4½ hours / + 3½ hours during Swiss daylight saving time

Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte

Official language

Sinhala and Tamil

Language capabilities

English

230/240 volt / adapter required

Banks

9.00–15.00 (Mon–Fri)
Opening hours may vary. Some banks also open on Saturdays, though for shorter hours, often from 9.00 to 13.00.

Shops

9.00/10.00–19.00/20.00 (Mon–Sat)
Opening hours vary. Many shops, particularly in larger cities, also open on Sundays, though for shorter hours, for example from 10.00 to 14.00 or 16.00. Shops in tourist areas and larger cities may stay open longer, while those in smaller towns may close earlier. Supermarkets and shopping centres are often open longer than smaller shops.

Hindu and Muslim holidays in Sri Lanka, such as Deepavali (Hinduism) and Eid al-Fitr (Islam), follow their respective religious calendars and therefore fall on different dates in the Gregorian calendar each year.

• Variable date in mid-January: Tamil Thai Pongal Day (Hindu harvest festival)

• Variable date in January (full moon): Duruthu Poya

• 4 February: Independence Day

• Variable date in February (full moon): Nawam Poya

• Variable date in February or March: Mahasivarathri Day

• Variable date in March (full moon): Medin Poya

• Variable date in March or April: Good Friday

• Variable date according to the Islamic calendar: Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan)

• Variable date in April (full moon): Bak Poya

• 12 or 13 April: Day before Sinhala and Tamil New Year

• 13 or 14 April: Sinhala and Tamil New Year

• 1 May: Labour Day

• Variable date in May (full moon): Vesakh Poya

• Variable date in May: Day after Vesakh Poya

• Variable date according to the Islamic calendar: Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice)

• Variable date in June (full moon): Poson Poya

• Variable date in July (full moon): Esala Poya

• Variable date in August (full moon): Nikini Poya

• Variable date: Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Milad-un-Nabi)

• Variable date in September (full moon): Binara Poya

• Variable date in October (full moon): Vap Poya

• Variable date in October or November: Deepavali (Hindu festival of lights)

• Variable date in November (full moon): Il Poya

• Variable date in December (full moon): Unduwap Poya

• 25 December: Christmas

The following information applies to Swiss citizens resident in Switzerland. The following documents are required to enter Sri Lanka:

• Travel documents must be valid for at least six months after arrival.

• Passengers must hold a valid visa issued by Sri Lanka. Swiss citizens do not require a visa if they have obtained an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) for Sri Lanka before departure. More information: https://eta.gov.lk

• Visitors without a return or onward ticket may be refused entry.

• Passengers must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate if, within the previous six days, they have been in Angola, Argentina, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, the Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, French Guiana, Gabon, the Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Guyana, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Suriname, Tanzania, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda or Venezuela.

Information last updated in September 2026

West and southwest coast (e.g. Colombo, Galle)

• Summer (March to May): Average temperatures range from 27°C to 32°C. Conditions are hot and humid. Showers may occur during the first intermonsoon season in March and April; the southwest monsoon usually begins in May.

• Winter (December to February): Temperatures range from 24°C to 30°C. Humidity is slightly lower and the weather is more pleasant. This is the main travel season because conditions are drier, with less rainfall.

• Spring/autumn (June to November): Average temperatures range from 25°C to 31°C. The southwest monsoon shapes the weather from May to September; October and November belong to the second intermonsoon season and can also be rainy.

Central Highlands (e.g. Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Kandy)

• Summer (March to May): Temperatures range from 15°C to 22°C. The higher altitude makes this region much cooler than the coast. Rainfall is moderate and nights are pleasantly cool.

• Winter (December to February): Temperatures fall to between 10°C and 20°C. This is the coldest time in the highlands, especially around Nuwara Eliya. Nights can be cool, and morning mist is common at higher elevations.

• Spring/autumn (June to November): Temperatures range from 14°C to 23°C. Rain falls regularly, particularly during the northeast monsoon, which can be felt in this region. The landscape is lush and green.

North and east coast (e.g. Jaffna, Trincomalee)

• Summer (March to May): Temperatures range from 26°C to 35°C. The region is very hot and dry. The northeast coast is barely affected by the southwest monsoon, resulting in less rainfall at this time of year.

• Winter (December to February): Temperatures range from 24°C to 28°C. The northeast monsoon often brings rain to the north and east coasts during this period. May to September is usually better for beach holidays on the east coast.

• Spring/autumn (June to November): Temperatures range from 25°C to 34°C. During the rainy season (October to November), the northeast monsoon and cyclonic activity bring heavy rain, particularly to the east coast.

Southeast and inland lowlands (e.g. Yala National Park, Kataragama)

• Summer (March to May): Temperatures range from 28°C to 34°C. The region is very hot, dry and dusty in these months, with little rainfall.

• Winter (December to February): Temperatures fall to between 25°C and 30°C. Conditions are drier and less hot, making this an ideal time to visit the national parks.

• Spring/autumn (June to November): Average temperatures range from 26°C to 33°C. Monsoon months can bring heavier rain in October and November, but dry conditions predominate until then.

The best time to visit Sri Lanka:

• Beach holidays: December to April (west and south coasts); May to September (east coast).

• City breaks: December to April. Cities such as Colombo, Kandy and Galle are best explored during the dry season.

• Mobile phones: Using your phone in Sri Lanka may incur roaming charges. Check your provider’s rates before travelling and consider a roaming package to reduce costs.

• Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, restaurants, cafés and public spaces, but connection quality varies, particularly in rural areas. A mobile hotspot may be more reliable where connections are slow.

• Prepaid SIM cards: You can buy a prepaid SIM card locally for calls and mobile data. Providers include Dialog, Mobitel, Airtel and Hutch.

• Other: Temporary restrictions on phone and internet connections and social media cannot be ruled out.

• Sigiriya Rock Fortress: An impressive ancient fortress, known for its frescoes and panoramic views from the summit.

• Temple of the Tooth, Kandy: An important Buddhist temple housing a tooth relic of the Buddha and a major pilgrimage site.

• Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada): A sacred mountain known for its footprint-shaped impression, revered by Buddhists, Christians, Muslims and Hindus.

• Yala National Park: A renowned wildlife reserve with elephants, leopards and many bird species.

• Galle Fort: A historic fort built by the Portuguese and expanded by the Dutch; now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Dambulla Cave Temple: A remarkable complex of cave temples with murals and Buddha statues.

• Anuradhapura: One of Sri Lanka’s ancient capitals, rich in archaeological sites including large stupas and the sacred Bodhi tree.

• Polonnaruwa: A well-preserved medieval city with the ruins of palaces, temples and Buddha statues.

• Ella: A charming hill village known for its walking trails, tea plantations and Nine Arches Bridge.

• Horton Plains National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with walking trails leading to World’s End, a dramatic cliff with sweeping views.

• Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage: A sanctuary for orphaned elephants where visitors can watch them bathe and feed.

• Tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya: A cool upland region with extensive tea plantations that can be explored on tea tours.

• Trincomalee, east coast: A historic port city with the famous Koneswaram Temple, beautiful beaches and excellent diving and snorkelling spots.

• Mirissa, southwest coast: A popular beach and whale-watching destination, particularly for spotting blue whales.

• Ritigala, Anuradhapura: A little-visited mountain with the ancient ruins of a forest monastery amid dense jungle.

Travel inspiration:

• Sri Lanka in February: a tropical paradise

• The 10 most beautiful yoga retreats in Asia

An overview of Sri Lanka’s culinary specialities:

• Rice and curry: This staple consists of rice served with a selection of curries, often made with lentils, fish, chicken or vegetables. The dishes are aromatic and frequently spicy.

• Hoppers: Thin, crisp pancakes made from rice flour and coconut milk, traditionally served for breakfast. Egg hoppers, with an egg cooked in the centre, are particularly popular.

• Kottu roti: A popular street-food dish made from chopped flatbread stir-fried with vegetables, egg and meat such as chicken or beef. It is often eaten as a snack or a light evening meal.

• Lamprais: A dish reflecting Sri Lanka’s Dutch Burgher heritage. Rice, curries, meat and sambols are wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed.

• Sambols: Spicy accompaniments often made with grated coconut, chilli, onion and lime. Pol sambol is particularly popular with rice and curry.

• Tea culture: Formerly known as Ceylon, Sri Lanka is famous for its black tea. In areas such as Nuwara Eliya, you can visit tea plantations and sample fresh Ceylon tea.

• Fresh seafood: Fish, prawns, crabs and squid are widely available along the coast, often grilled or cooked in spicy curries.

• Jaggery and wattalappam: Jaggery is a type of palm sugar used in traditional desserts. Wattalappam is a Malay-influenced dessert made with coconut milk, eggs, cardamom and jaggery.

• Tropical fruit: Mangoes, papayas, pineapples and jackfruit are eaten fresh or in desserts.

• Greetings: A smile and slight bow are common. The traditional greeting “Ayubowan” (“long life”) is accompanied by palms pressed together.

• Please and thank you: “Karunakara” means “please”, while “Istuti” or “Bohoma Istuti” means “thank you”. A few words in the local language are appreciated, even though English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

• Clothing: Dress modestly at temples and religious sites. Shoulders and knees must be covered, and shoes removed before entering a temple. Conservative clothing is generally expected in cities and rural areas.

• Eating: Food is often eaten with the right hand, especially in traditional households; the left hand is considered unclean. Self-service is common at restaurant buffets, and sharing food with others is a sign of hospitality.

• Smoking: Smoking is often prohibited in public areas, though designated smoking areas are available. Avoid smoking at religious sites and near sacred places.

• Tipping: Tips are appreciated but not compulsory. Around 10% is common in restaurants; a small tip of LKR 50–100 for hotel staff or taxi drivers is also considered polite.

• Other: Treat Buddha statues and religious symbols with respect. Posing with your back to a Buddha statue for a photograph is prohibited. Public displays of affection, such as hugging or kissing, are considered inappropriate.

• Drinking water: Tap water is not considered safe to drink. Use bottled or filtered water and check that bottles are sealed. Bottled water is also recommended for brushing teeth; avoid ice cubes.

• Vaccinations: Generally, no specific vaccinations are required for entry. Travellers should keep routine vaccinations up to date, particularly for diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A, polio and measles.

• Malaria: Sri Lanka has been considered malaria-free since 2016. There is currently no local malaria risk requiring specific precautions, but travellers should check for updates before departure.

• Dengue fever: Dengue is widespread, particularly in urban areas and during the rainy seasons (May to July and October to December). A dengue vaccine is approved in Switzerland. The Swiss Expert Committee for Travel Medicine currently recommends it only for certain travellers with evidence of a previous dengue infection. Protection against mosquito bites remains especially important.

• Mosquito protection: To protect against dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases, wear long sleeves and trousers, use insect repellent containing DEET and sleep under a mosquito net, especially in rural areas and in the evening.

• Medical care is limited outside the capital. Private hospitals are preferable to public ones. Hospitals may require a financial guarantee, such as a credit card or advance payment, before treatment. People with Rh-negative blood may have difficulty obtaining a transfusion.

• If you rely on particular medicines, take a sufficient supply in your travel medical kit. Many countries have special rules for carrying medicines containing controlled substances (e.g. methadone) and substances used to treat mental health conditions. If necessary, contact the relevant foreign embassy or consulate before departure.

Information last updated in September 2026

• Keep informed about the current situation through the media before and during your trip, and stay in contact with your tour operator.

• For more information on the current security situation, visit the website of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

• The country continues to face an economic and financial crisis and political, social, religious and ethnic tensions that could lead to sudden outbreaks of violence. Energy and fuel shortages are common.

• Strikes (hartals) and demonstrations are possible throughout the country. Clashes between protesters and with security forces, arson and roadblocks may occur.

• Security forces may occasionally use firearms during violent clashes with protesters.

• Petty crime is widespread, particularly pickpocketing, theft from accommodation and credit card fraud in places frequented by tourists. Kidnappings for ransom occur.

• Harassment and assaults have been reported, particularly on public transport, in crowds and in quiet areas.

• Recommended precautions include:

  • Ask local contacts or your hotel about conditions in the area and which neighbourhoods are considered safe.

  • Do not carry valuables such as watches or jewellery; carry only small amounts of cash.

  • Use your credit card carefully, as fraud occurs.

  • Women are advised to avoid deserted beaches and quiet neighbourhoods and areas.

  • Incidents involving sedatives have occurred. These may be administered in food, drinks, cigarettes and other ways. Remain alert.

• During roadblocks and strikes, travellers must make their own arrangements locally to find alternatives or wait for conditions to return to normal. The Swiss Embassy in Colombo has limited or no ability to help with departure or onward travel during transport disruptions.

• During unrest, the government may impose a state of emergency and/or curfews at short notice. This can restrict freedom of expression and assembly and allow arrests without a warrant.

• There is a risk of terrorist attacks throughout the country. Exercise caution in busy places, including restaurants, shopping centres, religious sites, sports and cultural events, markets, public gatherings, entertainment venues and nightclubs.

Information last updated in September 2026

• Driving licence: Anyone wishing to drive must obtain a local driving licence. A “Recognition Permit” can be obtained from the Department of Motor Traffic for LKR 1000.- or from the Automobile Association of Ceylon for LKR 500.-. Its period of validity is limited. An international driving permit must be presented to obtain it. The international permit is valid locally only together with your national driving licence and can be obtained from TCS contact points or your cantonal road traffic office.

• Car rental: Minimum and maximum ages and driving experience requirements vary by rental company; check the company’s conditions before booking. Hiring a car with a driver is recommended.

• Traffic rules: Traffic drives on the left.

• Blood alcohol limit: 0.8‰.

• Other: On 28 November 2025, Tropical Storm Ditwah caused flooding, landslides and infrastructure damage across large parts of the country. Repairs will take time, and road and rail travel may be disrupted, particularly in mountain areas and regions affected by flooding or landslides. Before travelling to affected areas, check with your tour operator, accommodation, transport companies or local authorities whether your journey is feasible and what condition the roads are in. Allow for delays and adjust your route if necessary. Temporary fuel supply disruptions may occur; rationing or purchase limits may affect your trip. Some roads are in poor condition. Two well-developed motorways link Colombo to the airport and Kottawa/Colombo to Hambantota in the south. Risky driving leads to a high accident rate.

• Long-distance trains: Trains link major cities and tourist destinations, including Colombo, Kandy, Ella and coastal areas. They are a popular scenic way to travel, especially on highland routes such as Kandy to Ella. Classes range from basic seating to comfortable air-conditioned carriages. Parts of the railway infrastructure are ageing.

• Regional trains: Regional services cover shorter distances and suburban areas. They are generally inexpensive but often slower and less comfortable. Coastal routes can be a convenient way to travel between smaller towns.

• Buses: Buses are the main form of public transport and connect almost every part of the country. State and private buses differ in comfort and price. Long-distance buses are often crowded but cheap; in rural areas, they may be the only option.

• Metro/trams: Sri Lanka has no metro or tram system. Local transport in cities such as Colombo relies mainly on buses, tuk-tuks and trains.

• Tickets: Buy tickets at railway stations or on buses. Train tickets can also be booked in advance, which is advisable on popular routes. Fares are generally low, and there is no single ticket covering different forms of transport.

• Other: Tuk-tuks are a common, inexpensive choice for short journeys, particularly in cities. Agree on a fare before setting off or choose a metered tuk-tuk. Shared taxis and minivans are another option for groups or longer trips.

• Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Colombo: Direct flights from Zurich. There are no direct flights from Geneva or Basel, but connecting flights are available via international hubs.

Major airlines operating in Sri Lanka include SriLankan Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Oman Air.

00 41 (disregard '0' preceding Swiss area codes)

• Police: 119

• Ambulance: 1990

• Fire brigade: 110

• Roadside assistance: 011 242 15 29

Embassy of Switzerland
63, Srimath R.G. Senanayake Mawatha (Gregory's Road)
Colombo 7
Sri Lanka

Tel. +94 11 269 51 17
Email: colombo@eda.admin.ch

Specific regional risks

• Descriptions of risk areas are approximate; risks cannot be confined to precisely defined zones.

• North: Conditions in the north are stable, but tensions remain. Expect a military presence and occasional checks on roads and public transport. Mines and unexploded ordnance remain a risk. Follow instructions from local authorities and security forces. Use only well-travelled roads and, if possible, travel with a trusted local person.

• East: Expect a military presence and occasional checks on roads and public transport. Mines and unexploded ordnance remain a risk in some areas. Follow instructions from local authorities and security forces. Use only well-travelled roads and, if possible, travel with a trusted local person.

Natural hazards

• Heavy rain during the monsoon can cause flooding, landslides and infrastructure damage and disrupt travel. Stay in contact with your tour operator and follow weather forecasts.

• Tsunamis triggered by earthquakes in Southeast Asia can also reach Sri Lanka. More information: Sri Lanka Disaster Management Center and Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services > Tsunami Early Warnings.

• If a natural disaster occurs during your stay, contact your family as soon as possible and follow the authorities’ instructions. If international communications are disrupted, contact the Swiss Embassy in Colombo.

Special legal provisions

• The following acts, among others, are punishable by law:

  • Same-sex acts

  • Photographing uniformed personnel, military installations and public buildings (government buildings, airports, bridges, etc.)

  • Disrespectful behaviour towards Buddhism. For example, hugging or kissing a Buddha statue or displaying tattoos with Buddhist motifs may lead to arrest.

• The death penalty may be imposed for drug trafficking, murder and rape.

• Prison conditions are poor: overcrowding, inadequate hygiene and food, etc.

• Even small quantities of any type of drug can lead to long prison sentences under drug laws.

Other important notes

• Identity checks may occur, especially in the north and east. Always carry your passport or a photocopy, including the page with your entry stamp.