Sri Lanka🇱🇰
Sri Lanka is an island nation located in South Asia, off the southeastern coast of India. It sits in the Indian Ocean and shares maritime borders with India and the Maldives. Sri Lanka has a rich cultural history with traditions that date back over 2,500 years. Known for its stunning natural beauty, the country boasts a wide variety of landscapes from lush tropical rainforests and vast tea plantations to golden sandy beaches and striking mountain peaks. The country also features a diverse range of wildlife, with roughly 123 species of mammals, including elephants and leopards. Noteworthy attractions include the ancient city of Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy that houses a relic of the Buddha's tooth, and Yala National Park, the most visited national park in Sri Lanka where one can witness dense wildlife in their natural habitat.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Visiting remote areas without a local guide due to potential land mines left behind from the civil war.
- Disrespecting Buddhist culture and traditions, especially at monasteries and temples.
- Taking photos of military installations, personnel, or checkpoints, which can be considered a security threat.
- Ignoring local customs and traditions. It's important to dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
- Feeding or posing with captive elephants. Not only is it dangerous, it often contributes to the mistreatment of these animals.
- Bathing in the sea during monsoon season. The seas can be rough and unpredictable with strong currents.
- Public displays of affection, which could be considered disrespectful in Sri Lankan culture.
- Using drugs. Sri Lanka has strict drug laws, and possession of even small amounts can lead to lengthy prison sentences.
- Drinking tap water without boiling or filtering first. Only drink bottled or sanitized water.
- Littering, especially in natural and historic areas. It's important to respect the environment and uphold responsible tourism practices.
Overall
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Crime 🔫
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Crime in Sri Lanka is moderate but increasing, particularly in the regions of Colombo and Jaffna. Petty crimes like burglary and theft are rampant, while violent crime is less common but still occurs. Fraud, especially credit card and ATM fraud are also specfically high.
Terrorism 💣
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Terrorism in Sri Lanka can be traced back to the civil war between the government and the Tamil Tigers separatist group that ended in 2009. The high-profile incident was the Easter Bombings of 2019, where three churches and three luxury hotels were targeted in a series of coordinated suicide bombings, killing 269 people and injuring more than 500.
War ⚔️
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Sri Lanka scored highly in this section due to the cessation of the civil war in 2009. However, tensions still persist between the majority Sinhalese community and the minority Tamil community. Efforts for reconciliation and reparation are ongoing.
Natural Disasters 🌊
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Sri Lanka's geographical location makes it prone to several types of natural disasters. These include floods, landslides, cyclones, and droughts. In 2004, Sri Lanka was one of the countries most affected by the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, causing immense damage and loss of life.
Medical Care 🏥
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The quality of healthcare in Sri Lanka varies. Urban regions have well-equipped healthcare services with skilled medical professionals, but rural areas often lack resources and access. However, government initiatives have significantly improved healthcare services over the years.
Tap Water Quality 💧
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Generally, tap water in Sri Lanka is not considered safe to drink despite treatment processes to ensure the water quality. Bottled water is commonly used instead, and boiling tap water before drinking is recommended.
Disease Burden 🤒
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Malaria has been successfully eradicated from Sri Lanka but other vector-borne diseases like dengue fever and leptospirosis remain a significant concern, particularly during monsoon seasons. However, the government has been initiating efforts to educate the public and control the spread.
Corruption 💸
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Corruption is a serious issue in Sri Lanka. Incidents of bribery and corruption are frequently reported in both public and private sectors. There have been notable efforts to combat this, such as the establishment of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).
Safety for Women ♀️
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While generally safe for women, instances of harassment do occur, particularly in crowded public places. Women traveling alone are advised to take standard precautionary measures like avoiding late-night travel.
Safety for Queer People 👬
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Sri Lanka has a conservative society and homosexuality is not widely accepted, with legal and societal discrimination against the LGBT community still prevalent. However, there have been small progresses in recent years towards more acceptance.
Censorship 📺
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Freedom of speech in Sri Lanka is guaranteed by the constitution, but in practice, significant censorship exists. Journalists have faced intimidation and violence in the past, especially those reporting on corruptions and war crimes.
Public Transportation 🚌
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Public transportation in Sri Lanka is reliable but often crowded. The country has a comprehensive network of buses, trains, rickshaws, and taxis. While they are relatively safe, incidents of accidents due to overloaded vehicles and reckless driving have been reported.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
Sri Lanka is generally considered safe for travelers. However, as with any travel, one must remain cautious about personal safety and belongings. It's important to be aware of potential risks like unpredicatable whether, petty theft, and occasional muggings especially in the cities.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
Most major countries have embassies in Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo. These include the U.S. Embassy, British High Commission, Australian High Commission, and Canadian High Commission, among others.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
Recommended vaccines for travel to Sri Lanka include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus, and Polio. Some travelers might also need vaccines for Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, and Rabies.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
Sri Lanka is home to a variety of dangerous animals including leopards, small-scale pit vipers, and various types of toxic spiders. In water bodies, tourists need to be cautious about the potentially dangerous saltwater crocodile and various species of venomous fish.
🛂 Visa Requirements
Most visitors require a visa to enter Sri Lanka. This includes tourist visas that are typically valid for 30 days. The easiest way to apply is online through the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system.
💲 Currency
The official currency of Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR), is available in many denominations. Exchange facilities are available at the airport, banks, and authorized money changers.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Major credit cards are widely accepted in Sri Lanka especially in major cities and tourist establishments. However, cash is still king, particularly in smaller towns and while dealing with small-scale vendors.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
Work and travel in Sri Lanka is possible and popular, especially in the fields of tutoring English, volunteering in social projects, hospitality, tourism, and farm work. However, it's important to have a valid working visa.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
The cost of living in Sri Lanka is relatively low compared to Western countries. Traveling costs might range from budget to luxury, depending on accommodation preferences, dining options, and means of transportation.