Simply Colombo

Colombo is the largest city and the former capital of Sri Lanka, a tear drop shaped nation. Though it still is the country’s commercial and financial capital, the capital is now Sri Jayewardenepura- Kotte, an eastern suburb of Colombo. The city is a beehive of commotion with more than a million inhabitants. A busy and vibrant city, with a mix of modern life and colonial ruins, the center of the city displays gracious old buildings from the Dutch, Portuguese and British era. Colombo is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural city. The population of Colombo is a mix of numerous ethnic groups, mainly Sinhalese, Moors and Tamils. There are also small communities of people with Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, Malay and Indian origins living in the city, as well as numerous European expatriates. This history and culture, the perfect white sandy beaches, year round sunshine and warm seas should make Sri Lanka a paradise for tourism. However, simmering tensions between the majority Sinhalese and the Tamil minority who are seeking independence for the Jaffna region in the north of the country, led to an explosion of violence in the 1980s. This led to two decades of fighting between government forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. Industry, and especially tourism, suffered greatly following a number of attacks – notably on Colombo airport in July 2001. The city of Colombo escaped largely unscathed after the Boxing Day Tsunami, but many coastal regions of the island were decimated. Except for a few more refugees in the city, the casual visitor to the city probably won’t see any sign of it. It is when you try to travel outside of Colombo that the full effect will become obvious. Transport links have been greatly affected, and some regions are effectively cut off. However, the people of Sri Lanka realise that tourism is a key to rebuilding their economy and are keen to welcome back visitors.

 

 

 Some General Information

Country : Sri Lanka

Official Language : Sinhala and Tamil

Religion : Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity and Islam

Currency : Sri Lankan Rupee ( LKR )

Time Zone : + 5.30 hours GMT

Temperature : Sri Lanka has a tropical climate. Upland areas are cooler and more temperate, and coastal areas are cooled by sea breezes. No matter what time of year you choose to travel to Colombo the weather will be hot and humid. It is probably wisest to avoid the monsoon rains, however: these happen between May and August, and October and January. The maximum average annual temperature along the coast are between 28°C and 34°C, while the average minimum temperatures vary between 22°C and 26°C.

Sightseeing : Sri Lanka’s biggest city and major port has its supporters and detractors. Some people appreciate its colonial heritage, fine dining and shopping opportunities, and dash of urban buzz in an overwhelmingly rural country. Others quickly tire of the diesel fumes and different modern of building styles seen on Galle Road. Some interesting sights are The Fort, National Museum, Galle Road, Cinnamon Gardens, Viharamahadevu Park, Dehiwala Zoo, many temples and churches.

 

Getting There

Colombo is the international gateway to Sri Lanka. Bandaranaike International Airport is at Katunayake, 30km north of the city and about 2km east of the Colombo–Negombo road, and the only international airport of the country. Colombo’s domestic airport is at Ratmalana Air Force Base, south of Mt Lavinia. There is no public transport to or from this airport, but AeroLanka runs its own shuttle bus. Because of the air force presence security is heavy and you need to check in two hours before take-off.

The Bandaranaike International Airport ( CMB )

It was named Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), after former Prime Minister SWRD Bandaranaike, in 1970. It was renamed Katunayake International Airport in 1977, but was changed back to Bandaranaike International Airport in 1995. The BIA has three cargo terminals and one passenger terminal. The arrival and departure areas in the passenger terminal are located close to each other, easing the movement of passengers between terminals. There are 39 check-in desks, 14 gates, 575 short-term parking spaces, three airport hotels, restaurants, cafeterias, bars, a VIP lounge, duty-free shop and disabled access / facilities. In 2009, a lounge named Silk Route was opened at the terminal. It provides facilities such as food, newspapers and the internet. Most hotels and tour operators offer transport from the airport; if possible confirm in advance. Buses and taxis are available, and there is a train station close to the airport, but visitors are advised to arrange their own transportation.

Address : Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake, Sri Lanka. Tel: +940 (0)11 225 2861

Website: www.airport.lk

 

Ratmalana Airport ( RML )

Situated in Colombo district, approximately 10 kms south of Colombo City, Ratmalana airport is a main hub for both military and commercial transport flights to other destinations in the country. It is managed by the Airport Aviation Authority. Several private airline operators are also based at this airport. It was once Colombo's international airport, until the current Bandaranaike International Airport opened in the 1960s. It is now used solely for domestic flights and for military purposes. The Sri Lanka Air Force museum is the only national museum dedicated entirely to aviation and the history of the Sri Lanka Air Force. The museum was first established in 1993 as the Aircraft Preservation and Storage Unit at Air Force Base Ratmalana and was reopened on 5 November 2009 after redevelopment. The museum consists of historic aircraft, vehicles, uniforms and weapons. The museum premises are divided into sections; main hangar, outdoor exhibits and hangar numbers 1, 2 and 3.

Address : Sri Lanka Air Force, Ratmalana,Sri Lanka. Telephone: +94 11 2441044, 249549

 

Tourist Information

The Tourist Information Center

Address: 80 Galle Road Colombo 3 . Telephone Numbers: 2437059, 2437060, 2437055

Colombo International Airport,
Tourist Information (Airport) 252411

 

 

Travel Tips

1. Shaking hands is the normal form of greeting. It is customary to be offered tea when visiting and it is considered impolite to refuse. Punctuality is appreciated. A small token of appreciation, such as a souvenir from home or company, is always welcomed.

2. Informal, Western dress is suitable, except when visiting Buddhist temples, where modest clothing should be worn (ex. no bare legs and upper arms). Visitors should be decently clothed when visiting any place of worship, and shoes and hats must be removed.

3. Smoking, in Colombo, is only prohibited in places marked with the non-smoking sign - although, it is considered polite not to smoke in the company of non-smokers.

4. Being careful about water and food consumption is important while in the country. It’s essential to drink enough water to prevent dehydration and that the water is safe to drink. Only purified or bottled water should be considered safe to drink.

5. Don’t walk alone at night, specially women. Don’t get taken in by anything the locals tell you. They are out to make money. Be careful of tuk tuk drivers taking you for a joy ride. Keep a map handy with you at all times.