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1994-05-02
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<text>
<title>
Sri Lanka: Travel
</title>
<article>
<hdr>
Background Notes: Sri Lanka
Travel
</hdr>
<body>
<p> Climate and clothing: Summer clothing is suitable year round
in Sri Lanka. Sweaters may be needed in the country's central
highlands. Wash-and-wear clothing is best as there is little
drycleaning outside Colombo. Toiletries, cosmetics, and
photographic supplies are available locally, though expensive.
</p>
<p> Visas and customs: U.S. citizens do not need visas to enter
Sri Lanka for up to 30 days. Consult a physician for
recommended inoculations, such as cholera and gamma globulin.
Foreign currency, including travelers' checks, must be declared
upon entry. Visitors should keep currency exchange receipts. On
departure, they will be asked to show evidence of authorized
exchange.
</p>
<p> Health: Public health facilities in Sri Lanka are poor. The
U.S. Embassy maintains a list of private physicians who may be
consulted in emergency cases. Medical supplies are scarce, so
bring any special drugs required. Malaria is endemic outside
Colombo. Outside the capital, take a malaria suppressant.
Tapwater is often not potable. Avoid drinking unboiled water.
Unpeeled, raw fruits and vegetables or undercooked meats also
should be avoided.
</p>
<p> Telecommunications: All hotels have telephones. Domestic
telephone source is fair. Long-distance service is good and may
be booked through an operator in advance. International
direct-dialing is available from most major hotels. Telegraph,
cable, and FAX service is good and available 24 hours a day in
Colombo. International airmail service to the United States
takes about 2 weeks. Sri Lanka is l0-l/2 hours ahead of eastern
standard time.
</p>
<p> Transportation: Colombo is served by several international
airlines; none are U.S.
</p>
<p> All parts of the island may be reached by rail or by bus,
however, most foreign visitors hire a vehicle for travel outside
Colombo. Rates are reasonable. Cheap taxi service, some metered,
is readily available in Colombo. Traffic moves on the left.
</p>
<p> Tourist attractions: Sri Lanka has many sights, both
archaelogical and scenic, well worth visiting. The island has
been called the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean." Contact travel
agencies for detailed information. Major hotels are moderately
priced. Inexpensive but adequate hotels also are available
throughout the island. Sightseeing tours can b easily arranged.
</p>
<p> Travel advisory: Violence in the north and east as well as
parts of the south make it important for all U.S. visitors to
contact the Department of State before departure and the U.S.
Embassy on arrival.
</p>
<p> Holidays: Many holidays are religious observances based on
the lunar calendar; dates vary from year to year. All full moon
days-"poya" days-also are public holidays.
</p>
<table>
Tamil Thai Pongal Day*
National Day February 4
Good Friday*
Maha Sivarathri Day*
Sinhala and Tamil New Year's
Eve and Day*
May Day May 1
National Heroes Day May 22
Id al-Fitr*
Id al-Adha*
Prophet's Birthday*
Deepawali Festival Day*
Christmas Day December 25
</table>
<p>*Date varies.
</p>
<p>Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Public Affairs,
December 1989.
</p>
</body>
</article>
</text>