Mobility Information - Sri Lanka

Residence – It is advisable for all visitors to Sri Lanka to encompass the passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the length of their proposed stay. For visitors from USA, most western European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Israel, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong is granted a 30 day Tourist Visa at the time of entry to the country. Certain nationalities (about 80 countries) are entitled for free visa on arrival at Colombo, airport while other visa applications need to be made at a Sri Lankan Consulate or Embassy abroad. Thereafter, extensions are made through the Department of Immigration and Emigration. An extension of 3 months stay in the country, inclusive of the 30 days granted at the time of arrival can be obtained while in the country. A further 3 months extension is possible with a fee. For more information visit: http://www.immigration.gov.lk/

Work permit - Employer should proceed with the work permit of foreign recruits. A recommendation should be obtained from the relevant line Ministry where the Department of Immigration and Emigration will issue one year visa which is renewable. Generally Ministry will recommend for candidates, where that skill is not freely offered in the country.

Taxation – The salaries of foreign employees will be taxed on a flat rate. There are other taxes involved in utility bills, Hotels and Restaurant etc.

Social security – Main security forces are Army, Navy, Air force and Police. Even though many incidents are not reported it is advisable to keep your valuables in a safe or close to you. Police stations are there in most of the cities to make complaints.

Housing – Accommodation will be available in any part of the island. For purchases, foreigners are taxed on 100% of the value of the Asset (Land/House). In case of rent/lease no additional tax will be charged.

Driving license – If required to drive, a driving license could be obtained by producing the passport and your country driving license to the Department of Motor Traffic. For International driving permits, the Automobile Association of Ceylon could endorse it without a fee.

Registering your car – Your car can get registered in the Department of Motor Traffic by producing the correspondence of the vehicle and your passport.

Banks – Normal Banking hours are Monday to Friday from 9.00 am to 3.00pm. Few banks are operating in weekends and holidays.

Utilities
a. Electricity and water - The used voltage is 230V-240V and 50 cycles of Alternating Current (AC) Tap water is generally clean and bottled water is widely available throughout the country.

b. Phone – The international dialing code for Sri Lanka is +94 and when making international calls from Sri Lanka should dial as “00+ country code+ area code+ telephone number”. Vendors provide fixed wire line, wireless and mobile phone connection as well as radio paging, data communication, internet service and satellite link-ups. Technologies such as ADSL, CDMA are also available in selected areas.

c. TV – You can purchase cable/satellite TV facilities in Sri Lanka.

Leisure
a. Information – Many Hotels, Restaurants and Pubs are available in larger cities and visitors can choose between variety of activities from lazing on the beach to diving in coral reefs, observing the wildlife, mountain hikes through tea estates or wandering through the ruins of ancient temples and places.

b. Public Transportation – Ways of public transportation are in Buses, Trains, Three-wheelers and cabs. Mainly two types of buses (Private and Public) and in most cities private air conditioned buses are available. Three- wheelers mostly used for short distance traveling and can be accompanied about 3 passengers. Cabs are widely available to be hired in a short notice.

c. Language schools – The official languages are Sinhala, Tamil and English. Schools are available with International curriculum, conducting lessons in English. Many recognized Graduate courses are offered by the government and private Institutes.

d. Sports – Spectators mostly enjoy Cricket, Soccer, Rugby, Volley Ball, Golf, Water sport, Motor racing and Basket Ball in Sri Lanka. Generally Gyms could be found in most of the cities.

Cost of living – This will depend on where you stay the type of food you use and the places you want to travel. Usually cost of living is low compare to most of the other countries. More understanding could be obtained by analyzing some of the recent surveys ( http://www.finfacts.com/costofliving.htm).

Useful addresses –

Controller of Immigration and Emigration
41, Ananda Rajakaruna Mw,
Colombo 10, Sri Lanka.
Phone: 0094-11-5333365/ 0094-11-5333162
e-Mail: coniande@sltnet.lk
Web site:www.immigration.gov.lk

The Commissioner of Motor Traffic
Department of Motor Traffic
No 341, Elvitigala Mawatha
Colombo 5, Sri Lanka
Tel: 0094-11-2698717
Fax: 0094-11-2694338

Automobile Association Of Ceylon
40, Sir Macan Marker Mawatha,
Galle Face, Colombo – 03, Sri Lanka.
Phone: 0094-11- 2421528-9

Central Bank of Sri Lanka
Economic Research Department, Level 12, No: 30,
Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Janadhipathi Mawatha,
Colombo 01 , Sri Lanka
Phone : 0094-11-2477168 / 0094-11-2477169 / 0094-11-2477181
Fax : 0094-11-2477712
Email : : cbslgen@sri.lanka.net

Department of the Registrar of Companies
400 D R Wijewardena Mawatha
Colombo 10
Sri Lanka
Tel: 0094-11-2689209
0094-11-2689207
Fax: 0094-1-2689211
e-mail: inquiries@drc.gov.lk

Tourist Information Centre - Colombo
T' phone : 0094-11- 2437571
Kandy - Tel : 0094- 081-2222661
International Air Port - Tel : 0094-11- 2252861