Visitor's Guide Book to Sri Lanka

VISITOR'S GUIDE BOOK TO SRI LANKA

CENTRE FOR HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS (GURANTEE) LIMITED

01, GOWER STREET, COLOMBO 05, SRI LANKA TEL / FAX : +94 114061461 www.humanitariancentresrilanka.org CENTRE FOR HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS (GUARANTEE) LIMITED Colombo, Sri Lanka

TABLE OF CONTENT

01. SRI LANKA IN BRIEF 03 - 07 1.1 Location 1..2 Climate 1.3 People 1.4 Religion 1.5 Language 1.6 Time 1.7 Currency 1.8 Health Regulations 1.9 Getting there & away

02. COLOMBO FOR BEGINNERS 08 - 10 2.1 Colombo in brief 2.2 what to wear 2.3 Getting around in Colombo

03. THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN COLOMBO 11 - 15 3.1 Places to visits 3.2 Shopping 3.3 Food & Beverages

04. TRAVEL INFORMATION 16 - 19 4.1 Business Hours 4.2 Electricity 4.3 Emergencies 4.4 Etiquette in Sri Lanka 4.5 Medical Services 4.6 Newspapers & Magazines 4.7 Postal Services 4.8 Radio and Television 4.9 Religious Services 4.10 Telephone Services

05. USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS 20

06. EMBASSY TELEPHONE NUMBERS 21

07. USEFUL WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS IN SINHALA 22 2 CENTRE FOR HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS (GUARANTEE) LIMITED Colombo, Sri Lanka

01. SRI LANKA IN BRIEF

1.1 Location

Sri Lanka, formerly Ceylon, island country lying in the Indian Ocean and sep- arated from peninsular India by the Palk Strait. It is located between latitudes 5°55′ and 9°51′ N and longitudes 79°41′ and 81°53′ E and has a maximum length of 268 miles (432 km) and a maximum width of 139 miles (224 km). Sri Lanka is known to many as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.

With a location just above the equator the country enjoys a lovely tropical climate that provides relatively constant weather throughout the year. Despite this, it also features two main monsoons season that bring about heavy peri- ods of rain. It is because of this location and the associated climate that the country has beautiful landscapes and a diverse array of wildlife.

Sri Lanka is a nation with diverse landscapes and a multi-ethnic population that brings with it a rich culture. The country comprises 9 provinces that are further divided into 25 districts. The capital city is Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte. Colombo is the commercial city and the largest city in Sri Lanka.

Map of Sri Lanka 3 CENTRE FOR HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS (GUARANTEE) LIMITED Colombo, Sri Lanka

1.2 Climate

Sri Lanka is a tropical country located quite close to the equator thus bringing an overall warm climate throughout the year with the exceptions of a couple of monsoons seasons which lasts for a couple of months.

However, the upland countries have a much cooler temperate than other parts of the country. Still the sun tends to shine almost everywhere. The coastal areas are both warm with a bit of humid due to the mixing of the ocean moisture. Sri Lanka doesn't have a clear cut season at all; it’s all warm and humid throughout the year, even during the monsoons you can always see a bit of the sun.

Since Sri Lanka doesn't have marked seasons per say monsoon seasons are usually assumed within a range of a months. The monsoon seasons are gener- ally considered to be with May or August and November to February. January is said to be the coldest during the year whereas the hottest would be from May to June.

The Average means temperature along the coast is 26.7 degrees. Colombo has a range of 26-27 degrees. Place with high elevations tend to be around 16 degrees. Relative humidity ranges from 70% daytime to 90% during the night. At the end of the day you can usually describe as being very hot with a very high humidity. But still the Sri Lankan climate won’t hinder your plans on having a great holiday of your life.

1.3 People

Sri Lankan ethnically falls into four main categories. They are Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim and Burger. The population of the Sri Lanka was estimated to be 22.235 million in year 2016. The largest ethnic group is Sinhala being 74.9% of the population.

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1.4 Religion

There is four main religions in Sri Lanka; Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity. Theravada Buddhism is the majority religion in Sri Lanka, with about 70% of the country's population as followers. Around 200 BC, Bud- dhism became the official religion of Sri Lanka. However, later on, Hindu and European colonial influences contributed to the decline of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. By the mid 19th century, a Buddhist monk started a revival movement in Sri Lanka. This movement eventually helped to return Buddhist dominance in Sri Lanka.

1.5 Language

Sri Lanka has two official languages. Sinhala and Tamil - with English as a link language. Visitors may find some problem in communicating with local people. However, English is widely understood, particularly in Colombo where it is almost the second commercial language. English is spoken in most hotels, shops and restaurants, in major tourist destinations and Sinhala/ English road and street signs are found nationwide.

1.6 Time

Sri Lanka Standard Time is 5.5 hours (5 hours 30 minutes) ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+5.5).

1.7 Currency

The local currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee, divided into 100 cents (you rarely come across scents today). Currency notes are Rs.5,000, Rs2,000, Rs1,000, Rs500, Rs100, Rs50, Rs20 and Rs10. Beware of mistaking the Rs500 note for the somewhat similar Rs100 one. To check whether notes are genuine when not given at a bank, look for a lion watermark. Coins, should you have receive them, will be in denominations up to Rs10.

Make sure you have plenty of lower denomination notes (Rs50, Rs100, Rs500), especially when travelling and you need to buy small items, fruit, and eat cheap meals, because change is often hard to come by apart from at hotels and big shops.

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Traveler’s cheques can only be changed at banks. Major currencies can be ex- changed at the airports, commercial banks and small money exchanges in the major cities. (One US dollar = 152 Sri Lankan Rupee as of September 2017)

Banks Banks are open from 0900 hrs to 1500 hours Monday to Friday. while some are open on Saturday mornings. It’s easy to withdraw money across the island at ATMs using international credit cards or debit cards.

Credit Cards Most hotels, restaurants and shopping centres accept credit cards.

Foreign Currency Regulations Visitors to Sri Lanka bringing in more than US$10,000 should declare the amount to the Customs on arrival. All unspent rupees converted from foreign currencies can be re-converted to the original currency on departure as long as encashment receipts can be produced.

10 rupee

5 rupee

2 rupee

1 rupee

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1.8 Health Regulations

There are certain health risks to be aware of when visiting Sri Lanka, especially if you are from Europe and North America. You need to watch out for bowel diseases such as:  Diarrhoea and amoebic dysentery  Vector borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever  Variety of fungal infections

The following vaccinations are recommended, particularly if you plan a long trip or intend visiting remote areas:  Typhoid (monovalent)  Polio  Tetanus  Hepatitis A  Hepatitis B  Rabies

Children should be protected against:  Diphtheria  Whooping  Cough  Mumps  Measles and rubella

Upset Stomach; Please remember that food available from street vendors, unwashed vegetables and fruit, under cooked fish and meat, peeled fruit at markets and ice creams and milk products at cheap restaurants can be unhygienic.

1.9 Getting there & away

Usually all visitors to Sri Lanka travel by air; flights arrive at the Bandaranaike International Airport, 35 km north of Colombo, and 6 km of Negombo.

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02. COLOMBO FOR BEGINNERS

2.1 Colombo in Brief

Colombo is the commercial capital and largest city of Sri Lanka., Colombo metropolitan area has a population of 5.6 million, and 752,993 in the city proper. It is the financial centre of the island and a popular tourist destination. It is located on the west coast of the island and adjacent to the Greater Colombo area which includes Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, the legislative capital of Sri Lanka and Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia. Colombo is often referred to as the capital since Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is within the urban area of, and a suburb of, Colombo. It is also the administrative capital of Western Province, Sri Lanka and the district capital of Colombo District. Colombo is a busy and vibrant place with a mixture of modern life and colonial buildings and ruins. It was the legislative capital of Sri Lanka until 1982.

Due to its large harbour and its strategic position along the East-West sea trade, Colombo was known to ancient traders 2,000 years ago. It was made the capital of the island when Sri Lanka was ceded to the British Empire in 1815, and its status as capital was retained when the nation became independent in 1948. In 1978, when administrative functions were moved to Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Colombo was designated as the commercial capital of Sri Lanka.

2.2 What to wear

Cotton clothes are useful at any time of the year but you will need light woolens for the hills and waterproof clothing. Do carry an umbrella. Sri Lankans use them constantly-as parasols if it's sunny or as umbrellas if it's raining (it's always doing one or the other). Modest dress for women is advisable especially off the beach and when visiting religious sites. Don't forget comfortable shoes, sandals or train- ers and cotton socks. If you are planning to trek and climb go prepared with suita- ble gear. Water sports enthusiasts would do well to take their snorkels and diving equipment along.

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2.3 Getting around

The country’s narrow roads, congested with pedestrians, cyclists and trishaws make travelling difficult. However, once you leave the hustle and bustle of Colombo, you can enjoy many scenic drives around the coastal line or in the hill country. Sri Lanka is beautiful and even though small in size offers visitors many travel options.

Bus An extensive network of services to most parts of the Island is afforded with reasonable quality by the Sri Lanka Central Transport Board (tel: 0112581120-29; website: www.transport.gov.lk). Private bus drivers are paid according to the number of passengers and can often drive rather dangerous- ly.

Long distance services are operated from Colombo at the Pettah Central Bus Depot. There are two services, one operated by the Sri Lanka Transport Board and the other operated by private bus companies. The private bus station is located close to the Central Depot. Most of the buses have air-conditioning. Buses to the coastal towns depart every ½ an hour while Kandy is every 15 minutes.

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, including an intercity express service between Colombo and Kandy, otherwise journeys are fairly leisurely.

Taxi These have yellow tops and red and white plates. In Colombo, taxis are metered but it is advisable to agree a rate before setting off. Drivers expect a 10% tip.

Trishaws (Tuktuks) Ideal for short journeys within towns and cities, and for short excursions, the country’s many trishaws would be happy to offer you a ride. The vehicles are mainly Indian-made Bajaj rickshaws. Most trishaws metered. But always agree on a fare beforehand. Most drivers offer a decent fare, charging approximately Rs. 50 per kilometre. 9 CENTRE FOR HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS (GUARANTEE) LIMITED Colombo, Sri Lanka

Car hires This is available from several international agencies. Air-conditioned mini- buses are also available. Motorised rickshaws are also readily available for hire in towns and villages. Chauffeur-driven cars are less expensive and recommended.

Air Air Taxi Service offers you a quick and breathtaking journey across the island to most of the popular destinations in Sri Lanka. The Air Taxi service is also available as a connecting flight from the international airport to your holiday destination. You can even charter a flight for a group of friends or your family and enjoy a private trip over paradise.

Regulations / Documentation Most roads are tarred, with a 50kph speed limit in built-up areas and 70kph (45mph) outside towns. The minimum age for driving a car is 18.

In order to avoid bureaucratic formalities in Sri Lanka, an International Driv- ing 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. (www.motortraffic.gov.lk)

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03. THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN COLOMBO

Detailed sightseeing information is beyond the scope and purpose of these notes, but the following outline may be useful. It is recommended that you obtain a copy of good city map and possibly an updated guide book.

Things to See and do in Colombo:

3.1 Places to visit

National Museum A large 9th-century stone Buddha greets you with an enigmatic smile as you enter Sri Lanka’s premier cultural institution, which gets better (in small increments) each year. In galleries dating back as far as 1877, you’ll encounter all manner of art, carvings and statuary from Sri Lanka’s ancient past, as well as swords, guns and other paraphernalia from the colonial period. There are 19th-century reproductions of English paint- ings of Sri Lanka and a collection of antique demon masks.

Galle Face Green This long open space traditionally faced a narrow beach and the sea. It was originally cleared by the Dutch to give the cannons of Fort a clear line of fire. Today its broad expanses and seaside prome- nade are a popular rendezvous spot; on most days it’s dotted with kite flyers, bubble blowers, fami- lies and food vendors at the southern end along the surf offer up all manner of deep-fried and briny snacks.

Viharamahadevi Park Colombo’s biggest park was originally called Victoria Park, but was renamed in the 1950s after the mother of King Dutugemunu. It’s notable for its superb flowering trees, which bloom in March, April and early May. Elephants used for ceremonies sometimes spend the night in the park, chomping on palm branches. It has been given a major sprucing up and now boasts comfy bench- es (often occupied with caressing couples), walkways, landscaping and play- grounds. You'll even still see the odd snake charmer. 11 CENTRE FOR HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS (GUARANTEE) LIMITED Colombo, Sri Lanka

Independence Memorial Hall Sri Lanka got its independence from Brit- ain in 1948, and this huge stone building surrounded by a peaceful garden is a mon- ument to that. In front of it is a statue of Sri Lankas first president, “The Father of the Nation”.

Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre This glossy venue is located in a high- profile spot south of Viharamahadevi Park. Its stunning design is based on the Nelum Pokuna, the 12th-century lotus pond in Polonnaruwa.

Dutch Period Museum This unique museum was originally the 17th-century residence of the Dutch governor and has since been used as a Catholic seminary, a military hospital, a police station and a post office. The mansion contains a lovely garden court- yard and has a nice faded feel since a 1977 restoration. Exhibits include Dutch colonial furniture and other artefacts.

Dutch Hospital Centrepiece of the vibrant Fort, this colonial-era complex dates back to the early 1600s. Lavishly restored, it is home to shops, cafes and restaurants run by some of Colombo’s best operators. Enjoy a pause for a cold drink amid the incredibly thick columns of its arcades. There's an annex in a 19th-century British building on the backside that faces Chatham St.

Gangaramaya Temple This bustling temple complex has a li- brary, a museum and an extraordinari- ly eclectic array of bejewelled and gild- ed gifts presented by devotees and well -wishers over the years (plus one lonely and chained temple elephant named Ganga). Gangaramaya is the focus of the Navam Perahera on the February poya (full moon) day each year. This is the centre for the most extravagant Vesak celebrations in Colombo. 12 CENTRE FOR HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS (GUARANTEE) LIMITED Colombo, Sri Lanka

Beira Lake Close to the Gangaramaya Temple, in the heart of Colombo, is a huge lake – Beira Lake. In the middle of the lake is a small island containing the Simamalaka Shrine, which was built from donations made of a Muslim spon- sor. The lake connects with other lakes through narrow canals and ends up in the Indian sea. In the colonial era the lake and its canals were used for transporting goods within the city, and it still has its Portugese name Beira. A really nice and peaceful place to sit and have a sightseeing break, with a crazy green colored water.

Parliament of Sri Lanka Sri Lanka's grand parliament complex, de- signed by Geoffrey Bawa; visits require a complex series of approvals as outlined on the website. http://www.parliament.lk/

3.2 Shopping

Shopping in Sri Lanka can be great fun as the cities are filled with markets and malls bursting with interesting goods. Popular purchases include clothes, handicrafts, tea and souvenirs.

Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo is an ideal place for shopping where one can see so many different items with the cheapest price. Most malls are more than just shopping destinations. They’ve got huge food, gaming, and entertainment zones as well, offering fun for the whole family.

Here are the best places to go shopping in Sri Lanka.

1. Majestic City- The multi storey Majestic City is an air-conditioned shopping mall that provides maximum and modern conveniences to shopaholics. Offering everything from clothes, electronic items and various handicrafts and furniture items, visitors to Majestic City are sure to find everything that they could possibly seek. It features supermarket on the ground floor, pool hall, a food court and a state-of-the-art cinema which can accommodate up to 450 people.

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2. Crescat Boulevard – Crescat Boulevard is one of the finest up market shopping malls in Colombo. The air conditioned Crescat is also popular for its food court with food counters of diverse cuisine. They offer delicious and affordable foods that will truly satisfy everyone’s tastes buds.

3. Liberty Plaza – Liberty Plaza is a multi-storey shopping complex located in Colombo 03; it offers a range of retail stores selling some attractive products at affordable prices. There are also ideal souvenir items found here that will be a perfect gift for your friends and family back home.

4. House of Fashion – House of Fashion is located in Colombo, where the most affordable ready-to-wear clothes are found. There are huge choices for teen clothes and adult clothes that are both casual wear and formal wear. This is a very ideal place for shopaholics for clothes and accessories.

5. The Pettah Market – In Pettah market you will find all kinds of things from fruits to clothes to electronics if you want to buy at wholesale prices. You have to bargain extensively and it is recommended that you take a local you trust along with you. Even if you don’t buy anything, Pettah, or Colombo 11 is an experience in itself being a very typical, busy, loud and crowded oriental market place full of all sorts of odds, ends and junk.

6. Laksala – A perfect place to buy souvenirs and handicrafts from all over Sri Lanka. Prices are very reasonable and fixed. Laksala is a state corporation under the Ministry of Rural Industries and Self Employment Promotion is set up to preserve and develop traditional skill of the craftsmen. They accept credit cards here making everyone’s shopping very accessible.

7. Odel Department Store– It is a mansion made into a shopping store in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The department store is complete with cafe s and bars where shoppers can rest for a while after a whole day of busy shopping. Odel offers an unrivalled choice of fashion and lifestyle products in an ambience that is elegant, cosy, casual and definitely stylish. Odel offers an extensive range of clothes, accessories, bags, perfumes, cosmetics and shoes for the ladies. The gents too have a good selection of branded clothing of shirts, casual wear, sportswear, suits, watches and shoes. There are also special sections for winter clothes and swimwear for children, ladies and gents.

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8. Sri Lankan Streets – Sri Lankan Streets are probably the easiest way to search for shopping items. City streets are filled with sidewalk vendors selling the items similar to those that are sold in department stores and malls, only the prices outside are extremely more affordable. This is the most practical place to shop for everyone who is on a tight budget but still wants to enjoy shopping in Sri Lanka.

3.3 Food & Beverages

Sri Lankan cuisine has always been one of the delights of this island nation. Colombo’s restaurant scene is thriving, with a range of fine dining, budget eats and quirky colonial restaurants offering something to suit every taste.

Staple meal is rice and curry. Abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables in Sri Lanka. The breakfast dishes are particularly tempting. The island also grows excellent coffee. Leading hotels have daily 'oriental' buffets.

Standard foods are spicy and it is advised to approach curries with caution. There are many vegetables, fruits, meats and seafood. Continental, Chinese, Indian and Japanese menus are available in Colombo.

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04. TRAVEL INFORMATION

4.1 Business Hours

Official business hour is from Monday to Friday. Government offices are gen- erally open between 8.30 and 16.30, Monday through Friday except on public holidays. Bank business hours -open for customers from 9:00 a.m. till 3.00 p.m. whilst some even have night bank facilities. But most of the banks are closed all day on Saturday and Sunday and on public and bank holidays.

Shops in Sri Lanka usually open their doors at 10:00am and stay open until among 8:00 and 10:00 p.m. Most shops open for at least a half day on Satur- day while others treat it as a normal working day. Few shops are open on Sundays too. Large supermarkets and department stores are the exception to this and many of them open for half a day on Sunday while throughout the rest of the week they are open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

4.2 Electricity

230. 240 volts, 50 cycles AC. If you travel with a laptop computer bring a sta- bilizer.

4.3 Emergencies

In general the threats to personal security for travelers in Sri Lanka are remarkably small. It is more pleasant to travel with a companion as it is advised not to travel alone especially after dark. The island including the North and East is safe to visit. If you have anything stolen, report it to the tourist Police, (a special tourist police set up to look after the needs of the tourists. Contact tele Number + 94 11 2382209. Hotline: +94 11 2421451

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4.4 Etiquette in Sri Lanka

Respect cultural differences – Things are done differently in Asia, and Sri Lanka is no exception. Please make sure in your dealings with local people you accept these differences and not try to change them for your own benefit or comfort. The traveler who wishes to have a happy and successful trip in Sri Lanka should keep as calm, cheerful and friendly as humanly possible. Pa- tience and courtesy are virtues that open many doors. Demanding tourists do not get smiles, service or respect.

Environmental responsibility – Pollution and waste management is a huge problem throughout the world. Unfortunately in many parts of Asia, disposal systems are inadequate and recycling of plastics is limited. We suggest avoid- ing plastic packaging where possible and take along your own bag when shopping. Plastic bags will be offered for everything! Collect and dispose in the next town.

The law protects certain endangered species of flora & fauna. Export & in even possession of these species as well as of wild animals, birds, reptiles etc., is illegal. The production and sale of items made from wild animals and reptiles, e.g.: Leopard skins, crocodile skins, elephant tusks etc., is also illegal.

4.5 Medical Services

Medical care, and its cost, is hugely variable in Sri Lanka. Colombo has some good clinics aimed at expats; they’re worth using over options aimed at locals because a superior standard of care is offered. Embassies and consulates often have lists of recommended medical providers. Elsewhere in Sri Lanka, hotels and guesthouses can usually steer you to a local doctor for at least initial treatment.

Self-treatment may be appropriate if your problem is minor (eg traveller's diarrhoea). If you think you may have a serious disease, especially malaria, do not waste time: travel to the nearest quality facility to receive attention. It is always better to be assessed by a doctor than to rely on self-treatment. Before buying medication over the counter, always check the use-by date and ensure the packet is sealed. Colombo and larger towns all have good pharma- cies; most medications can be purchased without a prescription. 17 CENTRE FOR HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS (GUARANTEE) LIMITED Colombo, Sri Lanka

4.6 Newspapers & Magazines

National daily newspapers are published in English, Sinhala and Tamil languages and Magazine type editions during weekends. A comprehensive selection of International publications, newspapers, journals and magazines are available at newsagents, bookstalls and in hotel foyers.

4.7 Postal Services

For information on postal rates contact hotel front desk or No.4, Inquiries Counter, Postal Head Quarters , D.R Wijewardena Mawatha, Colombo 1.

4.8 Radio and Television

The Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation operates radio transmissions in Sin- hala and Tamil, to listeners. Other FM Service Transmissions are also available to Listeners Island wide.

There are several Television channels in operation - Rupavahini, ITN, Swarnawahini, Sirasa, Shakthi, Derana, Siyatha, TV1, MTV, TNL, ETV and etc. A wide variety of programmes covering various subjects are telecast on these channels which include News brief from B.B.C., Sky News & CNN.

4.9 Religious Services

There are Buddhist temples, Hindu Kovils, Christian churches and Muslim mosques in Colombo. Services are mostly in Sinhala, Tamil & English.

4.10 Telephone Services

Telephone numbers are normally in 10 digit numbers in Sri Lanka. There are three fixed lines operators and five mobile operators are running the show.

The mobile operators are Dialog, Mobitel, Etisalat, Air Tel and Hutch. The fixed line operators are SLT, Lanka Bell, and Suntel. By looking at a number you can identify what operator that number belongs to. Mobile numbers starting with 077 is Dialog, starting with 072 is Etisalat, starting with 071 is Mobitel, starting with 075 is Airtel and starting with 078 is Hutch.

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Mobile Telephone Hotlines 1717 – Mobitel 1727 – Etisalat 1755 – Airtel 1777 – Dialog 1788 – Hutch

Fixed operators can be identified by looking at the 4th digit of the number. If the 4 th digit is: 2 - SLT 5 - Lanka bell 4 – Suntel

As a visitor to Sri Lanka you can use a prepaid connection at a very economic rate during your stay in Sri Lanka. Almost in all the towns and villages you can buy prepaid cards & reload facilities. Among the mobile operators Dialog is the most popular mobile operator in Sri Lanka. Also in all the towns you get coin boxes where you can insert few coins and take a call.

As a tourist in the arrival lounge you can find all the mobile service providers' stalls. There you can buy and insert the local SIM card or Nano sim card from them, which is available for US$ 10. Important thing, your Smartphone must be in the unlocked position. Normally the SIM will have Rs 700 call minutes and 500 Mb data plan. Take care to activate the SIM while you are there. Later you can re-load it in any place inside Sri Lanka.

The call charges of the all operators are almost same (local calls)/calls within the island  International rates can vary operator to operator.  Incoming calls and incoming text (SMS) are free.  Many places offer free Wi-Fi connectivity while you can buy pay as you go Wi-Fi cards from mobile phone service providers.

Most of the cities has 2G and 3G Network facility while all the major cities provide 4G LTE Network.

00 is the International Direct Dial Code you use to call overseas from within Sri Lanka.

94 is the International Country Code for calling Sri Lanka.

Website for Sri Lanka Telecom is www.slt.lk

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05. USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Ambulance 110 Fire and Rescue 111 (+94) 11 2422222-3 Police Emergency Service 119 Sri Lanka Tourism 1912 Police (+94) 11 2433333 Bandaranaike International Airport, - (+94) 11 226 4444 Katunayake The airport taxi service (+94) 11 2252861 Ex: 3097 Government Information Centre 1919 National Transport Commission 1955 Expressway Emergency 1969 Sri Lankan Airlines Ltd. 1979 Med1 (Pvt) Limited (Emergency Medical 1990 Services & Doctor at Home Care) Immigration & Emigration 011 2503629, (+94) 11 2597510-3 (visas) Travel Information Centre (+94) 11 2503629 Directory Enquires 161 International Enquires 134 Flight Information (+94) 0112732377, (+94) 0112732677 Sri Lanka Tourism (+94) 11 2437055, (+94) 11 2437059, (+94) 11 2437060 Travel Agents Association (+94) 11 2421745-47 Sri Lanka Customs (+94) 11 2421141-9, (+94) 11 2470945-9 General Hospital (+94) 11 2691111 General Post office (+94) 11 2326302, (+94) 11 2320722, (+94) 11 2448482 Railway Tourist Office (+94) 11 2435838 Central Bus Stand (+94) 11 2329604-5 20 CENTRE FOR HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS (GUARANTEE) LIMITED Colombo, Sri Lanka

06. EMBASSY TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Consulate of Malta 011 2575 511 Consulate General of Denmark 011 5556699 Consulate General of Greece 011 2306767 Consulate General of Sweden 011 2504432 Consulate of Belgium 011 2674141 Consulate of Bhutan 011 4731 731 Consulate of Cyprus 011 2302533 Consulate of Finland 011 4727222 Consulate of Ireland 011 2587895 Consulate of the Republic of the Philippines 011 4322268 Embassy of Brazil 011 5566900 Embassy of Cuba 011 2501583 Embassy of Czech Republic 0115 559083 Embassy of France 011 2 639400 Embassy of Germany 011 2 580431 Embassy of Indonesia 011 2 674337 Embassy of Italy 011 2588388 Embassy of Japan 011 2693831 Embassy of Kuwait 011 2597958 Embassy of Myanmar 011 2681007 Embassy of Netherlands 011 2510200 Embassy of Romania 011 2673331 Embassy of Royal Thai 011 7529500 Embassy of Russia 011 2697036 Embassy of Saudi Arabia 011 2682087 Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan 011 2055681 Embassy of the People's Republic of China 011 2688610 Embassy of U.S. Embassy 011 2498500 Embassy of United Arab Emirates 011 2565053 High Commission of Australia 011 2463200 High Commission of Canada 011 5226232 High Commission of India 011 2 327587 High Commission of Malaysia 011 7 557711 High Commission of Singapore 011 5577300 High Commission of South African 011 2 463000

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07. USEFUL WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS IN SINHALA

Greetings

Ayubowan Salutation wishing the recipient a long life, typically as a greeting or a goodbye Isthuthie Thank you

Samawanna Sorry Ekata Kamak naha It is alright Epa No Owu Yes Waradi Not correct Mama I / me Mata Sinhala baha I can’t speak Sinhala Koheda wasikiliya Where is the toilet thiyenne ?

Question Tags

Monawada ? What ? Kawadda ? When ? Koheda ? Where ? Ayi ? Why ? Kawuda ? Who ?

Shopping

Oyala gawa …………… thiyenwada ? Do you have ………… ? Wena monawada thiyenne ? What else do you have ? Keeyada ? How much ? Gana adukaranna puluwnada ? Can you reduce the price ? Epa Don’t want Honda naha Not good

22 CENTRE FOR HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS (GUARANTEE) LIMITED Colombo, Sri Lanka

Food and Drinks

Bath Rice Paan Brad Kiri Bath Milk Rice Indi Appa String Hoppers Appa Hoppers Biththara Egg Elawalu Vegetables Maalu Fish Isso Prawns Dalla Cuttlefish / squid Dodam Orange Amba Mango Kesel Banana Gaslabu Papaya Aligata Pera Avocado Annasi Pineapple Midi Grapes Pani Komadu Watermelon Thambili King coconut Pol Coconut Wathura Water Mee kiri Curd Hakuru Jaggery The Tea Unu the Hot tea Kopi Coffee Kiri Milk Monawada kanna thiyene ? What is there to eat ? Mewa kanna puluwanda? Is it eatable ?

23 CENTRE FOR HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS (GUARANTEE) LIMITED Colombo, Sri Lanka

Transportation Mama yanne ……. I will go to ………… Me bus eka ……….. Yanawada ? Does this bus go to ……………..? Mata yanna one ………………. I want to go to ………………. Mata para waradila I lost my way Wamata harenna Turn left Dakunata harenna Turn right Kelin yanna Straight ahead Haiyen yanna Go fast Himin yanna Go slow Nawaththanna Stop Methan nawaththanna Stop here Ayeth yanna one ………………. Return to ……………….. Pola Market Kade Shop

Numbers in Sinhala Binduwa 0 Dahanamaya 19 Eka 1 Wissa 20 Deka 2 Wisi eka 21 Thuan 3 Wisi deka 22 Hathara 4 Thiha 30 Paha 5 This eka 31 Haya 6 Hathaliya 40 Hatha 7 Hathlis eka 41 Ata 8 Panaha 50 Namaya 9 Panas eka 51 Dahaya 10 Seeya 100 Ekolaha 11 Ekasiya eka 101 Dolaha 12 Deseeiya 200 Dahathuna 13 Thunseeya 300 Daahathara 14 Haraseeiya 400 Pahalowa 15 Panseeiya 500 Daasaya 16 Daha 1,000 Dahatha 17 Daha daha 10,000 Dahaata 18 Lakshya 100,000 24