National Flag : The national flag of Sri Lanka is the Lion Flag. A Lion bearing a sword in its right hand is depicted in gold on a red background with a yellow border. Four Bo leaves pointing inwards are at the four corners. Two vertical bands of green and orange at the mast end represent the minority ethnic groups. It is an adaptation of the standard of the last King of Sri Lanka.

Languages : Sinhala, Tamil and English are the main languages, English is widely used and understood in tourist areas.

Religion : Buddhism (69%), Hinduism (16%), 
Islam (8%) and Christianity (7%).

International Airport  : Bandaranaike International Air port, Katunayake (34 km north of Colombo) 

Entry Regulations : Free 30-day visa on arrival for most nationalities. 60-day extension on request (variable fee) at the Department of Immigration and Emigration.

Banks : Generally open 0900-1300 or 1500 Mon to Fri; 24-hr facilities at the airport. ATMs accepting Visa, MasterCard and Cirrus are widely available in cities and towns.

Credit Cards : Most international Credit Cards are accepted in major establishments within and outside Colombo including almost all major hotels. 

Climate : Lowlands – tropical, average 27°C. Central hills – cooler, with temperatures dropping to 14°C. The southwest monsoon brings rain to the western, southern and central regions from May to July, while the north eastern monsoon occurs in the north and east in December and January. However, due to global warming weather patterns are changing. Overall Sri Lanka has a good climate for holiday makers throughout the year.

What to Wear : Lightweight cotton or linen clothing. Higher reaches of the hill country can get chilly at night so a sweater is recommended.

Transport : Island-wide, inexpensive railway and public and private bus service. A/c or non a/c car rental with or without driver (recommended with driver). Luxury vehicles, radio controlled cabs and three-wheeler auto-rickshaws also available. Air transport is through private helicopters, fixed wing aircraft and Amphibian Air taxis are also available on request. 

Medical Services : State owned hospitals in all parts of the country provides free medical and surgical attention. The principal hospital of the city Colombo is the National Hospital, Regent Street, Colombo 8. 
Telephone 94 11 2691111/2693510 
Ambulance 2422222

Holidays : Saturday, Sunday and every Full Moon Day (called Poya Day) are holidays in Sri Lanka. On Poya days all public places of entertainment are closed and selling of alcohol is prohibited. However hotels make special arrangements for their in-house guests.