Booking a Flight
➢ Many international airlines operate regular flights to Sri Lanka via Bandaranaike International
Airport.
➢ Sri Lankan Airlines is the national airline of the country and offers a range of international
connections.
➢ The airport, located in Katunayake, is approximately 41 km from Faculty of Dental Sciences,
University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
Visa Requirements
➢ Details concerning visa can be obtained from http://www.immigration.gov.lk. Visa can also be
obtained from the Sri Lankan High Commission/embassy in your country. The Department of
Immigration & Emigration (DI&E) of Sri Lanka operates a service to issue visa online “Electronic
Travel Authorization (ETA)” link: http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/ .
➢ We issue letters to facilitate visa only on request. As per our knowledge, taking up study courses
including electives are not allowed under tourist visa category.
➢ However, we are not experts in immigration matters thus we are unable to provide any advice on
visa regulations relevant to your country.
Finding Accommodation
➢ Please note that hostel accommodation is not provided by the University due to limited availability.
➢ However, there are several accommodation options available in nearby areas such as Mount Lavinia (approximately 4.5 km from Colombo South Teaching Hospital) and Wellawatte (approximately 3km away).
➢ These locations offer a variety of suitable choices, including budget hotels, guest houses, serviced apartments, and private rental properties.
➢ Participants are encouraged to search for accommodation options through online platforms such as ikman.lk and Tripadvisor, depending on their personal preferences and budget.
➢ You may also find accommodation through www.booking.com
➢ Sri Lanka is generally considered safe for visitors; however, as a standard precaution, it is recommended to view and confirm accommodation in person after arrival before making any advance payments.
Currency exchange
➢ The official currency in Sri Lanka is Sri Lankan rupees.
➢ Money exchange can be done easily at bank counters at arrival lounge, at Colombo International
airport Sri Lanka. Also, there are money exchangers in and around shopping malls in Colombo.
➢ Details of other money exchanges are available at:
➢ https://www.dfe.lk/web/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=74&Itemid=465&
lang=en
➢ International credit cards are accepted at most hotels, many other shops including supermarkets. It
is important to carry personal identification when using credit cards.
➢ However, some local shops may accept only cash.
Travelling from the airport to hotel
➢ The journey from Bandaranaike International Airport to the Faculty of Dental Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura takes approximately 1 hour by taxi, depending on traffic conditions. Taxi services are readily available at the airport, and app-based options such as Uber can also be used.
Although buses are available, the journey typically requires multiple transfers, making taxis a more convenient and recommended option.