Sri Lanka advice
Discussion
We are a family of 4 living in Dubai and have booked a holiday to Sri Lanka.
The flights are Wizz Air from ABU Dhabi into Mattala Airport then 1 HR drive to Morakatiera area where we have hired a villa for 2 weeks.
The Villa is refundable up until a week before we arrive on 8th July. The flights I'm not sure but were less than a hundred pounds each return so not too worried.
I've spoken to the owners ref the current power cut situation (up to 10hrs a day) but the thing that's worrying me a little is supply of basics and food.
We're keeping an open mind and a keen eye on things but have no experience having never been before.
Does anyone know any more or can bring a little more knowledge? My 2 daughters are 8 and 5 and are quite happy pobbling around the beach and pool but I would hate to have real food issues.
The flights are Wizz Air from ABU Dhabi into Mattala Airport then 1 HR drive to Morakatiera area where we have hired a villa for 2 weeks.
The Villa is refundable up until a week before we arrive on 8th July. The flights I'm not sure but were less than a hundred pounds each return so not too worried.
I've spoken to the owners ref the current power cut situation (up to 10hrs a day) but the thing that's worrying me a little is supply of basics and food.
We're keeping an open mind and a keen eye on things but have no experience having never been before.
Does anyone know any more or can bring a little more knowledge? My 2 daughters are 8 and 5 and are quite happy pobbling around the beach and pool but I would hate to have real food issues.
I'd cancel it...
The economic situation is deteriorating in Sri Lanka with shortages of basic necessities including medicines, fuel and food because of a shortage of hard currency to pay for imports. There may be long queues at grocery stores, gas stations, and pharmacies. Local authorities may impose the rationing of electricity, resulting in power outages.
There have been a number of protests since 31 March 2022. There are reports that further protests are likely to take place across the island. The Government of Sri Lanka may impose local restrictions at short notice. You should be vigilant, avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings, and follow the advice of the local authorities.
The economic situation is deteriorating in Sri Lanka with shortages of basic necessities including medicines, fuel and food because of a shortage of hard currency to pay for imports. There may be long queues at grocery stores, gas stations, and pharmacies. Local authorities may impose the rationing of electricity, resulting in power outages.
There have been a number of protests since 31 March 2022. There are reports that further protests are likely to take place across the island. The Government of Sri Lanka may impose local restrictions at short notice. You should be vigilant, avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings, and follow the advice of the local authorities.
I'm also due to travel to SL, and also close to Tangalle. We arrive 3rd July, so I am hoping things will have improved by then. I'm not sure Sri Lankan Airlines would allow cancellation of our flights at present.
Fingers crossed as this is out second attempt to visit. The first was cancelled due to the bombings a couple of years ago.
Fingers crossed as this is out second attempt to visit. The first was cancelled due to the bombings a couple of years ago.
Bezerk said:
I'd cancel it...
The economic situation is deteriorating in Sri Lanka with shortages of basic necessities including medicines, fuel and food because of a shortage of hard currency to pay for imports. There may be long queues at grocery stores, gas stations, and pharmacies. Local authorities may impose the rationing of electricity, resulting in power outages.
There have been a number of protests since 31 March 2022. There are reports that further protests are likely to take place across the island. The Government of Sri Lanka may impose local restrictions at short notice. You should be vigilant, avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings, and follow the advice of the local authorities.
Yes i am also able to read the Gov.uk website. I was hoping for more local experienced advice. The economic situation is deteriorating in Sri Lanka with shortages of basic necessities including medicines, fuel and food because of a shortage of hard currency to pay for imports. There may be long queues at grocery stores, gas stations, and pharmacies. Local authorities may impose the rationing of electricity, resulting in power outages.
There have been a number of protests since 31 March 2022. There are reports that further protests are likely to take place across the island. The Government of Sri Lanka may impose local restrictions at short notice. You should be vigilant, avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings, and follow the advice of the local authorities.
Colleague went to Tangalle last week. Said it was fine, but there were some power cuts (which didn't impact their trip due to day time activities).
My hotel have advised some activities outside of the hotel have been cancelled at present, but that all is good otherwise and they feel things will improve next week. I am also waiting for feedback from someone else who is travelling there today.
My hotel have advised some activities outside of the hotel have been cancelled at present, but that all is good otherwise and they feel things will improve next week. I am also waiting for feedback from someone else who is travelling there today.
That`s great news. I see the power cuts are now down to 3 hours max a day and where we are staying in area J that`s in the morning mostly and we`re not morning people.
I went ahead and got my online visa yesterday and found the website for the 12 dollar covid health insurance that`s compulsory.
We`ll be keeping it low key and just enjoying the pool and the beach by the villa and some table tennis.
I went ahead and got my online visa yesterday and found the website for the 12 dollar covid health insurance that`s compulsory.
We`ll be keeping it low key and just enjoying the pool and the beach by the villa and some table tennis.
andburg said:
from speaking to colleagues in Colombo I'd be cancelling.
Power outages, food shortages, military on street and curfew although tourists can be outside during curfew...but only on their journey to and from the airport.
Absolutely if I was going to Colombo I'd cancel. But we're not. Power outages, food shortages, military on street and curfew although tourists can be outside during curfew...but only on their journey to and from the airport.
The G Kid said:
Do you need a visa? The website I was looking at was a bit confusing.
You can do visa on arrival like Turkey. It cost me $36. I just prefer having these things sorted when there's a tired 5yr old to carry on arrival. Portal is here http://www.eta.gov.lkCompulsory insurance https://portal.pionline.lk/covidinsurance/
jontysafe said:
You can do visa on arrival like Turkey. It cost me $36. I just prefer having these things sorted when there's a tired 5yr old to carry on arrival. Portal is here http://www.eta.gov.lk
Compulsory insurance https://portal.pionline.lk/covidinsurance/
Makes sense with a tired 11 year old too! Thanks for the info. Compulsory insurance https://portal.pionline.lk/covidinsurance/
We were looking at staying the first night in Negombo, just to chill by the beach for a day/night after a long flight and before the longish drive down to Tangalle. However I have seen there have been some incidents there, so may can that part of the trip.
We went to Sri Lanka some years ago (2009) and traveled around about 1/4 of it over 16 days. It was as the govt shut off the north in action against the Tamil Tigers.
It's a brilliant country, one of my favourite ever places to travel around.
If you're just going to be static for two weeks, aren't there safer options?
It's a brilliant country, one of my favourite ever places to travel around.
If you're just going to be static for two weeks, aren't there safer options?
The G Kid said:
New FCO advice means that sadly we are looking to cancel our trip. This will be our second cancellation after the first trip was cancelled due to the terrorist attacks a few years ago.
Yup we had the decision taken out of our hands as our flights from Abu Dhabi were cancelled. Flights and villa refunded.We've booked Kas in Turkey instead. Had to up the budget a bit obviously but I must admit I felt a little relief when the email came through that the flights were cancelled.
We will try again late summer as Wizz Air have pushed back the start of their Mattala airport route til Sep. Hopefully things have settled down by then.
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