Travel And Visa

If you've booked the optional airport pickup service from our travel coordinator (Jetwing Travels), your driver will be waiting in the public arrivals area with a name board after you pass Customs. If you haven’t, click here for options or contact our dedicated travel coordinator at si2026@jetwing.lk.

The transfer from the airport to the city will typically take anywhere from 30 minutes (at night) up to 1 hour (during rush hour).

If you are arranging your own transport, here are some options to consider (prices are approximate, dependent on vehicle type, and subject to change):

• Airport Taxis (~LKR 6,750 - 7,200; ~USD 23 - 25) – official prepaid taxi counters are available on the right-hand side as you exit Customs. We do not recommend accepting rides from individuals offering taxi services inside or outside the airport.

• Metered Taxis (~LKR 5,000; ~USD 17) – services like Kangaroo Cabs offer set rates to and from the airport. These can be booked in advance or on arrival.

• Ridesharing Apps (~LKR 4,000 - 6,000; ~USD 14 - 21) – PickMe (a Sri Lankan company) and Uber operate at the airport and provide affordable options, although for airport transfers they may request cash payments even if you choose card.

• Hotel Transfers (~LKR 14,500 - 21,750; ~USD 50 - 75) – many hotels offer pre-arranged transport.

• Public Transport (~LKR 500; ~USD 2) – budget-friendly but not convenient unless you are extremely familiar with South Asian transport systems, and are travelling light. A public bus service runs from a station about 500 meters from the airport exit.

All participants are responsible for arranging their own travel and health insurance (or any other insurance) for Sharks International 2026. The conference organisers do not provide any form of insurance coverage and are not liable for any accidents, losses, or medical expenses incurred during the event. 

To ensure your trip is both enjoyable and hassle-free, here are some health considerations and information about top medical facilities in Colombo.

Health Tips for Travellers

• Vaccinations: We suggest that you follow the advice provided by your respective medical authorities before your trip to discuss recommended vaccinations. Sri Lanka has been malaria-free since 2016.
  
• Mosquito protection: Sri Lanka is tropical, so it's wise to protect yourself against mosquito bites. While Sri Lanka is malaria-free, using insect repellent and wearing appropriate clothing can help prevent other mosquito-borne illnesses.
  
• Food and water safety: Delight in Sri Lanka's culinary offerings, but ensure you consume food from reputable establishments (street food is only for those with extremely hardy stomachs!). We recommend that you opt for bottled water to be cautious. Ice in beverages served by larger establishments and hotels is typically safe.
  
• Sun protection: The tropical sun can be intense. Regularly apply sunscreen, wear hats, and stay hydrated to fully enjoy your outdoor adventures.
  
  

Medical Facilities in Colombo

For general medical emergencies, call 1990. Colombo boasts several reputable hospitals equipped to handle various medical needs. Here are just 3 examples:

Asiri Central Hospital: A leading private hospital known for its modern facilities and wide range of specialities.

Address: 181 Kirula Rd, Colombo 5

Contact: +94 11 452 4400

Durdans Hospital: Renowned for its patient-centred care and advanced medical technologies.

Address: 3 Alfred Place, Colombo 3

Contact: +94 11 214 0000

Lanka Hospitals: Offers a broad spectrum of medical services with state-of-the-art facilities.

Address: 578 Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo 5

Contact: +94 11 543 0000

Colombo is a coastal city with a tropical climate. In May, expect warm and humid weather. Daytime temperatures will typically range around 30°C, while nighttime temperatures may drop slightly to around 26°C. Short heavy rain showers are possible, but plenty of sunshine can also be expected.

Sri Lanka benefits from two monsoon seasons separated by the central mountain range. So if it is raining and wet on one side of the country, there is a high chance the other side is sunny and dry! 

International Dialling Code: +94

Mobile Operators
Sri Lanka has several reliable mobile operators offering prepaid SIM (and eSIM) cards with good network coverage. Our two recommended providers are:

• Mobitel – a major provider with competitive data packages.
• Dialog – another large provider with extensive coverage.

Getting a SIM Card
Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased inside the International Airport on arrival, and at mobile operator stores and authorised retailers across the country. You will need your passport for registration. 

E-SIM Options
E-SIMs are available from both the above providers and other global e-SIM services, offering a seamless setup without the need for a physical SIM card. Global providers tend to be significantly more expensive than national providers. 

Ensure your phone supports e-SIM functionality and request one at least 48 - 72 hours before arrival, as electronic passport validation is a regulatory requirement in Sri Lanka.

We are currently exploring options. We will either have Wi-Fi at the venue or provide SIM cards to all participants to ensure you have a stable data connection throughout your visit to Sri Lanka (including outside the conference venue).

Sri Lanka operates on 230 Volts (50Hz) AC, with plug types G, and D commonly used. If your devices use a different plug type, a universal adapter will be necessary.

To avoid any inconvenience, please ensure you bring your own adapter for laptops, chargers, and other electronic devices.

The local currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR or Rs.), divided into 100 cents. ATMs accepting VISA, MasterCard, and AMEX are widely available, including at the conference venue. Major foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and currency exchange bureaus—be sure to carry your passport for transactions.

Credit and debit cards (VISA, MasterCard, and, in many places, AMEX) are widely accepted at hotels, most guesthouses, shops, and restaurants. Ride-sharing apps allow card payments, but if you hail a tuk-tuk on the street, you will need cash.

Police Emergency Hotline: 119

Emergency Ambulance Service: 1990

Ambulance / Fire & Rescue: 110

Tourist Police: +94 11 242 1052

Government Information Centre: 1919

Airport Information: +94 11 226 4444