Electives – Exploring Sri Lanka – Faculty of Medical Sciences

WHAT OTHERS HAD TO SAY ABOUT SRI LANKA

"The Paradize Island"

“I was so spellbound with the beauty of this country that I hope to re-visit it soon, Specially memories of Pinnawala Elephant orphanage and that of KANDY, and the evening in the GALLE BEACH !”

“The warm welcome and smiles one receives while travelling in and around Sri Lanka show the warmth Sri Lankans have – the people, the places, the history and the culture all offer an introduction to something special.”

“Sri Lanka is a paradise. The 14 days I spent in this beautiful island is a dream come true for me. Though the weather was no at its best when I was in Nuwara Eliya, everything was picture perfect. I would certainly come another time to cover the areas I did not this time.”

“Visited Horton plains with my friends and had a great time. Saw the historical cities of Anuradhapura and Ploannaruwa. Stayed with a family introduced by a operator. What lovely people. Visited Trincomalee and saw the sunrise. Best beaches in the world. Unspoilt up to now.”

Sri Lanka is the Cheapest Destination in Worldwide Holiday Costs
(Barometer 2012 – POST OFFICE TRAVEL MONEY)
http://www.postoffice.co.uk

Sri Lanka and Mexico ‘best for long-haul value’
In Sri Lanka, the 10 items cost just £46.85, compared with £155.48 in the Australian capital, Sydney.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk

Sri Lanka at a Glance

Location : Latitude 5° 55. to 9° 50. North, longitude 79° 42. to 81° 52., 650 km north of the equator.
Dimensions : 430 km north to south, 225 km east to west.
Coastline : 1,340 km.
Area : 65,525 km.
Currency (code): Sri Lankan rupee (LKR).
Administrative Capital : Sri Jayewardenepura.
Commercial Capital : Colombo.
National Flower : The Blue Water Lily (Nymphaeastellata).
Population : 21,128,773.
Population Density : 309 people per sq km.
Life Expectancy at Birth 75 Female, 72 Male.
Literacy Rate : Female 87.9 Male 92.5.
Ethnic Groups : Sinhalese 73.8%, Sri Lankan Moors 7.2%, Indian Tamil 4.6%, Sri Lankan Tamil 3.9%, other 0.5%, unspecified 10% (2001 census) There is a small population of Vedda people who are believed to be the original indigenous group to inhabit the island.
Languages : Sinhala (official and national language) 74%, Tamil (national language) 18%, other 8%.
Note : English (a link language commonly) is used in government and spoken competently by about 10% of the population.
Religion : Buddhist 69.1%, Muslim 7.6%, Hindu 7.1%, Christian 6.2%, unspecified 10% (2001 census).
Time Zone : Sri Lanka Standard Time is five and a half hours ahead of GMT. (Allowance should be made for summer-time changes in Europe).
International Dialing : +94.
Electricity : 230 . 240 volts, 50 cycles AC. (If you travel with a laptop computer you will need a stabilizer).

Climate

Usually hot and humid.

Rain fall to the North and East parts of the country is expected during December to March and to the South and West regions during June to October. The mean temperature ranges from about 17 °C (62.6 °F) in the central highlands, to a maximum of approximately 33 °C (91.4 °F) in other areas.

Shopping in Colombo

Odel, Mondy, Crescat, Majestic City, Liberty Plaza, House of Fashions, Fashion Bug, Nolimits, Cool Planet etc. Taxi service operators would help you to get to the location.

Sightseeing in Colombo

National Museum of Colombo.
Independence Memorial Hall (Independence Square), Colombo 7.
Gangarama Temple, Colombo.
National Zoological Park, Dehiwala.
Galle Face ground.

Relaxing in Colombo

You can reach the sandy beaches of your choice in less than 15 minutes while living in Colombo suburbs. Most would have sea food restaurants in the beach. There are many night clubs, cinema halls, food outlets, five stars to lesser class hotels.