 |
| ABOUT SRI
LANKA |
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| Country Name |
Conventional long form: Democratic
Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
conventional short form: Sri Lanka
former: Ceylon |
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| Size |
65,525 sq km |
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| Capital |
Sri Jayawardenepura |
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| Commercial Capital |
Colombo |
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| Government |
Sri Lanka, is a free, independent
and sovereign nation with a population of 18.774 million (1998 mid
year estimates). Legislative power is exercised by a Parliament, elected
by universal franchise on proportional representation basis. A President,
who is also elected by the people, exercises executive power inclusive
of defense. Sri Lanka enjoys a multi party system, and the people
vote to elect a new government every six years. |
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| National
Flag |
National Flag of Sri
Lanka is the Lion Flag. A Lion bearing a sword in its right hand is
depicted in gold on red background with a yellow border. Four Bo leaves
pointing inwards are at the four corners. Two vertical bands of green
and orange at the mast end represent the minority ethnic groups. It
is an adaptation of the standard of the last King of Sri Lanka.
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| National Anthem |
"Sri Lanka Matha"
composed by late Mr. Ananda Samarakoon.
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| National Flower |
the Blue Water Lily (Nymphaea
stellata) is the National Flower. |
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| National Flower |
the Blue Water Lily (Nymphaea
stellata) is the National Flower. |
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| Population |
19 million |
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| Population density |
309 people per sq km |
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| Life expectancy
at birth |
74 female, 64 male |
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| Literacy rate |
91.8% |
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| Languages |
Sinhala & Tamil English
is widely spoken throughout Sri Lanka, with the exception of remote
villages. |
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| Ethnic
mix |
Sihalese- 74 per cent; Tamil-
18 per cent; Muslim -7 per cent; Burgher (descendants of Dutch and
Portuguese colonist) and others- 1 per cent |
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| Religion |
Buddhism- 70 per cent; Hinduism-
16 per cent; Christianity- 7 per cent; Islam-7 per cent |
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| Climate |
Low Lands – tropical,
average 27C
Central Hills – cooler, with temperatures dropping to 14C. The
south-west monsoon brings rain to the western, southern and central
regions from May to July, while the north-eastern monsoon occurs in
the north and east in December and January. Sri Lanka has a good climate
for holiday-makers throughout the year. |
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| Annual per capita
GNP |
US$870 |
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| Industries |
Processing of rubber, tea,
coconuts, and other agricultural commodities; clothing, cement, petroleum
refining, textiles, tobacco. |
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| Agriculture
- Products |
Rice, sugarcane, grains,
pulses, oilseed, roots, spices, tea, rubber, coconuts; milk, eggs,
hides, meat. |
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| Currency |
Sri Lanka follows decimal
currency system in Rupees (Rs.) and cents (Cts.) with 100 cents equal
to a rupee. Currency notes are available in the denominations of Rs.
2,10,20,50,100,200, 500 and 1000. Coins are issued in values of Cts.1,2,5,10,
25 and 50 and Rs.1,2,5 and 10. The intervention currency continuously
will be the US Dollar. |
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| Visa |
Residents from countries
are issued visas on arrival. Consult your local Sri Lanka embassy,
consulate, tourist office or your travel agent. |
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| Working week |
Sri Lanka works a five-day
week, from Monday to Friday. |
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| Business hours |
Government offices 9.00 a.m.
-5.00 p.m, Monday to Friday |
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| Banks |
9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. or
3.00 p.m. Monday to Saturday |
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| Post
office |
8.30 a.m.- 5.00 p.m.,
Monday to Friday
8.30 a.m. – 1.00 p.m. on Saturday. The Central Mail Exchange,
at D.R.Wijewardene Mawatha, Colombo 10, (Telephone : 326203) is open
24-hours. |
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| Location |
An island off the south-eastern
cost shores of India, 880 km north of the equator, in the Indian Ocean. |
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| Art galleries |
Art Gallery
No. 101, Ananda Coomaraswami Mawatha,
Colombo 07.
Telephone: + 94 112 693 965 Open:
08.00hrs to 17.00hrs (except Poya-days)
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Mount Castle Gallery
No. 02, Arunachalam Avenue,
Off 36, Horton place,
Colombo 07.
Open: 08.00hrs to 17.00hrs (except Poya-days)
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Kalagaraya Art Gallery,
No. 54, Ward Place,
Colombo 07.
Telephone: + 94 112 694 162
Open: 09.00hrs to 13.00hrs and 17.00hrs to 19.00hrs (Monday
to Friday)
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Lionel Wendt Memorial Art Centre
No. 18, Guildford Crescent,
Colombo 07.
Telephone: + 94 112 695 794
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Manjasuri Home
No. 215, 2/E, Block, Anderson Golf Links flat,
Park Road,
Colombo 07.
Telephone: + 94 112 582 417
By appointments only
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Sapumal Foundation
No. 32/4, Barnes Place,
Colombo 07.
Telephone: + 94 112 695 731
Call them prior to visit due to irregular opening hours.
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Serendib Gallery
No. 36 1/1, Rosemead Place,
Colombo 07.
Telephone: + 94 112 697 467
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Barefoot Galleries
No. 704, Galle Road,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 112 598 305
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| Casinos |
Bally’s Club
No. 14, Dharmapala Mawatha,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 112 573 497
Open – 24-hours
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Bellagio Casino
No. 430, R.A. De Mel Mawtha,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 112 575 271
Open – 24-hours
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MGM Grand Club
Telephone: + 94 112 591 319
Open – 24-hours
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Ritz Carlton
No. 33, Galle Road,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 112 589 731
Open – 24-hours
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Star Dust Club
No. 09, 05th Lane, Galle Road,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 112 573 493
Open – 24-hours
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| Cinemas |
Liberty Cinema
No. 38, Dharmapala Mawatha,
Colombo 03.
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Majestic City
Galle Road,
Colombo 04.
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Savoy Cinema
No. 12, Galle Road,
Colombo 06.
Telephone: + 94 112 588 621
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New Olympia
Jaya Mawatha,
Colombo 10.
Telephone: + 94 112 693 141
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| Libraries |
American centre
No. 39, Sir Ernest de Silva Mawatha,
Colombo 07.
Telephone: + 94 112 691 461
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British Council
No. 49, Alfred House Garden,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 112 581 171 / 2
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Colombo Public Library
Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha,
Colombo 07.
Telephone: + 94 112 695 156
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University of Colombo Library
Colombo 07.
Telephone: + 94 112 586 432
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| Night Clubs |
Blue Elephant
Colombo Hilton
Lotus Road,
Colombo 01.
Telephone: + 94 112 544 644
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Cascades
Cinnamon Grand,
No. 77, Steuart Place,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 112 320 001
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The Library
Trans Asia Hotel,
115, Sir Chittampalam .A. Gardiner Mawatha,
Colombo 02.
Telephone: + 94 112 544 200
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Legends
Majestic City,
05th Floor,
Colombo 04.
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H2O
Union Place,
Colombo 02.
The most-modern and the most happening night club in Colombo.
The current popular hangout for the younger generation.
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Blue Leopard
Grand Orient Hotel
No. 02, York Street,
Colombo 01.
Telephone: + 94 112 320 391
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The Boom
Galadari Hotel
No. 64, Lotus Road,
Colombo 01.
Telephone: + 94 112 544 544
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| Pubs and
cafes |
Echelon Pub
Colombo Hilton
Lotus Road,
Colombo 01.
Telephone: + 94 112 544 644
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Arena – Fashion Café
No. 338, T.B. Jaya Mawatha,
(Darley Road)
Colombo 10.
Telephone: + 94 115 556 822
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Barefoot Garden Cafe
No. 704, Galle Road,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 112 553 075
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Barista
03rd Floor
World Trade Centre,
Colombo 01.
Telephone: + 94 112 501 384
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Clancy’s Irish Pub and Restaurant
No. 29, Maitland Crescent,
Colombo 07.
Telephone: + 94 112 682 945
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Cricket Club Cafe
No. 34, Queens Road,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 112 501 384
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Cue Cafe
No. 106/1, Galle Road,
Dehiwela.
Telephone: + 94 112 725 977
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The Gallery Cafe
No. 02, Alfred House Road,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 112 556 563
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Deli France
Crescat Boulevard,
Lobby Level,
Colombo 03
Telephone: + 94 115 553 354
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Molly’s Irish Pub and Restaurant
No. 46/38, Nawam Mawatha,
Colombo 02.
Telephone: + 94 112 543 966
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Qwiky’s
No. 57/1, Flower Road,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 112 552 559
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Rhythm and Blues
No. 19/1, Daisy Villa Avenue,
Colombo 04.
Telephone: + 94 114 517 255
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Frankfurt Lavinia Beer Garden
No. 34/8A, De Saram Road,
Mount Lavinia.
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| Shopping |
Barefoot
No. 704, Galle Road,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 112 589 305
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The London Shop
No. 252, Galle Road,
Colombo 04.
Telephone: + 94 112 502 552
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Elle
Ground Floor,
Majestic City and 01st Floor Liberty Plaza
Colombo 03 and 04.
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Levis
No. 39A, Queensway Building,
Duplication Road,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 112 581 024
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Odel Unlimited
No. 05, Alexandra Place,
Colombo 07.
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Cotton Collection
Flower Road,
Colombo 07
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| Household and Handicrafts |
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Barefoot
No. 704, Galle Road,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 112 589 305
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Odel Home Shop
No. 38, Dickmans Road,
Colombo 05.
Telephone: + 94 112 589 618
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Paradise Road
No. 36, Flower Road,
Colombo 07.
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Promenade
No. 213, Dharmapala Mawatha,
Colombo 07.
Telephone: + 94 112 686 943
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Lanka Ceramics
No. 696, Galle Road,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 112 589 349
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Lakpahana
No. 21, Rajapaksha Mawatha,
Colombo 07.
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| Gifts |
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Barefoot
No. 704, Galle Road,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 112 589 305
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Paradise Road
No. 36, Flower Road,
Colombo 07.
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Odel Unlimited
No. 05, Alexandra Place,
Colombo 07.
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The Oasis Company
No. 18, Station Road,
Colombo 04.
Telephone: + 94 112 597 196
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Where to
eat |
California Grill
Galadari Hotel,
No. 64, Lotus Road,
Colombo 01.
Telephone: + 94 112 544 544
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Chesa Suisse
No. 03, Deal Place,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 114 712 716
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Verandah Restaurant
Galle Face Hotel,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 112 541 010
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Il Ponte
Colombo Hilton,
Lotus Road,
Colombo 01.
Telephone: + 94 112 544 644
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Cricket Club Cafe
No. 34, Queens Road,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 112 501 384
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Spoons
Colombo Hilton,
Lotus Road,
Colombo 01.
Telephone: + 94 112 544 644
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German Restaurant,
No. 11, Galle Face Road,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 112 421 577
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London Grill,
Cinnamon Grand,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 112 437 437
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Union Grill
Hilto Jaic Tower,
Union Place,
Colombo 02.
Telephone: + 94 115 344 644
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Kentucky Fried Chicken
Majestic City,
No. 10, Station Road,
Colombo 04.
Telephone: + 94 112 581 747
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Pizza Hut
312A, Union Place,
Colombo 02.
Telephone: + 94 112 334 763
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The Golden Rooster,
No. 407, Galle Road,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 112 576 507
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Food Court
Majestic City,
Colombo 04.
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Deli Mart,
21, De Vos Avenue,
Colombo 04.
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Morley’s
No. 365, Galle Road,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 112 565 015
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McDonalds
No. 498, Galle Road,
Colombo 03.
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| Indian and Moghul |
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Navaratne
Taj Samudra Hotel,
No. 25, Galle Road,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 112 446 622
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Alhambra
Holiday Inn Hotel,
Mohamed Marcan Marrier Mawatha,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 112 422 001
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Shanti Vihar,
No. 03, Havelock Road,
Colombo 05.
Telephone: + 94 112 580 224
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Greenlands Hotel,
No. 3/A, Shrubbery Gardens,
Colombo 04.
Rohan’s
No. 199, Union Place,
Colombo 02.
Telephone: + 94 112 302 769
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| Italian |
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Il Ponte
Colombo Hilton,
Lotus Road,
Colombo 01.
Telephone: + 94 112 544 644
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Il Cappriccio,
No. 29, De Fonseka Road,
Colombo 05.
Telephone: + 94 112 594 663
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| Japanese |
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Ginza Hohsen,
Colombo Hilton,
Lotus Road,
Colombo 01.
Telephone: + 94 112 544 644
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Sakura,
No. 14, Rheinland Place,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 112 573 877
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Moshi Moshi,
No. 594/2, Galle Road,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 112 500 312
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Hakata,
No. 110, Havelock Road,
Colombo 05.
Telephone: + 94 112 501 397
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Nihonbashi Restaurant,
Galle Face Terrace,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 112 323 847
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| Korean |
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Han Gook Gwan,
No. 25, Havelock Road,
Colombo 05.
Telephone: + 94 112 587 961
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Arrirang Restaurant,
No. 16, Abdul Gaffor Mawatha,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 112 575 186
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Haesong
Hotel Empress,
No. 383, R.A. De Mel Mawatha,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 112 574 930
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| Pakistani |
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Kebabish Restaurant,
No. 526, Galle Road,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 112 574 479
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| Seafood |
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Beach Wadiya,
No. 02, Station Road,
Wellawatta.
Telephone: + 94 112 585 868
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Pier 56,
No. 74A, Dharmapala Mawatha,
Colombo 07.
Telephone: + 94 112 574 384
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Sea Spray Restaurant,
Galle Face Hotel,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 112 541 010
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| Sri Lankan |
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The Curry Leaf Garden Restaurant,
Colombo Hilton,
Lotus Road,
Colombo 01.
Telephone: + 94 112 544 644
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Palmayrah Restaurant,
Hotel Renuka,
No. 328, Galle Road,
Colombo 03.
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Banana Leaf,
No. 86, Galle Road,
Colombo 04.
Telephone: + 94 112 584 403
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Curry Bowl,
No. 24, Deal Place,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 112 570 157
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Ibn Batuta,
Trans Asia Hotel,
Colombo 02.
Telephone: + 94 112 544 200
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Raja Bojun,
Seylan Towers,
Galle Road,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 114 716 171
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| Vegetarian |
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Amaravathi Restaurant,
No. 2, Mile Post Avenue,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 112 577 418
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Komalas,
No. 321A, Union Place,
Colombo 02.
Telephone: + 94 112 335 860
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Shanmugas,
No. 55/3, Ramakrishna Road,
Colombo 06.
Telephone: + 94 112 587 629
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Shanti Vihar,
No. 03, Havelock Road,
Colombo 05.
Telephone: + 94 112 580 224
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| Thai |
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Royal Thai,
Trans Asia Hotel,
Colombo 02.
Telephone: + 94 112 544 200
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Siam House,
No. 55, Abdul Gaffoor Mawatha,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 112 576 993
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| Chinese |
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Chinese Dragon,
No. 11, Milagiriya Avenue,
Colombo 04.
Telephone: + 94 112 502 733
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Chinese Golden Gate Hotel,
No. 25, Galle Road,
Colombo 06.
Telephone: + 94 112 582 510
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Connies Restaurant,
No. 19, College Avenue,
Mount Lavinia.
Telephone: + 94 112 717 109
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Emperor’s Wok,
Colombo Hilton,
Lotus Road,
Colombo 01.
Telephone: + 94 112 544 644
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Flower Drum Restaurant,
No. 26, Thurstan Road,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 112 574 216
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Golden Dragon,
Taj Samudra Hotel,
Galle Face Road,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 112 446 622
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Great Wall Restaurant,
No. 491, Galle Road,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 112 596 700
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Jade Gardens Restaurant,
No. 126, Havelock Road,
Colombo 05.
Telephone: + 94 112 580 678
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Long Feng,
Trans Asia Hotel,
Colombo 02.
Telephone: + 94 112 544 200
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Show Boat,
No. 104, Reid Avenue,
Colombo 04.
Telephone: + 94 112 593 849
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| International |
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Barefoot Garden Cafe,
No. 704, Galle Road,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 112 553 075
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Brasseria La Terrassa,
Trans Asia Hotel,
Colombo 02.
Telephone: + 94 112 544 200
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Deli Mart,
03rd Floor, Level 18,
World Trade Centre,
Colombo 01.
Telephone: + 94 112 544 208
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Governor’s Restaurant,
Mt. Lavinia Hotel,
No. 102, Hotel Road,
Mount Lavinia.
Telephone: + 94 112 715 221
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Kesi’s Restaurant,
No. 33 1/1, Queens Road,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 112 502 850
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The Gallery Cafe,
No. 02, Alfred House Road,
Colombo 03.
Telephone: + 94 112 582 162
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