I was back in Sri Lanka in january 2009 to take an overview of the political situation.

Political situation:
On May 20th 2009 the government declared the end of the war against the Tamil Tigers in the far north of Sri Lanka.

The tourist areas to the west and south of the islands are peaceful!

You can still visit the island of Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa without any danger.

The North, Northeast and parts of the Eastcoast are currently not travelable..
(Trincomalee, Batticaloar and Ampara Area)

Udo Krause in May 2009

News:
It is save to travel to the island again after the tsunami.
Without any doubts you can have great holidays there.
It would be bad if the people there are would be damaged by the tsunami, and then have no more income.
Then they would be double affected.

Time difference:
German GST : plus 3,5 Hours / German Winter time plus 4,5 hours.

Currency:
We recommend the transportation of EUR/US Dollar travellers checks.
These can be exchanged in all banks.

Credit Cards:
Accepted in some large hotels, but they are not yet widespread.
There are many ATM machines at different banks where you can use your credit card to withdraw money.

Voltage:
The voltage 230 V alternating current.
It would not be bad to bring an adapter. (Often a pencil or a pen helps)

Sport:
Swimming, diving, underwater sports, fishing, river fishing (trout), horse riding, golf, tennis, surfing and mountain walk. Hunting is prohibited in Sri Lanka on land and at sea.

Food:
Ceylon, Chinese and European cuisine.
The local cuisine is highly recommended to the travellers which contains `Rice and Curry`- in this case Curry is not a spice but meals made out of meat, fish, vegetables, etc.... added with various spices from Ceylon. The Ceylon cuisine is the European palate initially seem a little sharp, as indicated, and will be mitigated by the addition of grated coconuts.

Tipping:
Normally 10 % in restaurants and hotels.

Holiday:
The 'poya Day' (full moon) is an additional public holiday in Sri Lanka.
On this day there will be no alcohol sold in restaurants and the banks remain closed.

Souvenirs:
Precious stones, semiprecious stones, carvings, masks, batiks, handmade silver and brass items and gold.

Religion:
- About 70 % of Buddhists
Buddhism emerged in northern India. The founder was prince Siddhartha Gautama, born 560 BC in Nepal. With 29 years he exchanged his luxurous life for an ascetic life. He obtained enlightenment under a Bo-Tree.

-- About 15% Hindus
he foundation of Hinduism is not attributable to individuals. Early Hinduism (also Brahamanism) was born from 1000 to 200 BC in India. Buddhism and Islamic influences owes Hinduism its diversity.

-- About 7 % of Muslims
The Islamic religion was founded by Muhammad (570- 632 AD). The only god is Allah. Caliph brought this religion to South Asia in the 11th century.

-- About 7 % of Christians
The Portuguese brought Christianity to Sri Lanka. The lower casts were more willing for a religious change. The missionaries destroyed quite a lot of `Pagan` buildings. Most of the Christians still live in Negombo.

-- About 1% Other
All religions are tolerated in Sri Lanka. There are churches all over the country. Buddha and Hindu temples and mosques.

Return flight:
Please reconfirm your return flight 72 hours before you return.

Sunscreen:
Spend the first few days in the shade or partial shade, instead of the burning sun.
If you are in the sun, remember to wear, a hat, sunscreen, lipstick and a pair of sunglasses.

Flashlight:
You never go around at night without flashlight.
The flashlight is the most important tools in the tropics.

Clothing:
We recommend a light, loose clothing made from natural materials (cotton/ linen) and a light hat and footwear.
Going barefoot in the tropics- except on the beach- should be refrained from.
In the highlands of Sri Lanka it can get cold at night.
Therefore there should be a sweater or jacket and socks in your luggage.

Begging:
Everywhere on the island you will encounter beggar children. The children usually beg for candy, money or ballpoint pens. Sri Lanka belongs to the world`s poorest countries, but on the island begging has become almost a hobby.
Keep up, please hold back with handing out sweets and money. Thank you.
Please do not make the island in the Indian Ocean become to a nation of beggars.

Child prostitution:
Minor children (boys and girls) are offering themselves to tourist for a few rupees.
Something should be done against this situation, which is increasingly expanding. Please do not allow that Sri Lanka turns into the second 'Bangkok'.
The government of Sri Lanka is not doing much against this situation.
DA large part of the states budget currently goes into military spending.
As a german citizen you can now also be pursued for criminal pedophilia abroad.

Required Vaccinations:
Upon entry, no vaccinations are required.
Recommended vaccinations::
Tetanus/ diphtheria, polio, hepatitis A, hepatitis B

To help you to stay healthy:
Remember to take a well stocked pharmacy on your journey also conclusion of a travel sickness and travel insurance.
Give yourself the time necessary to adapt to the change in climate and acclimatize.
Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, especially if you take medicine. In Sri Lanka, you will have a higher fluid requirement, that may vary depending on physical exertion and outdoor temperature up to 4 liters more per day.
Prevent diarrhea by avoiding cold foods, unpeeled fruit, ice cubes in drinks, and raw salads. Remember: `Do not eat anything that you can not cook, peel or bake.`
Get yourself advice about possible diseases and personal health risk before the trip.

Malaria situation:
Medium risk all year in the whole country. Low risk in the districts of Colombo, Kalutara and Nuwara Eliya.
B-Region per WHO; Advice: Mosquito protection, covering clothes after sunset, medicamental prohylaxis or bringing a Stand-by-compound prescribed by your doctor.

Entry and exit formalities:
Passport that is valid for at least 6 months after departure.
German, Austrian and Swiss nationals and nationals of the Benelux countries need a visa for a stay longer than 30 days.
It is not allowed to take more than 1000 Rubees in or out of the country.