5 Tips For Living In Sri Lanka

Summary: Expats in Sri Lanka live in a country just south of India that is regularly reported by expats as being a clean and hospitable place to create a life abroad.

Sri Lanka is an island nation that expats report as a clean and hospitable country in which to live abroad. The Sri Lankan Civil War finally came to an end in 2009.

Sri Lanka Is Off the Coast of Southeast India

Sri Lanka is a former British Colony and it's commercial capital is Colombo. Sri Jayawardenepura, a large suburb of Colombo, is the administrative capital. Sinhalese and Tamil are the official languages of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan Culture Can Move At Slower Pace

One expat reported that "everything is so slow. People are very proud and stubborn at times. They smile a lot, but the smile doesn't always feel sincere." Of course this is one

Arranged Marriage vs. "Love" Marriage in Sri Lanka

Expats have consistently reported that arranged marriages are an important part of Sri Lankan culture: "Many people in this culture have very set ideas about what is good for their [family and friends'] future. It's generally thought that love marriages (as opposed to arranged marriages) will bring future discord within the family, or will not last."

Sri Lanka Is Distinct From India

As with many other cultures, Sri Lankans pride themselves as a unique and distinct culture. As one expat reported, "never associate Sri Lankans with Indians," meaning don't consider the people of Sri Lanka and the people of India to be the same.

Expats Enjoy Amazing Restaurants in Colombo

The restaurants in Colombo are predominantly Asian and Indian, but there are all kinds of restaurants that offer international cuisine. Anyone that loves spices will love Sri Lankan cuisine.

About the Author

Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.