Currency: Sri Lanka Rupee Capital: Colombo & Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte
Drink like a local: Tee, Arrak, Toddy
Special facts:
Everyone thinks that Colombo is the capital of Sri Lanka. In fact, the seat of government is in the city with the difficult name “Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte”.
Even though the country is smaller than the German state of Baden-Württemberg and has a higher population density, it is still full of wild animals. Monkeys and peacocks thrive in the cities and wild elephants are not uncommon on country roads either.
In the country, Buddhists and Hindus actually live peacefully side by side. In the past, there were conflicts between the Sinhalese and the Tamils. I still encounter prejudices and antipathy towards the other ethnic group, but I do not notice any simmering conflict.
The overpopulated small country has many national parks where even leopards and bears can be found.
The island, not far from the equator, would probably be a dry desert for half the year if it weren’t for the “Wewas“. The island is full of artificial lakes that were created by an advanced civilization more than 1,500 years ago. Even today, these Wewas ensure that there is fresh water for people and animals all year round, making the island independent of the monsoon.
Arrack is produced in Sri Lanka. The taste of arrack is somewhere between rum and whisky and is highly valued. Just a few centuries ago it was the most popular spirit in Europe. Today, the distillate made from palm blossom juice or sugar cane is almost forgotten and can only be found here on the island.
“Toddy” is the traditional spirit on the island. This is also elaborately made from palm blossom juice. However, there is no industrial production. Toddy is distilled by locals at home and enjoyed with their neighbors.
On February 4, 1948, Sri Lanka was given full governmental responsibility and a parliament elected by Ceylon was assembled. It was thus officially independent from Great Britain. In 1972, the name Ceylon was officially changed to Sri Lanka, as the term “Ceylon” was still used by the Portuguese colonial rulers.
Language
Sinhalese
Hello – ආයුබෝවන් (ayobovan)
Goodbye – ආයුබෝවන් (ayobovan)
How are you? – ඔයාට කොහොම ද? (oyota coma da?)
Thanks – ස්තුතියි (stutiyi)
Please – කරුණාකර (karunakara)
Tamil
Hello – வணக்கம் (vaṇakkam)
Goodbye – குட்பை (kuṭpai)
How are you? – எப்படி இருக்கிறீர்கள்? (eppaṭi irukkiṟīrkaḷ?)
Thanks – நன்றி (naṉṟi)
Please – தயவுசெய்து (tayavuceytu)
Mobile Internet
Since I also wanted to work with my laptop, I researched what the internet is like on the island and which mobile providers are the best. Apparently the WiFi is not good anywhere, but the rates and the coverage of mobile internet are said to be very good. I was able to confirm this information.
The largest provider is Dialog. They have the greatest coverage and good rates. I opted for a prepaid tourist rate of 50 GB for 30 days for 3,200 LKN (equivalent to 10 euros). That’s ridiculously cheap and I didn’t manage to use up all my data in that month.
You can get prepaid SIM cards from Dialog or other providers directly at the airport or in every second kiosk in every city.
Kottu Roti is a popular dish from Sri Lankan or Tamil cuisine. A roti is chopped into strips, mixed with curries or other spicy, fried vegetables, eggs or pieces of meat and served hot. Roti is a flatbread that is often on the menu even as a side dish.
The Indian island of cheerful Buddhists and Hindus and a nature full of monkeys, peacocks and elephants
Travel Diaries
Sri Lanka is a country that has been on my mind for a long time. It is located in the tropics and has a great mix of culture and nature. Culturally it is a bit like India, but with fewer people, less traffic and less garbage. The people are incredibly hospitable and love children. At the same time, there are not as many reports about Sri Lanka as there are about Thailand, for example.
When we were looking for a destination that was warm in winter, suitable for a trip with children, not very expensive and didn’t take too long to get to, Sri Lanka was the only option. The island offers a comfortable mix of adventure and relaxation “for the whole family”. We had them with us, from little Leon (2.5 years) to Sara’s aunt Maryam (~70 years), we had a great individual adventurous tour.
