Sri Lanka - basics - Countries Guide

Time: Local time is GMT +5.30.

Electricity: Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round, three-pin plugs are used.

Language: Most people speak Sinhala, which is the national and official language. Tamil is also spoken, and English is spoken at most tourist establishments.

Health: Food and waterborne diseases are a primary cause for ill health in travellers. Visitors should only drink bottled water, avoid ice in drinks, and take care to eat well-cooked food. Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all travellers to Sri Lanka. Cholera is regarded as a serious risk and precautions are advised, while typhoid is more of a problem in rural areas. Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required by travellers coming from infected areas. Malaria, Chikungunya fever, Japanese encephalitis and dengue fever are a risk and protection against mosquito bites is essential. Prophylactics for malaria are also strongly recommended. There is also a particular danger from contaminated seafood. Travellers are strongly advised to take out good travel insurance, and seek medial advice at least three weeks before leaving for Sri Lanka.

Tipping: A 10% service charge is added to most restaurant and hotel bills. Tipping is a customary way to show appreciation for almost all services and small amounts are sufficient, otherwise 10% of the amount due is standard. There is no need to tip taxi drivers.

Safety: There is a risk of terrorism in the country, and although foreigners have not been the targets of previous attacks, there is a risk of being caught up in incidents. There has been a dramatic increase in political violence, and visitors should avoid public gatherings and political demonstrations. The Sri Lankan Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) have been involved in long-standing conflict which has resulted in indigenous terrorism, particularly in the north and northeast of the country, with attacks and abductions occurring almost daily, and fighting between the rebels and the government. Visitors should keep themselves informed of developments and remain vigilant. As a result of the conflict much of the north and east remains heavily mined, particularly around the A9 road to Jaffna; foreign governments are advising against travel to the north or east of the country. Fatal attacks in Trincomalee continue almost daily. Attacks have also taken place in central and southern Sri Lanka, in areas popular with tourists, and civilians have been targeted. Attacks have also occurred in the south, including the tourist town of Galle. Yala National Park is currently closed due to security concerns; there have been a number of attacks since October 2007. Security has been increased in the south of the country, particularly in Colombo, and road check points are common. There have been recent bomb explosions in central Colombo. Violent crime against foreigners is infrequent, but there have been cases of sexual assault and robbery in rural areas and women are advised to take care when travelling alone.