Orientation briefing in Sri Lanka

The first Sinhalese arrived in Sri Lanka late in the 6th century B.C., probably from northern India. Buddhism was introduced circa 250 B.C., and the first kingdoms developed at the cities of Anuradhapura (from about 200 B.C. to about A.D. 1000) and Polonnaruwa (from about A.D. 1070 to 1200). In the 14th century, a South Indian dynasty established a Tamil kingdom in northern Sri Lanka. The Portuguese controlled the coastal areas of the island in the 16th century, followed by the Dutch in the 17th century. The island was ceded to the British in 1796, became a crown colony in 1802, and was formally united under British rule by 1815. As Ceylon, it became independent in 1948; the name was changed to Sri Lanka in 1972. Prevailing tensions between the Sinhalese majority and Tamil separatists erupted into war in 1983. Fighting between the government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) continued for over a quarter-century. Although Norway brokered peace negotiations that led to a cease-fire in 2002, the fighting slowly resumed and was again in full force by 2006. The government defeated the LTTE in 2009.

During the post-conflict years under then-President Mahinda RAJAPAKSA, the government initiated infrastructure development projects, many of which were financed by loans from China. His regime faced allegations of human rights violations and a shrinking democratic space for civil society.  In 2015, a new coalition government headed by President Maithripala SIRISENA of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and Prime Minister Ranil WICKREMESINGHE of the United National Party came to power with pledges to advance economic, political, and judicial reforms. However, implementation of these reforms was uneven. In 2019, Gotabaya RAJAPAKSA won the presidential election and appointed his brother Mahinda prime minister. Civil society raised concerns about the RAJAPAKSA administration’s commitment to pursuing justice, human rights, and accountability reforms, as well as the risks to foreign creditors that Sri Lanka faced given its ongoing economic crisis. A combination of factors including the COVID-19 pandemic; severe shortages of food, medicine, and fuel; and power outages triggered increasingly violent protests in Columbo beginning in 2022. In response, WICKREMESINGHE -- who had already served as prime minister five times -- was named to replace the prime minister, but he became president within a few months when Gotabaya RAJAPAKSA fled the country. 

Protests and demonstrations can happen anywhere across the island at short notice, and can become violent. Security authorities may use water cannons and tear gas to control protesters.

Large-scale protests in 2022 resulted in violence and loss of life. Movement around the island was difficult due to restrictions such as curfews and roadblocks. 

Avoid demonstrations, political protests or large gatherings. Monitor local media and sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Heavy rainfall, flooding and landslides

Heavy rainfall during the inter-monsoon season has increased the risk of flooding and landslides across Sri Lanka. Disruption to transport and other services is possible. Check with your travel provider and follow the advice of local authorities.

Sri Lanka Tourism’s 24-hour hotline is available on 1912.

Global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East

Travel

Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights.

Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Before you travel:

• check travel advice for any countries or territories you are transiting through

• check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator

• review your travel insurance policy for coverage

• monitor local and international media for the latest information and sign up for travel advice email alerts

Some flights from Colombo to the UK via Middle Eastern hubs may be delayed, postponed, or re-routed. British nationals in Sri Lanka should check the latest updates from their airlines and consider alternative carriers or routes where necessary.

For further information, review Media Notice from the Department of Immigration & Emigration.

Fuel

The Government of Sri Lanka is limiting purchases of fuel in response to the situation in the Middle East. All vehicles will be allocated a weekly fuel quota. The Government has announced that special arrangements will be implemented for tour operators and hotels to minimise disruption to tourism.

Additional assistance available: Sri Lankan Tourist Hotline: 1912

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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This guide also has safety advice for regions of Sri Lanka.

Terrorism 

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Sri Lanka

Terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals and tourists such as:

• hotels
• bars, restaurants and night clubs
• beaches
• tourist sites
• places of worship
• large public gatherings, including major events, public holidays, religious occasions

Avoid crowded public places. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

The conflict in Israel and the Palestine has led to heightened tensions around the world. Terrorist groups such as Al-Qaida and Daesh, have called on their supporters to carry out terrorist attacks in response to the conflict. The conflict could also motivate individuals to carry out attacks.

Terrorist attacks could target Jewish or Muslim communities, or the interests of Israel and its allies. Attacks could also be indiscriminate and occur without warning.

On Easter Sunday in April 2019, more than 250 people, including 8 British nationals, were killed in terrorist attacks against 3 churches and 3 hotels in Sri Lanka: in Colombo, Negombo and in Batticaloa.

Political and economic situation

Protests and demonstrations can happen anywhere across the island at short notice, and can become violent. Security authorities may use water cannons and tear gas to control protesters.

Large-scale protests in 2022 resulted in violence and loss of life. Movement around the island was difficult due to restrictions such as curfews and roadblocks. 

Avoid demonstrations, political protests or large gatherings. Monitor local media and sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Crime

Protecting yourself and your belongings

There’s been an increase in incidents of low-level opportunistic crime. Store your belongings as safely as possible to avoid thefts from hotels and guesthouses. Minimise the number of personal items you carry with you. 

On the street, criminals may ride past on mopeds or motorbikes and try to snatch your bag. Take care of your passport and money by keeping them in a body-belt. Carry bags on the side of you that is furthest from the road and do not place bags in the front basket of bicycles.

Violent crimes against foreigners are rare. Gun crime is not uncommon, but usually it is due to a dispute between different criminal groups.

Bank card fraud

Bank card fraud is common.

Fraudsters can steal your card details without you noticing. Use ATMs inside banks or hotels if possible, and check ATMs on the street for signs of tampering. Keep cards in sight when paying in shops and restaurants. Read more about how to avoid bank card fraud.

Drink spiking

Be alert to the possible use of ‘date rape’ and other drugs including GHB.

Do not take drinks from strangers or leave your drinks unattended. Victims of spiked drinks have been robbed and sometimes assaulted. Alcohol and drugs can reduce your vigilance, making you less in control. If you drink, know your limit. Drinks served in Sri Lanka are often stronger than in the UK as bars and hotels rarely use measures.

Sexual assault

Women continue to report incidents of verbal and physical harassment by men, ranging from sexually suggestive or lewd comments to physical advances and sexual assaults.

Incidents can happen anywhere, but the majority of reported cases take place in crowded areas including:

• markets
• bus and railway stations, or on buses
• sporting events
• tourist sites

Take care when travelling alone or in small groups and consider carrying a personal alarm.

Laws and cultural differences 

Personal ID

You must always carry your passport as an official form of identification. A copy is usually acceptable, but in some situations you may have to produce the original at a police station within a specified time limit.

Alcohol laws and bans

Police could fine you if you ignore notices prohibiting alcohol in certain public areas.

Alcohol is not usually available on religious holidays. Drinking in public on these days could be culturally insensitive. Check locally for dates of religious holidays when this applies.

Smoking and e-cigarette bans

Police could fine you if you ignore ‘no smoking’ signs in certain public areas.

Illegal drugs

Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.

Airports in Sri Lanka use technology to detect illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

Detention and prison sentences

There are severe penalties for drug offences, terrorism and all other serious crimes. The authorities could hold you without charge indefinitely. If convicted, you may face a lengthy prison sentence.

If you’re arrested under Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Terrorism Act, the authorities could detain you without charge awaiting a trial date. 

Using cameras, binoculars and drones in secure areas

Do not fly drones near, use binoculars to look at, or take photographs of:

• military bases
• government buildings
• vehicles used by VIPs

Check how to register and operate drones with Sri Lanka’s Civil Aviation Authority.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal, but we are not aware of any prosecutions.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Dress codes

Nude or topless sunbathing is not allowed.

If you enter a Buddhist temple:

• cover your legs and shoulders
• take off shoes and hats

Religion

Disrespecting Buddhist images and artefacts, or making offensive remarks about religion, is a serious offence and can lead to arrest. If you have visible tattoos of Buddha, you can be refused entry to Sri Lanka or face deportation. Do not pose for photographs standing in front of a statue of Buddha.      

Wildlife

Some Sri Lankan animals can be dangerous. If in doubt, follow advice from authorised guides or your travel operator. Wild elephants and crocodiles will attack humans on occasion. Venomous insects and snakes are found in many parts of the country – though not common in populated areas.

Feral dogs are common and sometimes carry rabies.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism 

Swimming safety

Many beaches in Sri Lanka have dangerous surf or rip tides at certain times of the year. Get advice from your hotel or tour operator before going in the sea.

See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.

Transport risks 

Road travel 

If you are planning to drive in Sri Lanka, see information on driving abroad. Tourists can hire cars, tuk tuks and motorbikes to drive. If you hire a vehicle, check that the company you rent the vehicle from is registered with the Sri Lanka Tourist Board and has a ‘Safe & Secure’ certificate. You should also:

• have appropriate insurance
• ensure that the vehicle is roadworthy before you start your journey

You need a 1949 international driving permit (IDP) and a Sri Lankan ‘recognition permit’ to drive a hire vehicle.

You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel. Take your UK driving licence and your IDP along with 2 passport photos to:

Automobile Association of Ceylon
40 Sir Mohomad Macan Markar Mawatha
Colombo 00300

They will verify your documents and issue a recognition permit. Your hire car company will usually help with this.

Road safety

Some roads, particularly in more remote areas, may be in poor condition. Driving is erratic and there are frequent road accidents, particularly at night. Stay alert for pedestrians and animals on busy roads. Riding a motorbike can be especially dangerous.

If you have a collision, stay at the site of the accident with your vehicle as long as it is safe to do so. If it is not safe or if you feel threatened, report to a local police station.

There are still security checkpoints on main roads in parts of the country. Follow the instructions of the police or army officers on duty. Security forces have opened fire on vehicles that have not stopped when asked. Roads around government and military sites in Colombo are often closed for security reasons, such as access for VIP convoys.

Buses

Public buses are often driven fast, rarely give way and are often poorly maintained leading to serious bus accidents in recent years. Tourist buses are usually driven more professionally and safely, but standards can vary.

Taxis

You can book taxis using local and international taxi apps. There is less availability outside tourist areas. Motorised rickshaws (‘tuk-tuks’) are available for hire in towns and villages. Agree a price before you set off or look for one with a working meter.

There are occasional reports of harassment, particularly of women travellers at night. Change to a different tuk-tuk or taxi if you have any concerns about the driver or their standard of driving.

Rail travel

When travelling by train, make sure you stay within the train carriage while the train is moving. There have been fatal accidents when visitors have hung out of open doorways or windows of trains. Take care of your personal possessions at all times. There have been incidents of theft and pickpocketing.

Sea travel

You need prior permission to enter Sri Lankan waters and the security zones in coastal areas.

The threat of piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean remains significant. The combined threat assessment of the international Naval Counter Piracy Forces is that all sailing yachts under their own passage should stay out of the designated High Risk Area or face the risk of being hijacked and held hostage for ransom.

See more advice on staying safe when travelling abroad by sea.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Monsoon

Monsoon rains can cause flooding in many places in Sri Lanka. Floods can cause widespread displacement of people, injuries and occasional deaths. Heavy rains and landslips can also lead to road closures and affect local transport links.

Monitor Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre and the Sri Lankan Department of Meteorology for updates and follow local advice.

Tropical cyclones

There is a risk of tropical cyclones. Monitor Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre and the World Meteorological Organization for updates.

Northern Sri Lanka

There is a visible military presence across the north. Follow local advice and instructions from the security forces and take seriously warning signs about landmines.

Jaffna Peninsula

Operations to clear mines continue, particularly in the heavily mined area towards Elephant Pass. However, apart from High Security Zones, there is free movement.

Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Mannar and Vavuniya

There is a visible military presence. There was severe war damage to property throughout the northern region, so accommodation options and infrastructure are limited. Follow any local advice about signs warning of mined areas.

Eastern Sri Lanka

De-mining and clearance operations are ongoing in parts of east Sri Lanka. There are several areas, primarily former military and police locations, that continue to be marked as minefields. Follow the instructions of the local security forces and look out for signs warning of landmines. Do not leave the roads or cleared footpaths and, if in any doubt, contact the local security authorities for advice.

Before you travel check that: 

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. 

Emergency medical number 

Call 1990 and ask for an ambulance.

Alternatively, contact the Accident Service at Colombo General Hospital on 011 269 1111.

 Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. 

Vaccine recommendations and health risks 

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Sri Lanka
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Sri Lanka, including:

• Zika virus
• dengue
• chikungunya

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Sri Lanka. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro. 

Medication 

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. 

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro. 

Healthcare in Sri Lanka 

Emergency medical treatment outside main cities is not readily available and you may have to be brought to Colombo for treatment. Treatment in private hospitals can be expensive and the options for repatriation to the UK or neighbouring countries in an emergency are limited and very expensive. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. 

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Sri Lanka where some staff will speak English. 

Travel and mental health 

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.