There are daily flights to smaller airports at Batticaloa, Gal
Oya, Palali and Trincomalee. The airport at Jaffna is currently closed.
Departure tax: SLR50.
Helicopter tours:Helitoursof Ceylon, with
pilots from the Sri Lanka Air Force, offers charter tours of major
tourist areas.
RAIL: Trains connect Colombo with all tourist towns, but
first-class carriages, air-conditioning and dining cars are available on
only a few. New fast services operate on the principal routes, otherwise
journeys are fairly leisurely. The total network covers 1500km (900
miles).
Note: Rail services to Jaffna have recently been much reduced
owing to the violent political disruptions in the northern area.
ROAD: Traffic drives on the left. Most roads are tarred, with
a 56kph (35mph) speed limit in built-up areas and 75kph (45mph) outside
towns. Bus: An extensive network of services of reasonable
quality is provided by the Sri Lanka Central Transport Board.Taxi:
These are available in most towns. Car hire: This is available
from several international agencies. Air-conditioned minibuses are also
available. Chaffeur-driven cars are less expensive and recommended.
Avoid remote areas and travelling at night. Documentation: In
order to avoid bureaucratic formalities in Sri Lanka, an International
Driving Permit should be obtained before departure. If not, a temporary
licence to drive is obtainable on presentation of a valid national
driving licence. This must be endorsed at the AA office in Colombo. The
minimum age for driving a car is 18.
URBAN:Bus: The Central Transport Board provides
intensive urban bus operations in Colombo, where there are also private
buses and minibuses. Fares are generally collected by conductors.
Services are often crowded. Taxi: These are metered with yellow
tops and red and white plates. Drivers expect a 10% tip.
JOURNEY TIMES: The following chart gives approximate journey
times (in hours and minutes) from Colombo to other major cities/towns in
Sri Lanka.
HOTELS: Sri Lanka offers a wide choice of accommodation. There
are seven international-class 5-star hotels with every modern facility. Grading:
Hotels are classified from 1 to 5 stars. For further
information, contact the Sri Lanka Tourist Hotels Association, c/o
Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, 50 Navan Mawatha, Colombo 2, Sri Lanka (tel:
(1) 328 880; fax: (1) 449 352).
GUEST-HOUSES: Inns, guest-houses and rest houses offer
comfortable but informal accommodation.
PRIVATE HOMES: For visitors who would like to get to know the
Sri Lankans and see how they live, arrangements can be made to stay in
private homes or on a tea or rubber plantation.
PARK BUNGALOWS: There are also many park bungalows run by the
Department of Wildlife Conservation which are furnished and equipped for
comfort rather than sophistication.
YOUTH HOSTELS: For further information contact the National
Youth Hostel Association of Sri Lanka, 26 Charlemont Road, Colombo 6,
Sri Lanka (tel: (1) 583 250; fax: (1) 582 743).
Sport & Activities
Watersports: Operators in the main resorts conduct diving
expeditions and supply equipment. With over 1600km (1000 miles) of fine
beaches and several swimming clubs, there is plenty of scope for
swimmers. Water-skiing and yachting are available. Windsurfing
is a sport that is gaining in popularity and facilities are located in
Kalutara, Bentota, Beruwela and Negombo.
Fishing: Sport fishing is popular in Sri Lanka and several
clubs offer membership to visitors.
Other sports:Rugby, hockey, cricket, football, squash and
other games are also available. Apply to a local Travel Information
Centre. Membership is offered on a temporary basis at several golf
courses.
Wildlife and flora: There are a number of animal and bird
sanctuaries and national parks where protected wildlife can be viewed.
Several species are unique to the island, while some others have been
introduced. Sri Lanka is well known for its elephants, sizeable numbers
of which can be seen in Gal Oya and Udawalawe National parks and at
Handapangala. Other large mammals include leopards, deer and bears. Wild
boars, porcupines and monkeys also exist, especially the Grey Langur
which is common throughout the island. The native purple-faced Leaf
Monkey is to be found in the higher hill regions. Of the 38 species of
amphibian, 16 are unique to the island. Reptiles include two native
crocodiles, the star tortoise, five species of turtle and many snakes.
The five poisonous snakes are rarely found in towns and villages.
The island's flora varies greatly, ranging from temperate to tropical
forests and from arid scrubland and plains to lush hills. There are
rhododendron forests as well as tropical rainforests. Orchids and
flowering trees can be seen in season.
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FOOD & DRINK: Standard foods are spicy and it is advised
to approach curries with caution. There are many vegetables, fruits,
meats and seafoods. Continental, Chinese, Indian and Japanese menus are
available in Colombo. A speciality is basic curry, made with coconut
milk, sliced onion, green chilli, aromatic spices such as cloves,
nutmeg, cinnamon and saffron and aromatic leaves. Hoppers is a
cross between a muffin and a crumpet with a wafer-crisp edge, served
with a fresh egg soft-baked on top. Stringhoppers are steamed
circlets of rice flour, a little more delicate than noodles or
spaghetti. Jaggery is a fudge made from the crystallised sap of
the kitul palm. The durian fruit is considered a great delicacy. Drink:
Tea is the national drink and thought to be amongst the best in the
world. Toddy, the sap of the palm tree, is a popular local drink;
fermented, it becomes arrack which, it should be noted, comes in
varying degrees of strength. Alcohol cannot be sold on poya
holidays (which occur each lunar month on the day of the full moon).
NIGHTLIFE: Some Colombo hotels have supper clubs with music
for dancing. There are theatres in Colombo, cinemas showing films from
the USA, ballet, concerts and theatre productions.
SHOPPING: Special purchases include handicrafts and curios of
silver, brass, bone, ceramics, wood and terracotta. Also cane baskets,
straw hats, reed mats and tea. Some of the masks, which are used in
dance-dramas, in processions and on festival days, can be bought by
tourists. The '18-disease' mask shows a demon in possession of a victim;
he is surrounded by 18 faces – each of which cures a specific ailment.
Versions produced for the tourist market are often of a high standard.
Sri Lanka is also rich in gems. Fabrics include batiks, cottons, rayons,
silks and fine lace. Shopping hours: 0900-1730 Monday to Friday
and 0900-1300 Saturday.
SPECIAL EVENTS: For further information and exact dates,
contact the Tourist Board (see address section). The following list is a
selection of events taking place in Sri Lanka annually:
Jan Duruthu Perahera Festival (commemorating a visit of
the Buddha to Sri Lanka), Kelaniya; Thai Pongal (traditional
Hindu festival where thanksgiving prayers are offered to the deities,
and milk rice is boiled at dawn in the direction of the rising sun). Feb
Navam Perahera Festival (colourful street procession with
nearly 100 elephants and 'low country' dancers), Colombo. Feb 4Independence
Commemoration Day. Apr 13-14 Sinhala and Hindu New
Year.May29 Wesak Festival (commemorates the
Birth, Enlightenment and Death of Buddha). Jul/AugKataragama
Festival, Tissamaharama; Esala Perahera Festival, Kandy. Sep
26Bandaranaike Commemoration Day. Nov 7 Deepavali
Festival. Dec Sanghamitta Day.
SOCIAL CONVENTIONS: Shaking hands is the normal form of
greeting. It is customary to be offered tea when visiting and it is
considered impolite to refuse. Punctuality is appreciated. A small token
of appreciation, such as a souvenir from home or company, is always
welcomed. Informal, Western dress is suitable. Visitors should be
decently clothed when visiting any place of worship, and shoes and hats
must be removed. Jackets and ties are not required by men in the
evenings except for formal functions when lightweight suits should be
worn. Tipping: Most hotels include a service charge of 10%. Extra
tipping is optional.
ECONOMY: Until the onset of civil war in the early 1980s, Sri
Lanka's economic prospects were fairly good. However, large parts of the
economy have suffered severe dislocation – in particular, the tourist
industry which was once the most promising sector of all but has
declined steadily in recent years. The effects have been most apparent
in the high level of unemployment and the large budget deficit.
Agriculture sustains most of the working population. The main cash crops
are tea, rubber and coconuts, which provide over 75% of export earnings.
Rice is grown mainly for domestic consumption. Forestry and fishing are
also important. The main industrial sectors are mining and
manufacturing. In the former case, gemstones and graphite are the
principal minerals. Iron ore, limestone, clay and uranium ore are also
present in commercially exploitable quantities. Hydroelectricity is the
main source of power, supplemented by imported oil. Several important
manufacturing industries are under government control – including
cement and textiles, both of which are valuable export earners and
typical of the Government's strategy of trying to promote
export-oriented industries. During the 1990s, successive governments
have pursued market-oriented policies, with privatisation and
deregulation, but development has been hampered by a shortage of
domestic capital and the reluctance of foreign capital to invest in the
island (again, a consequence of the civil war). Climatic effects,
particularly recurrent drought, have exacerbated the situation. However,
since 1997, the economy has grown steadily and may now begin to fulfil
its potential: much depends, however, on the political and security
situation. Japan, the USA, and the UK are Sri Lanka's major trading
partners.
BUSINESS: Business attire is casual. English is widely spoken
in business circles. Appointments are necessary and it is considered
polite to arrive punctually. It is usual to exchange visiting cards on
first introduction. Office hours: 0800-1630 Monday to Friday.
COMMERCIAL INFORMATION: The following organisation can offer
advice: Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka, 29
Gregory's Road, Colombo 7 (tel: (1) 698 225; fax: (1) 699 530); or Ceylon
Chamber of Commerce, 50 Navam Mawatha, Colombo 2 (tel: (1) 421 745; fax:
(1) 449 352; e-mail: infodiv@sri.lanka.net; web site: http://www.lanka.net/chamber).
CONFERENCES/CONVENTIONS: For further information, contact the
Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, Ceylon Tourist Board Building, 3rd Floor,
80 Galle Road, Colombo 3 (tel: 74 71 35 00 or (1) 440 002; fax:
74 71 35 01; e-mail: slcbhq@lanka.ccom.lk; web site: http://www.ccom.lk/slcb).
Climate
Tropical climate. Upland areas are cooler and more temperate and
coastal areas are cooled by sea breezes. There are two monsoons, which
occur May to July and December to January.
HISTORY: Sri Lanka was part of the Empire of Asoka during the
3rd century, during which time the population was converted to Buddhism.
The Sinhalese inhabitants later moved their capital to Polonnaruva in
the south of the island to escape from repeated Tamil invasions during
the 11th and 12th centuries. The first Europeans to arrive were the
Portuguese, quickly supplanted by the Dutch in the 17th century. In 1796
Sri Lanka (as Ceylon) was acquired from the Dutch by the British.
Initially, administration of the island was shared between the East
India Company and the Crown, but the latter assumed full control in
1802. Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) eventually won independence in 1948. Past
colonisation by the Indians, Portuguese, Dutch and British have all left
their mark in architecture, customs, language and agriculture. The
country became a republic in 1972, adopting a new constitution along
with the Sinhala name, Sri Lanka. The majority (70%) of the population
are Buddhists of Sinhalese descent, but the north and parts of the east
of Sri Lanka are dominated by the Tamil population (15%), Hindu by
religion, and associated with the Tamils of southern India. Serious
conflict arose from the Tamil minority's demands for a separate Tamil
state, and terrorist activity by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam
(Tamil Eelam being the title of their notional independent state) since
the 1970s, has provoked increasingly vigorous responses from the
Government. The Indian government became increasingly involved in the
conflict, initially as official mediator between the Tamils and the Sri
Lankan Government but then, after the failure of an armistice in 1987,
it intervened militarily on the government side. A large Indian force
engaged the Tamils and, by the end of that year, took the crucial Jaffna
peninsula, with heavy losses on both sides. However, all the key Tamil
leaders and many of the guerrillas escaped into the jungle. With more
than 1000 Indian soldiers dead, Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Ghandi
struggled to persuade the Sri Lankan government to guarantee certain
rights for the Tamil minority, but the Government was constrained by
militant Sinhalese. In 1988 Sri Lankan President Premadasa, the
candidate of the United National Party (UNP) which had been in office
for a decade already, won the presidential election with a small overall
majority. Bogged down in an unpopular war of attrition, the Indian
troops withdrew in 1989 and the Tigers reoccupied Jaffna. The
assassination of Indian premier Rajiv Ghandi in 1991 was one aspect of
the Tigers' revenge for the Indian military campaign. With military and
political stalemate through 1991 and 1992, the war of attrition
continued without decisive military developments or peace manoeuvres. In
the summer of 1993, the Sri Lankan army – retrained and re-equipped
with foreign support – launched another major offensive on the Jaffna
peninsula but was stalled by fierce Tiger resistance. The army's
initiative had come after a further change of presidency, following the
assassination of President Premadasa (possibly by the Tigers) in May
1993. The incumbent Prime Minister, Dingiri Wijetunga, replaced him for
the rest of the presidential term which expired in December 1994. The
election which followed swept the opposition candidate Chandrikha
Kumaratunga into office, ending the UNP's 17-year stranglehold on the
presidency. During 1995, Kumaratunga succeeded, for the first time, in
wresting both the military and diplomatic initiative from the Tigers.
After a round of negotiations based on the possibility of adopting a new
federal structure for the island, the Tigers rejected the Government's
proposals and another major offensive was launched by the army in
October 1995. It was spectacularly successful and drove the main Tiger
forces, along with much of the civilian population, into the jungle and
forest areas surrounding the lagoon. Although the Kumaratunga Government
now had the upper hand, the Tigers were far from finished: over the next
eighteen months they scored a number of victories which reversed some
but not all of their earlier losses. In January 1998, the Government
took the step of formally outlawing the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam,
which effectively ruled out anything but a military solution. The army's
most recent campaign against the Tigers in September 1998 saw some of
the fiercest fighting yet in the 15-year civil war. Since then fighting
has continued largely inconclusively, punctuated by occasional suicide
bomb attacks against high profile targets. Several of these occurred
during the 1999 presidential elections. The poll, which took place in
December, returned the incumbent President Karamatunga for a second
term.
GOVERNMENT: Executive and legislative power are vested in the
president and a single-chamber Assembly respectively. The president is
directly elected for a 6-year term. The 255-member Assembly is elected
by proportional representation.
