Holidays
Sri Lanka has a five day week. In addition to Saturdays and Sundays and special Public Holidays, the full moon (Poya) day of each month is a public holiday. All places of entertainment (including cinemas) and bars are closed on Poya day.
Hotels make special arrangements for customers to order their drinks the day before a Poya Holiday.
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, ETV 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 the latest contemporary music & programming. Gold FM and Classic offer vintage fare.
Newspapers
English Dailies: Ceylon Daily News, The Island, Daily Mirror. On Sundays: Sunday Observer, Sunday Island, Sunday times, Sunday Leader, The Nation, Lakbima News, Ceylon Today.
Courier Services
- EMS Lanka (International)R. Wijewardena Mw., Colombo 01. T: 2447844, 2328644. Ext. EMS. EMS (Domestic) Post Master General’s Office, Colombo 01. T: 2447844.
- FedEx Express 300, Galle Road, colombo 03. T: 4522222
- Aramex 360 Galle Road, Colombo 03. T: 4978140
- DHL 130, Glennie St., Colombo T: 4798600
- TNT International Express 315, Vauxhall St., Colombo 02. T: 2308444
Inland
Colombo and most provincial towns are linked by direct dial telephone service. Each provincial exchange where direct dialling facilities are available has a Code number, which precedes the subscriber’s number. When dialling within the same exchange, do not dial the code.
Mobile phones
There are five mobile telephone services operating in Sri Lanka. All of them – etisalat, Mobitel, Airtel, Hutch and Dialog – serve Colombo and the suburbs, Kandy na dhas island-wide coverage. A wide range of services and packages are offered by all. Information can be sorted through the wide network of centres 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: 0785785785. Airtel: 0759557000.
Postal
For information on postal rates contact the General Post Office, Bristol Street, Colombo 1. T: 2326203. Speed Post Sri Lanka (domestic courier service). T: 2447766, 2440907.
Philatelic Bureau
The Sri Lanka Philatelic Bureau, Postal Headquarters, D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha, Colombo 10, has an exhibition and sales outlet for all Sri Lanka stamps first day covers, special issues etc. of interest to the philatelist.
Stamp Year Books
Four stamp year books covering the years 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 available for sale. A beautiful collector’s item. Contact: T: 4927248.
Tourist Guide Lecturers
Trained registered Guide Lecturers carry identity Cards issued by the Ceylon Tourist Board. They could be hired through the Travel Information Centre. T: 2437059/60 or Approved Travel Agents or President, National Tourist Guide Lecturers Association of Sri Lanka, 37/35, Temple Road, Colombo 10. Tel/Fax: 2681241, 2678174.
Tipping
Tipping is optional. It is left to the customer to tip if satisfied with service. Most hotels and restaurants include a service charge of 10 % in any bill. In the event of your wishing to give a tip, about 10 percent of the bill is generally considered a fair tip.
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 T: 011-2421052. Hotline: 1912 (Open day & night).
Touts
Beware of touts. Avoid them. Do not accept their offer to give you more for foreign currency or lead you to shops which give you special bargains; it will all be for the tout’s bargain only.
