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1. 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/
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Registering your car – Your car can get
registered in the Department of Motor Traffic by
producing the correspondence of the vehicle and your
passport.
8. Banks – Normal Banking hours are Monday to Friday
from 9.00 am to 3.00pm. Few banks are operating in
weekends and holidays.
9. 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.
10.
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.
11. 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).
12. 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
Links -
http://www.infolanka.com
http://www.boutiquesrilanka.com/travel_tips.php
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/asia/sri-lanka
http://www.srilankaecotourism.com/about_sl.htm
http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/ |
