Explore: Sri Lanka - General Info
Time Zone
UTC (+5.30)


Yachting Essentials
Electricity:
Voltage: 230 V
Frequency 50 Hz
Note: Electricity is expensive in Sri Lanka and in Galle port they charge a surcharge to visiting yachts. Find out the costs before hooking up.
Water:
Avoid drinking tap water which is heavily chlorinated and contains micro bacteria which can cause stomach upsets.
In port, water is not be available on the quay for general use. You will have to arrange for a water delivery via your chosen agent and normally the minimum amount is 1 ton (even if you don’t need that much, you will still be charged for the ton).
Fuel:
Some of the tuk-tuk drivers will carry jerry cans of fuel but otherwise it is difficult to obtain.
LPG:
It is not possible to refill LPG bottles. There is a strict exchange policy, whereby you return an empty and get a full one. No filling service.
Getting Work Done:
There is no facility here for hauling out a boat for general work, however in an emergency the fishing co-op in Galle may be able to assist. It is the best place to find repair services and spare parts, although these are limited.
Provisions:
Galle itself is a busy tourist type town with good provisions (fruit, veg etc.) there are a number of reasonable super markets and a vegetable market.
Last updated: April 2019
Opening Hours
Money
Sri Lanka rupee (CER or SLRe) of 100 cents.
All foreign currency must be recorded on arrival on a currency declaration form, which is surrendered on departure. Unspent rupees can be reconverted. In Galle, only banknotes and travellers’ cheques can be changed. Obtaining cash on a credit card is possible only in Colombo. Indian and Pakistani banknotes cannot be imported.
Communications
International dialing code for SriLanka is +94.
The prepaid SIM card for Sri Lanka is a practical option for using your existing world phone as a prepaid Sri Lanka cell phone while you’re in the country at a better rate than you’d pay for a Sri Lanka cell phone rental. It’s also a trouble-free ticket to using the same options that the Sri Lankans themselves use—the local Sri Lankan cell phone system. The SIM chip, combined with an unlocked GSM World cell phone, helps you keep the lines of communication open without being burdened by high international roaming surcharges applicable when you use your “home” SIM card abroad. Also enjoy the benefit of SMS text messaging, GPRS, voicemail, a local cell phone number in Sri Lanka, and FREE talk time for the first 30 seconds of all incoming calls.
Transport
Related Businesses
Bandaranaike Airport
Address: Colombo, Sri Lanka,
The airport lies about 20 miles north of the city. It is the international airport for Colombo. There are flights to London, Hong Kong, Singapore,... Read More
CHAMATHKA – New Information Centre
Address: Café De Galle, Galle Harbor, Galle, Sri Lanka,
Happy to help yacht crew with any queries. Services include accommodation, provisioning, airport transfers, tours, laundry, communication facility, Doctors on request, Visas, Bike hire.... Read More
Tango Tours
Address: Galle, Sri Lanka,
Contact Naveen.
Take care of all travel needs for visiting yachts. One officer allocated for each yacht for travel arrangements. Free city tour for every yacht.... Read More
Diplomatic Missions
Emergencies
Police Emergency Service: Dial 118/119
Ambulance / Fire & Rescue: Dial 110
Government Information Centre: Dial 1919
Tourist Police: (+94) 011 242 1052
Accident Service (General Hospital, Colombo): (+94) 011 269 1111
Police Emergency (Colombo): (+94) 011 243 3333
Fire & Ambulance Service (Colombo): (+94) 011 242 2222
Publications
Links
Exploring Sri Lanka’s Interior
By family boat SV Totem – March 2015
http://www.sailfeed.com/2015/03/exploring-sri-lanka
http://www.sailfeed.com/2015/03/the-500-day-trip/
Cruising Information for Galle by SV Ocelot (2007).
http://svocelot.com/Cruise_Info/Indian/Sri_Lanka.htm
NOVA Video on Ever Given Suez Canal Grounding – https://davidburchnavigation.blogspot.com/2022/05/NOVA-note.html