GENERAL
Official name of the state
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
Capital
Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte (seat of government).
Colombo (de facto capital).
Geography
As a country located in Asia according to elaineqho, the island of Sri Lanka is located off the coast of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is separated from India by the Indian Ocean, in which the Adam’s Bridge chain of islands lies. The Sri Lankan landscape is unusual, with low-lying coastal plains extending inland from the north and west coasts. The central and southern areas rise to hills and mountains. The highest point is the Pidurutalagala (2524 m).
Government
Socialist presidential republic (in the Commonwealth) since 1978. Constitution from 1978, last amendment in 2000. Unicameral parliament (national assembly) with 225 members. Independent since 1948 (former British colony).
Head of state
Maithripala Sirisena, since January 2015.
Head of government
Ranil Wickremesinghe, since January 2015.
Electricity
230 V, 50 Hz. Three-pole round plugs and light bulbs with bayonet socket.
Time zone
India Standard Time: CET +6: 30
LANGUAGE
Overview
The official language is Sinhala (74%) and the national language is Tamil (18%). English is the language of business and education (10%). Malay is also spoken.
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following items can be imported into Sri Lanka duty-free (people over 18 years of age):
2 bottles of wine and 0.5 l of spirits;
Perfume for personal use and 250 ml eau de toilette;
Other goods / gifts up to a value of US $ 250.
Precious metals such as gold, platinum and silver as well as jewelry must be declared upon entry. In principle, valuable items should be declared upon entry in order to guarantee problem-free re-export.
Attention: Cigarettes and other tobacco products have to be declared. As a rule, only two family members are allowed to import luxury goods.
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
English is widely spoken in business circles; formal attire is not expected. Prior appointments and business cards are common, and punctuality is considered polite.
Business hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m. / 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. / 5 p.m.
Economy
Trade Department of the Embassy of Sri Lanka
Niklasstrasse 19, D-14163 Berlin
Tel: (030) 80 90 97 43.
Trade Department of the Consulate of Sri Lanka
56 Rue de Moillebeau, CH-1209 Geneva
Tel: (022) 919 12 59.
Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (Chamber of Industry)
50 Navam Mawatha, Colombo 2
Tel: (01) 242 17 45.
Internet: www.chamber.lk
Business contacts
Trade Department of the Embassy of Sri Lanka
Niklasstrasse 19, D-14163 Berlin
Tel: (030) 80 90 97 43.
Trade Department of the Consulate of Sri Lanka
56 Rue de Moillebeau, CH-1209 Geneva
Tel: (022) 919 12 59.
Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (Chamber of Industry)
50 Navam Mawatha, Colombo 2
Tel: (01) 242 17 45.
Internet: www.chamber.lk
COMMUNICATION
Phone
International direct dialing in major cities. Phone cards are available at post offices and in stores near the public telephones.
Cellphone
GSM 900. Cellular companies include Celltel Lanka (Internet: www.celltel.lk), Lanka Bell (Internet: www.lankabell.net) and MTN Networks (Internet: www.dialog.lk).
Internet
Main provider: Sri Lanka Web Server (Internet: www.lanka.net/home). There are internet cafes in the larger cities.
Post Office
Airmail to Europe takes 10-14 days. There are post offices in every town and village, and private courier services in most major cities. For more information, contact the main post office, Janadhipathi Mawatha, Colombo 10, Tel: 32 62 03, opposite the Presidential Palace. Always send postcards from the post office counter and make sure that the stamp is used. Hotels also provide information on postage. Mail storage is possible. The main post office is open day and night for postage sales and local calls.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
SHOP
Overview
Objects made of silver, brass, ceramics, wood and terracotta as well as baskets made of reed, straw hats, reed mats, ebony elephants and drums.
Shop opening times: Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-5.30 p.m., Sat 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Many shops are also open on Saturday mornings.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
Some hotels in Colombo have restaurants with dance music. There are theaters, cinemas with American films, ballets and concerts.
CULINARY
CULTURE
Religion
Buddhism (69.1%); Hindu (7.1%), Christian (6.2%) and Muslim (7.6%) minorities.
Social rules of conduct
Clothing: Everyday clothing is perfectly acceptable. When visiting religious sites, hats and shoes must be removed, shoulders and thighs should be covered. Jackets and ties are only expected of men on special occasions.
Tips are at the guest’s discretion. Most hotel bills include a 10% tip. Taxi drivers expect 5%.
Security checks often take place after dark. You should definitely obey the officials and not provoke them. Caution is also advised when taking photos ; public buildings and military facilities should not be photographed without express permission. It is advisable to always have your passport with you.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
Tropical climate, milder at high altitudes and near the coast. The monsoons bring heavy continuous rain from May to July and from December to January.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +94 Area (sqkm) 65610 Population 22053488 Population density (per sqkm) 336 Population in 2015 Member of the EU No main emergency number 110
