Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a presidential parliamentary democracy with a developing economy. Sri Lanka's beaches, hill country, and archaeological sites attract visitors from around the world. Tourism continues to increase. The capital city of Colombo, the Cultural Triangle (Dambulla, Anuradhapura, and Polonnaruwa), the cities of Kandy and Galle, and many southern beach towns have good tourist facilities, and the roads connecting many of those destinations are generally good and improving.

A presidential election held on January 8th, 2015 brought to power a new government which has promised constitutional and electoral reforms. The new government has promised to hold parliamentary elections in 2015.  

On May 18, 2009, more than 26 years of conflict ended with the Sri Lankan government defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). During the war, the LTTE had a history of attacks against civilians, though none were directed against U.S. citizens. There have been no terrorist attacks since the end of the conflict, and the government has authority throughout the island. The LTTE remains on the U.S. list of designated terrorist organizations. Visitors can travel to all provinces; former prohibitions on visiting some provinces no longer exist.

Please read the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Sri Lanka for additional information.