Quick Facts About Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, a vibrant island of around 23 million people, blends rich culture with practical travel conveniences. The capital is Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, though Colombo remains the commercial hub. The warm greeting “Ayubowan” reflects the island’s hospitality. Travelers need an ETA visa before arrival and should carry Sri Lankan Rupees, as cash is often essential in markets and smaller towns. With a tropical climate, year-round travel is possible by choosing the right coast during monsoon seasons. Electricity runs on 230V with Type D and G plugs, so a universal adapter is recommended. Sinhala and Tamil are national languages, while English is widely understood in tourism and business.

Sri Lanka at a Glance, Know Before You Go

• Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR); cash needed for small vendors and markets.
• Population: ~23.2 million (2025 estimate)
• Capital City : Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
• Traditional Greeting: Ayubowan – “May you live long,” with palms together.
• Visa Requirement: Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) required; apply online before arrival.
• Climate: Tropical, 27–30°C; two monsoon seasons enable year-round travel.
• Power & Voltage: Plug types D & G; 230V at 50Hz – carry a universal adapter.
• Time Zone: Sri Lanka Standard Time (UTC+5:30).
• Languages: Sinhala (Official & National) and Tamil (National) but English is widely used in tourist areas and for business.