Pros and Cons of Living in Sri Lanka

Last updated on Mar 04, 2023

Summary: The pros of living in Sri Lanka include its beautiful scenery, friendly people, and rich culture. The country is known for its stunning beaches, lush jungles, and ancient ruins. Additionally, Sri Lanka is a very affordable place to live, with a low cost of living and a wide variety of affordable housing options. The people of Sri Lanka are also very welcoming and friendly, making it a great place to make new friends. Finally, Sri Lanka is home to a rich culture, with a variety of religions, languages, and traditions. The cons of living in Sri Lanka include its lack of infrastructure and economic development. The country is still recovering from a long civil war, and many areas lack basic amenities such as reliable electricity and running water. Additionally, the country is still struggling with poverty and inequality, and there is a lack of job opportunities for many people. Finally, the country is prone to natural disasters such as floods and cyclones, which can cause significant damage and disruption.

What are the pros and cons of living in Sri Lanka?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Sri Lanka responded:

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the low cost of living in Sri Lanka, as well as the friendly locals and the beautiful scenery. They also enjoy the country's rich culture and history, as well as the variety of activities available. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the infrastructure and public transportation lacking, as well as the slow internet speeds. Additionally, the hot and humid climate can be a challenge for some," said one in Sri Lanka.

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What do expats in Sri Lanka appreciate most about the local culture?

"Friendliness of people and their willingness to help you at every turn. I was working in London and Latvia before and I was depressed then due to the fact that I did not find genuine people around me," remarked one expat in Colombo.

What do expats find most challenging?

"Expats in Sri Lanka often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to. Many find the language barrier to be a challenge, as English is not widely spoken outside of the major cities. Additionally, the local customs and etiquette can be difficult to navigate, as Sri Lanka has a very distinct culture and set of social norms. Expats may also find the climate to be difficult to adjust to, as Sri Lanka is a tropical country with high temperatures and humidity. Finally, the cost of living in Sri Lanka can be higher than what expats are used to, making it difficult to budget and plan for their stay," said one expat in Sri Lanka.

"Everything is so slow. People are very proud and stubborn at times. They smile a lot, but the smile doesn't always feel sincere. There is a lack of problem solving orientation. Prices are quite high for some items and especially for foreigners. Old cars are being driven and they are very polluting," said a person living in Colombo .

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.