When you plan a Holiday in Sri Lanka it is important to know what a traveler holidaying in Sri Lanka would need to know. That’s why we “JaekWinTours” provide the Holidaymaker with useful tips and information to make ones holiday in Sri Lanka a fantastic and memorable one.
A holiday in Sri Lanka has become every ones dream since Sri Lanka despite its size has so much to offer and we facilitate holidays in Sri Lanka which are often tailor made to suite the requirement of the visitor.
Given below is information for you who wish to make a holiday in Sri Lanka so that your holiday in Sri Lanka will be better planned.
- Visa
- Insurance
- Driving License
- Clothing
- Health Requirements
- Communication
- Tourist Police Division
- Currency
- Credit Cards
- Banking Facilities
- Duty Free Shops
Visa
If you are planning a short visit to Sri Lanka, you can submit your ETA application online to the department of immigration & Emigration by visiting
www.eta.gov.lk
Electronic Travel authorization (ETA) is an official authorization for short visit to Sri Lanka and it is issued electronically by the department of Immigration and Emigration.
The ETA system is introduced with the intention of providing an efficient, reliable and simplified service to those who visit Sri Lanka and is a preliminary authorization for them to enter in to Sri Lanka. The ETA is initially limited to 30 days validity from the date of arrival although it may be extended for up to six (06) months.
For more information, visit www.immigration.gov.lk
Insurance
A policy to cover theft, loss and medical issues is a must.
You may also wish to check out cover for activities such as diving, white water rafting, cycling and abseiling etc.
Driving License
International driving license is valid for only 3 months and must be obtained in your home country. To extend it to Sri Lankan travel, you must attend the RAC office in Central Colombo. You will require 2 photos.It is a good idea to photocopy all relevant documents – passport, travel, insurance policy etc., and leave one copy at home. Carry another copy with you separate from the originals.
Clothing
When visiting Buddhists temples both males and females are expected to be dressed modestly. The attire should cover well below the knees. Sleeveless garments are not allowed. When entering Shrine or Temples you are also expected to take off shoes and caps.While on travel around you can wear anything you please.
The climate in Sri Lanka is warm throughout the year & light cotton clothing is ideal. We would like to see you with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses & comfortable footwear. In the hill country, you will need light warm clothing as the climate is much cooler. You would be blending with the natural surroundings if you could wear earthy colors such as brown or green when you visit wildlife. In Nuwara Eliya light warm clothes may be required.
Health Requirements
Visitors to Sri Lanka from yellow fever infected areas (Africa & South America) should have a valid certificate against yellow fever. Vaccinations against typhoid, polio, hepatitis A, tetanus & diphtheria are recommended. If required you can have the vaccinations in Sri Lanka.
Sealed water are available in anywhere in the island, & one should keep in mind to avoid consuming water directly off taps or that which is not sterilized under any circumstances. When purchasing sealed water do look for the sealed cap of the bottle and date of expiry.Cuisines served in Hotels of Tourist Restaurants are always fresh and safe & never hesitate to enjoy them. You can always consult your tour Guide when choosing a restaurant at random.
Communication
Television
Sri Lanka Has Two State Owned TV Channels Rupavahini And The Independent Television Network (ITN). In Addition To These, There Are Private Channels MTV, Sirasa TV, TNL, ETV, ART TV, Siyatha, Swarnavahini, Derana, MAX TV, TV Lanka & Shakthi TV. 11 Stations Cable And Satellite TV Services Available. CCTV ART TV Carries CNN news Bulletins. ETV, MTV Carries Fox News And ART TV Are Exclusive English Channels. English Movies And Documentaries Are Featured On Other Channels As Well.
Radio
In addition To The State Run Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), Several New Private Radio Stations Are On The Air On FM Bands. Over 15 Radio Channels In Sinhala, English And Tamil. Yes FM, E, TNL, Lite, SUN FM, Neth FM, Real Radio, City FM, Offer Latest Contemporary Music & Programming. Gold FM And Classic Offer Vintage Fare.
Newspapers
English Dailies: Morning Leader, Ceylon Daily News, The Island, Daily Mirror, On Sundays: Sunday Observer, Sunday Island, Sunday Times, Sunday Leader, The Nation, Lakbima News.
Mobile phones
There Are Five Mobile Telephone Services Operating In Sri Lanka. All Of Them – Etisalat, Mobitel, Airtel, Hutch And Dialog – Serve And Has Island – Wide Coverage. A Wide Range Of Services And Packages Are Offerd By All. Information Can Be Sort Through The Wide Network Of Centers In Colombo And Suburbs. The Four Services Offer varying Tariff And Service Packages, Etisalat: 072 2123123, 072 2454154. Mobitel: 071 2755777. Dialog: 0777 678678. Hutch: 078 5785785. Airtel: 075 5555555.
Tourist Police Division
A Tourist Police Force Is Operated At The Sri Lanka Tourism Premises To Provide Visitors, Local And Foreign To Enjoy A Hassle Free Holiday. Sri Lankans Are Also Protected From Negative Practices Such As Use Of Children For Commercial Sex, Drugs, And Other Undesirable Activities. You May Contact The Tourist Police At Tel: 2421451 (Open Day & Night)
Currency
Sri Lanka Has A Unified Exchange Rate For Foreign Currencies Which Floats In Response To Basic Exchange Market Developments (Rates Available At Banks/Hotels).
Sri Lanka Has A Decimal Currency System. One Sri Lanka Rupee Is Divided into 100 Sri Lanka Cents. Currency Notes Are In The Denominations Of Rs. 10/-, Rs. 50/-, Rs. 100/-, Rs. 200/-, Rs. 500/- And Rs. 1000/-, Rs. 2000/-, Rs. 5000/- Denominations Are Clearly Marked In Figures On Both Sides Of Notes And Stated In English In Addition To Sinhala And Tamil. Coins Commonly In Use Are The Following Denominations; 5 Cents, 10 Cents, 25 Cents, 50 Cents, One Rupee, Two Rupees, Five Rupees And Ten Rupees.
Credit Cards
Many Hotels And Shops Accept Reputed Credit Cards. No Surcharge Should Be Permitted For Its Use. Cash Advances Are Possible Against Credit Cards In Certain Banks.
Banking Facilities
Banking Facilities Have Grown And Widened Tremendously To Cope With The Sophisticated Needs Of Today’s Businessman. Sri Lanka And Foreign Banks Provide An Expanding Range Of Services To Investors.
Duty Free Shops
The Duty Free Shop At The Transit & Departure Lounge Of The Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake Has An Extensive Range In Well Known Brands Of Liquor, Hi-Fi Equipment, Wristwatches, Cameras, Films, Perfumes, Cosmetics, Electrical Appliances, Cigarette Lighters And Souvenirs.
Payment is Accepted Only In Foreign Currency. Passengers Arriving In Sri Lanka Could Also Buy Their Requirements Of Duty Free Liquor From The Duty Free Counter Which Is Situated After Immigration Checkpoints.
Festivals
All important Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Christian and national festivals are celebrated- up to 72 in all, including Sundays. Sri Lankan’s have the right balance in life to work and play.Every full moon -Poya day- is a Buddhist holiday. Public places of entertainment and most shops are closed. Some supermarkets remain open but will not sell red meat or alcohol. Hotels will often refuse to serve alcohol.
Most Spectacular Festivals
Esala Perahera
Is held in July/August in Kandy. The most important festival of the year extending over 10 days, climaxing on the Nikini full moon.This great procession – elephants extravagantly decorated, Kandyan dancers, fire walkers, spinning plates- honors the Sacred Tooth Relic of Kandy.
Vesak
For Buddhists all across the world, Vesak, a full moon day in May, is an occasion of paramount importance The day marks the Birth, Enlightenment and Last Breath of the Buddha. Buddhists decorate and illuminate their houses with electric lamps and specially Vesak lanterns. They also visit places of worship.Towns wear a totally different outlook on the day. Colorful pandols with numerous electric jets are erected. Free meals are offered to passersby as well.
Traditional New Year
Traditional New Year in Sri Lanka is celebrated in the month of April. The festival is celebrated when the Sun enters from the zodiacal sign of Pisces (the last sector) to Aries (the first sector). Whole country celebrates traditional New year with lots of enthusiasm. Conventional rituals are observed on this day. This is the biggest celebration of the Buddhist year and families will exchange presents.
Others Festivals
Independence Day
Sri Lanka celebrates its Independence day on the 4th February every year. This day the Sri Lankans attained independence from British rule.
Tamil Thai Pongal Day
Tamil New Year in early/mid January. Nuwara Eliya and the Hill Country will be alive with family parties and Horse Racing.
Deepavali
Hindu festival of lights in Oct/Nov. Thousands of flickering oil lamps celebrate the victory of good over evil and the return of Rama. The Tea country will see the most colourful celebrations as the pickers are granted holiday from the fields.
Christmas Day & New Year
Christmas and Easter are celebrated like in any other part of the world by the Christian Community of Sri Lanka.