Sri Lanka’s new tourism advisory committee gets down to work

Mar 14, 2019 (LBO) – With an eye on achieving the targeted 3 million tourist arrivals this year, a newly constituted Tourism Advisory Committee has been appointed by Minister of Tourism Development, Wildlife and Christian Religious Affairs, John Amaratunga.

The 14 member committee comprises of private sector tourism stakeholders and is headed by business magnate Harry Jayawardena.

The other members of the Tourism Advisory Committee are: Dammika Perera (Hayleys), Merril Fernando (Dilmah), Abbas Esufally (Hemas), Sanjiv Gardiner (Galle Face Hotel Group), Krishan Balendra (John Keells), Shiromal Cooray (Jetwing), Kuok Meng Xiong (Shangri-la), Ashok Pathirage (Softlogic), C.J. Wickremasinghe (Connaissance), Raman Murthy (Taj Hotels), Nalin Jayasundera (Aitken Spence Travels), Vipula Gunatilleka and N. Ranasinghe. The Committee Coordinator is Dinesh Weerakkody while the Convenor is Felix Rodrigo.

The new Advisory Committee met for the first time at the Tourism Ministry recently under the auspices of Minister John Amaratunga.

The Chairman of the four tourism bureau and department heads presented their respective performance reports and forward plans to the Advisory Committee.

Minister Amaratunga stated that arrivals so far this year are on target and Sri Lanka stands to benefit from some big international events that are to be held in the country this year.

Some of them include the IronMan and Raid Amazon events, CITES Global Conference of Parties which will see the participation of nearly 4,000 foreign delegates in May and the Worldwide Bohra community spiritual gathering that will attract around 30,000 followers.

He expressed confidence that with the stabilization of the political environment and security situation, arrivals are likely to pick up much faster in the latter part of the year.

Tourism Advisory Committee Chairman Harry Jayawardena noted that it was a commendable move to bring Wildlife under the Tourism portfolio as the two subjects were inter-connected.

He noted that this was a major strength and many pending issues could now be easily resolved. Jayawardena also cautioned the industry about price undercutting, stating that it is the country that will have to face the repercussions of a price war. He called for unity among the major players and to work towards the greater good of the industry.

John Keells Chairman, Krishan Balendra drew attention to the airport capacity issue which continues to be a major stumbling block to the industry. He pointed out that if 4 million arrivals are to be achieved by 2020 there must be a corresponding increase in airport capacity. Balendra added that a new terminal was no longer an option but an urgent necessity.

Meanwhile Sri Lanka Tourism revealed that its main targets for the next two year were to achieve Rs. 7bn in foreign exchange earnings, provide direct and permanent employment to 600,000 individuals out of whom at least 10 percent would be women, and to increase the per capita spend per tourist from the present US$ 164 to 210 dollars per visitor.

In order to prepare for the anticipated larger numbers Sri Lanka Tourism is to invest in new infrastructure development, expedite resort land alienation, informal sector integration and strengthen Tourist Police and lifesaving presence in all key resort areas. Sri Lanka Tourism will also facilitate loans for development of home stay units, construction of additional rooms in identified locations and also expedite new resort development.

The Tourism Advisory Committee is expected to meet regularly and monitor progress of the proposed development initiatives.

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Addressing the white elephant in Lankan economic development in tourism

In the past, Sri Lanka has focused on increasing the number of tourists coming into the country and showcased the

 increase in tourism without much concentration on the growth of our economy in retrospect. Lonely Planet listed Sri Lanka as the number one tourist destination for 2019 whilst Sri Lanka simultaneously boasted of 2.2 million tourists at the closure of 2018. None of these however focus on the economic growth brought in. To put it simply, there wasn’t much of economic prosperity as a majority of these tourists coming in were backpackers with a weekly spending budget of less than $ 500. The question however lies in why doesn’t Sri Lanka attract tourists with a higher spending power? 

A closer look at the issue

Upon closer inspection and analysis, it was concluded that Sri Lanka does not attract tourists with higher spending power who are willing to spend more than $ 300 per day. This is largely due to our country lacking the proper infrastructure to support this level of tourism and the free availability of ‘affordable’ resources as opposed to having more high-end facilities in the country.

Let’s take a step back and analyse this situation through the eye of a potential tourist. There are currently limited direct flights connecting large countries to Sri Lanka. Any potential visitor must predominantly select between Etihad, Qatar Airways or Emirates when flying to Sri Lanka from North America and Europe, resulting in sometimes lengthy transits before arriving at Bandaranaike International Airport. After a long flight, guests are then succumbed into a six-hour drive should they wish to visit the north of the country or another six-hour drive should they wish to visit the south. The lack of better roadways and alternate methods of travel in Sri Lanka leaves guests only the option of travelling on sub-par roads, adding exhaustion to a tiring journey.

Limited qualifying luxury villas and 5-star accommodations in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka can currently accommodate guests in up to 4,200 five-star hotel rooms with a total staff count of 250,000 to serve these tourists, out of which only 250 rooms belong to luxury boutique villas and hotels that cater to clients on the higher spectrum of spending power.

Room rates in the Cultural Triangle, North, South and Central regions offer half-board accommodation at a rate of $ 90 (Rs. 16,167) per double room. Once taxes are deducted, the hotel is left with Rs. 12,442 from which once Rs. 3,200 is reduced for two breakfast and dinner meals, the hotel is ultimately left with only Rs. 9,242, which doesn’t provide much of a profit margin for a hotel and the industry to sustain profitably, much less allow the hotel to provide a great customer experience through constant innovation.

Looking ahead and getting proper infrastructure in place

To attract tourists with a higher purchasing power, Sri Lanka must not only grow in number of luxury hotels and villas, but also take an initiative to develop our infrastructure. For a tourist to visit the country, they must at times spend lengthy transit hours since we do not have a direct air carrier who flies directly from America and Europe to Sri Lanka. The many hours spent on transit coupled with the many hours spent travelling to various locations around the country from the airport isn’t attractive for potential tourists. 

Even though Sri Lanka’s road infrastructure is yet to reach groundbreaking heights, the Government has taken the right initiative through the Megapolis Ministry that aims on developing roads, railways and the landscape of the city by 2030 with a marina, a cruise centre, a waterfront promenade and housing for an estimate of two million people. 

In addition to roads, railways and the development of the megapolis, Sri Lanka must also look at alternative methods of domestic travel. Currently there are only a few providers offering domestic aircraft carriers, with two of them being large conglomerates in the country. However, these aircraft carriers can only accommodate eight passengers per flight and come at a very high cost making this an unattractive mode of domestic transport, despite the savings in time. 

For tourists looking to visit Sri Lanka and spend a vacation here in luxury, either basking in the misty hills or travelling in the north getting to know about part of our heritage or even enjoy the Southern sea, Sri Lanka’s level of infrastructure and support facilities aren’t attractive enough. Having to travel for six hours to reach the north or south after a tiring plane ride or having to charter an expensive domestic flight with limited travel availability due to their limited flying hours simply isn’t attractive enough to bring in tourists with higher spending power. To bring about economic growth through targeted tourism, it’s time Sri Lanka began developing our urban cities, infrastructure and value added services to attract the right clientele. 

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Sri Lanka's Tourism sector achieves US$ 4.4 billion revenue target

Jan 19, Colombo: Sri Lanka has earned over US$ 4.4 billion from tourism this year with revenue steadily increased by 11.6 percent compared to 2017, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) said.

According to the SLTDA, the data suggests that an average duration of stay per person is 11 days in Sri Lanka while average expenditure is approximately 2000 U.S dollars.

The Industry expectations for 2019 are 3 million tourist arrivals and revenue of 5 billion U.S dollars with lonely planet naming Sri Lanka as the Number one destination to travel in 2019.

India, China, and Britain have managed to remain as the leading markets throughout the year in 2018 as well.

Source

Kishu Gomes appointed Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority

Kishu Gomes will be officially appointed as the Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau today, Tourism Development Ministry said.

Accordingly, Minister John Amaratunga is to present the letter of appointment to him this afternoon.

Source

Sri Lankan tourist police told to learn Hindi

In addition to English, they should also learn widely used international languages such as Chinese, Hindi and French

In a few years, the tourism sector in Sri Lanka is expected to become the largest foreign exchange earner for the country.

Sri Lankan tourist police told to learn Hindi.In addition to English, they should also learn widely used international languages such as Chinese, Hindi and French

In a few years, the tourism sector in Sri Lanka is expected to become the largest foreign exchange earner for the country. Published: 16:42 August 13, 2018 IANS

Colombo: Sri Lanka's Inspector General of Police Pujith Jayasundara on Monday said 25 new police posts will be set up covering all the main tourist spots across the country for visitors' security. And police personnel have been asked to learn Hindi.

The decision was taken after discussions with the Chairman and senior officials of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), Xinhua news agency quoted Jayasundara as saying.

"Officers of the Tourist Police Division should pay special attention to language training. In addition to English, they should also learn widely used international languages such as Chinese, Hindi and French," Jayasundara said.

He said a new uniform would be introduced to the Tourist Police Division.

In a few years, the tourism sector was expected to become the largest foreign exchange earner for the country. Therefore, ensuring safety of the foreigners visiting Sri Lanka will be a top priority for the police force, Jayasundara said.

Sri Lanka's tourism industry, once heavily scarred by a 30-year ethnic conflict, has become one of the leading industries after it was dubbed one of the world's greatest tourist hot spots by several international publications.

Source

plan your holiday to srilanka to enjoy beautiful destinations

One of the world's best five biodiversity hotspots, Sri Lanka offers not just open doors for seeing untamed life in their regular living space, yet in addition shocking scenes, delightful coastlines, the world's finest teas, and heaps of noteworthy locales with a culture going back more than 2,500 years. Indeed, this "Pearl of the Indian Ocean" has been named one of Asia's driving goals and on this Sri Lanka visit, you'll encounter the greater part of this and that's just the beginning.

Find out about Buddhism, the prevail religion in Sri Lanka, on your visits to Anuradhapura, one of the world's most seasoned consistently occupied urban areas; the journey site of Mihintale, Sri Lanka's support of Buddhism; the Temple of the Tooth, where Buddha's left canine is accepted to be revered; and Bo Tree, the world's most seasoned recorded tree (it was a sapling taken from the tree under which Buddha wound up noticeably illuminated). Wonder about Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a mountain religious community and fortification dating to the fifth century BC over an enormous magma plug for a wiped out fountain of liquid magma. At Dambulla Rock Cave Temple, appreciate the five saved natural hollows with frescoes and Buddha statues.

Keep your eyes open for local creatures on your jeep safaris in Yala National Park, a winged animal watcher's heaven with more than 200 fledgling species and in addition elephants, sloth bears, water wild ox, panthers, and then some. Likewise visit Minneriya, Kaudulla, or Hurulu Eco Park, where you may spot elephants.

Different features incorporate touring in Kandy, one of Sri Lanka's most beautiful urban communities, set in the forested slopes; a pleasant prepare travel; a visit to a tea manor; a visit to the remains at Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka's second-most old kingdom and now an UNESCO World Heritage Site; and substantially more. For esteem disapproved, shrewd explorers, this Sri Lanka visit is certain to stir and enjoyment the greater part of your faculties!

Found nearly toward the south of terrain India, Sri Lanka is a standout amongst the most intriguing get-away goals on the planet. It has everything bundled into its little size – shorelines, mountains, rainforests, tea and espresso estates or more all, individuals with enormous hearts. This Srilanka visit bundle from Bangalore is an adventure of unwinding where you will encounter three of the most treasured goals in the nation – Kandy, Galle and Negombo.

To reach the beautiful destination of srilanka do apply for Srilanka eta visa online!!!

what is the significance of srilanka tourist visa

For traveling through the amazing place of Sri-Lanka, you need to apply for a Sri lanka travel visa and this visa gives the legitimacy of two days' stay that too at free charges. But it is essential for you to carry your documentary proof.

Travellers who convey certain travel permits don't need to worry over getting a travel visa. For a suspicion, let us accept that for a brief, holders of Sri-Lankan identification couldn't get ready to clear through any European nation without having any substantial Transit Visa. At that point for this situation, the carriers would simply deny boarding. Traveling through Sri Lanka implies that an individual need to convey a Sri-Lankan online travel visa and through an online framework it can be done to effortlessly. The Sri-Lankan ETA encourages official approval for visits up to 30 days and is issued online. Individuals who needed to accept here and now visits must acquire an ETA going before to their landing in Sri Lanka.

Even more significantly ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) was confined by the Sri-Lankan government on first January 2012 to fortify lawful movement in their own particular nation.

The point which must be made notice is that it has been made necessary for non Sri-Lankans to convey Sri-Lankan online tourist visa.

• Essentially to decrease the worry of visitors who get bothered because of the deferral in grant of visa to investigate the island country of Sri-Lanka.

• Besides, the Department of Immigration and Emigration, Colombo, has rearranged and given the online administrations of filling ETA application structures to the vacationers.

• Tourists can apply online for Sri Lanka ETA which is completely electronic processing online submission and the approval for the same (authority to enter Sri Lanka) will be communicated via email.

how sri lanka is fast becoming a popular holiday destination for 2017

British passport holders will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visa before they can enter Sri Lanka. You can obtain a short stay tourist visa if the purpose of your visit is leisure including sightseeing, visiting friends and family, medical treatment, participating in sporting events or competitions and activities relating cultural performances. There are several types of ETA short stay visa's a UK citizen can apply for. The first is the standard 30 day visa, which allows you single entry into the country. Visitors can also opt for a double entry 30 day visa.

 

Although you can obtain a visa upon arrival in Sri Lanka, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise getting this prior to departure to prevent any delays when you arrive. According to the FCO, if you overstay your visa you could face a fine, be detained or deported. If you have obtained a 30 day visa, this can be extended whilst you are over there. In order for your visa application to be approved your passport will need to be valid for at least six months from the date you arrive in Sri Lanka. And according to Sri Lankan authorities, any false or misleading statements on your visa application could mean you are denied entry into the country permanently.

                      

Brits will need to apply for an ETA visa before they head to Sri Lanka

However, obtaining an ETA does not necessarily guarantee you will be allowed to enter the country - this will be at the discretion of the immigration officers when you pass through customs.

You could be denied entry upon arrival into Sri Lanka if you have the following items in your possession:

• Dangerous drugs
• Narcotic substances
• Pornographic or séditions material
• Any items that ridicule a religious belief

The following items are restricted and you will be denied entry into Sri Lanka if you have not got a permit, which must be obtained before travel:

• Fire arms, ammunition, explosives and weapons
• Medication other than for personal use
• Goods for commercial or trade purposes except for samples
• Plants, fruits, birds and bird products

 

Tourists are forbidden to be in a picture with a historic monument in Sri Lanka

Items such as cameras, laptops and iPads, are allowed but must be declared on arrival.

Foreign currency more than US$10,000 (£8,093) must also be declared upon arrival.

Holidaymakers heading to Sri Lanka should be warned that they can only photograph the ancient monuments if they have purchased a permit to do so from the Central Cultural Fund, which has offices in Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya and Kandy.

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Basic Specifics for the Guest of Colombo

Sri Lanka capital is Colombo or we can say it is designated as Sri Lanka's capital, largest metropolis and major port of Sri Lanka all together pulls all the colors and customs that compose this island nation, squeezes them into a mixture of markets, buildings both humble and impressive and relaxing gardens that knocks them against a fine slab of beach side. Several visitors taking the flights to Colombo will adore Colombo's colonial tradition, its fine cuisine options and lavish shopping market opportunities and the race of urban buzz makes Sri Lanka an awesome rural country. In the northern region of this city is the fort area, where you will observe the huge British fort, dating back 19th century, and several residues of the previous regal power. As a guest if you are travelling to a new country you required having that particular country visa so you must have Sri Lanka visa with yourself.

  
Weather conditions and when to fly Colombo:

No matter what month of the year you pick for your holiday to Colombo and confirm your seats in the cheap flights, every time you will find the weather will be warm and humid. It is possibly wisest to avoid the monsoon rains, however: this season you found on May and August, and October and January.

The Airlines flying to Colombo:

Flights flying to Colombo from UK take about 13 hours of journey without any stopover. Various scheduled airlines that operate the flights to Colombo lead by direct as well as an indirect route. Sri Lankan Airlines, Emirates, Kuwait Airways, Cathay Pacific, Malaysia Airlines, Jet Airways, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines fly to Colombo from all major airports of United Kingdom.

Colombo Airport:

The airport you will find in Colombo is Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) which is the airport functioning in Colombo city and receiving the international Colombo flights from all over the world. The airport caters have all essential needs of international guests including banks, money changers, internet access, cart rental firms, bars, restaurants, different shops, post offices and most important help desks and hotel reservations agencies.

In this manner there are many things to that will attract you to visit Colombo every time. There are many tourist attraction places to visit. Get your Sri Lanka visa online and enjoy the each single day of your holiday spending over there.

Unforgettable Holidays Spend in Sri Lanka Resorts

 Have you ever marked the Sri Lanka in world map? How does the country look like? If you will see in the map then it will look like tear drop. Yes it looks like a tear drop of India. But actually what it is after visiting the country then only we can know.  Sri Lanka is a beautiful and delightful island just off the southern coast of India. Known for its clean, pure white sand beaches, lovely weather, and beautiful flora, all this makes Sri Lanka a charming island which is a wonderful vacation destination. Sri Lanka resorts are varied, grand and luxurious, providing an ideal vacation experience. Sri Lanka resorts are famous around the worldwide because their resorts offers access to some of the greatest draws of the island, which include top-notch golf courses, delicious sea food restaurants, tennis courts and cheap shopping centers. Water sports abound, and you will be happy on the beach whether you choose to club and sunbathe, or to swim, snorkel, windsurf, wakeboard or water ski. Visit one of the beautiful lagoons, and you will agree that you have stumbled upon a true island paradise. For some, a tour of the royal cities in Sri Lanka can be great addition. Go for the Sri Lanka Visa and enjoy all these experience in your life. Now in this monsoon it is better to visit. 

Many more things are there to explain let’s go ahead:
 

Other island for tourist attraction includes ancient ruins, often filled with the remains of ancient Buddhist dagobas, and beautiful Adam's Peak near to sea side. Enjoy a hike up the 7,297 feat mountains through which some of the most breathtaking scenery imaginable, which is also examined to be one of the world's most holy mountains. Visit the city Kandy in Sri Lanka to experience two very well-known pilgrimage sites: the Temple of the Tooth, which is one of the country's most oldest holy sites, and Bahirawakanda Temple, which houses a huge, imposing the statue of Buddha. For night life, the capital city Colombo is enough to be visit. This city is busy and very active, Colombo boasts many night clubs, plenty of shopping markets, restaurants. There truly is something different for everyone on this gorgeous island paradise. Tourist most of the time likes to visit in Monsoon time. The view is something different which can't be explains in single line. Al views are just wow!!
 

So what are you waiting for? Just go and book your ticket for Sri Lanka. At last but not the least we always use to memorize you not to forget to make your Sri Lanka visa.  Sri Lankan visa is very important.

Again Pack your Bags for Sri Lanka

Are you planning to visit Sri Lanka again? Pack your bags as soon as possible. Don’t make yourself to wait. Sri Lanka the population of 20-25 million or more than it and covered the 65,610 sq km in area. The languages spoken in Sri Lanka are Tamil, English and Sinhala. The teardrop-shaped island of Sri Lanka is oddly designed by the Chinese as the "land without sorrow". The democratic socialist republic of Sri Lanka is a small nation and it is one of the most desired countries for travel in the South Asia region. After the destructive and disastrous Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004 where 31,229 deaths were recorded and around a million left homeless, Sri Lanka's sweet and slow readjust accolades it as small miracle. In earlier days Europeans in the world of exploration thought that they had discovered the "Garden of Eden", but what has become to this pearl of the Indian Ocean is now the crown jewel of the spice trade. On the inside, the once-called Ceylon is care-free and peaceful, but around it, wars were waged by great empires in a search to covet the rich island. Now the government of Sri Lanka doesn’t allow outsiders easily. All need to have Sri Lanka visa and passport with them. Sri Lanka ETA visa is now available online. Now easily one can apply for Sri Lanka visa.  There are many online sites to make your visa easily.

Before you pack your bags for Sri Lanka consider these things:

Geography and Climate:  Sri Lanka is a 65,610 km in square. The territory of mainly flat and rolling plains while mountainous portion in the central part to the south. Quite low that the island wonders it has a highest altitude. The Pidurutalagala of 2,524 meters above the Indian Ocean is its lowest point. The country indulges in a warm tropical monsoon climate moderated by ocean moisture and winds. So in Sri Lanka the climate on first month of March to end of June will be very hot and after that from June to October will be rainy. And rest months are counted in Cold. So the best month to visit Sri Lanka is June to October. All these month will be monsoon and great to experience and enjoy.

People and Culture: The people of Sri Lanka are very nice. They always welcome outsiders with great heart. There are 4 religious of people mainly stayed over here. Buddhism, Hindu and Islam, Christianity. They are simple in nature and very humble to others. You will feel like home only.

Food and Attraction: Mainly people love rice and curry in their food over here. As the country is located near to sea therefore sea food is also famous over here. In hese parts of the world, food is so good everything to stop outsiders. People think Sri Lankan cuisine is similar to Indian cuisine. But it's not true all food items taste is different from other countries.

So when you will visit Sri Lanka try to visit whole Colombo. Obviously your plane will land there but still take for whole city ride. Make your Sri Lanka tourism visa from very trusted company.

Sri Lanka Holidays

Take a break from your daily monotonous or dull routine and plan holidays to Sri Lanka. This Asian country is dotted with several attractive places like tea estates, heritage places, waterfalls and gardens. Let me bring to you a sneak peek of Sri Lanka tourism. Before we explain on Sri Lanka Tourism one important thing you need to highly consider is having a Sri Lankan visa. Make Sri Lanka tourist visa then enjoy your tour.
 

Top Tourist Places
 

Colombo (Las Vegas of Sri Lanka): The commercial city of Sri Lanka is Colombo that possesses all the ingredients to serve as one of the fabulous destination of the country. This old city has witnessed many different ages or eras like Portuguese, Dutch and British time in the past. It is located on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, Colombo city is a combination of hilly and marshy land. The climate is generally hot except in the monsoon (April-September) when it rains heavily. Despite being a modern city of Sri Lanka, this city reflects the rich and traditional culture of the country. The city is full of majestic landmarks like Parliament Building, the two World Trade Center towers and Jami Ul Alfar mosque.
 

Galle: The city Galle is situated in the South Coast of Sri Lanka which attracts tourist from different pockets of the world. The impressive Galle Fort, Unawatuna Bay, Weligama and Koggala, the National Maritime Museum are the must-visited places for visitors in Galle.
 

Kandy: Who bring the royalty to Sri Lanka non other then Kandy. This city has witnessed the bygone royalty of Sri Lanka. In today's date it fortifies the vibrant Sinhalese culture, tradition and region. Places like Kandy Lake, Cadjugama, Temple of the Tooth, Henarathgoda Botanical Garden, Elephant Orphanage at Pinnewala and Royal Palace Complex are the must-visit places in Kandy.
 

Kataragama: If in this summer you are planning to spend your time with your family then Kataragama is a well-known home for summer festival in Sri Lanka. It is located on the bank of River Menik and a religious destination for Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims. A temple in Kataragama called Deviyo(Buddhist God) dedicated to Buddhism is highly visited by devotees, all the year round.
 

Best time to visit: Every country has some time or month to visit so Sri Lanka experiences favorable climate all the year round. Generally, monsoon and dry season rule the region all throughout the year. The south-west coastal areas and the hilly region remain dry from November to April. While the east coast remain dry from May to September. Hence forth, traveling to Sri Lanka is comfortable for all the year round.
 

How to reach Sri Lanka?
 

This is not a big question. Obviously by air only you can reach to Sri Lanka. If you like to travel by sea then you can try for ships. As Sri Lanka is round the year tourist destination the only and best way to reach there is via air. Book your holiday package for Sri Lanka. Choose the best hotels to stay. Before that don't forget to make your Sri Lanka visa. Have a nice stay in Sri Lanka.