Question 1

Can You Arrange A Transfer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a transfer from Colombo Airport can be booked as an extra at the time of booking, at a cost of $100 USD one way. The service can collect 24 hours a day and we use a reputable insured company. The journey time is approximately 2 hours from Colombo Airport to Lion’s Rest. The vehicle can take up to 7 persons and carry surfboards up to 9ft long ( Please inform us if you are carrying surfboard) And please supply us with your flight number, arrival date and time, and we will arrange for a driver to meet you with a name-card upon arrival.

Question 2

Do I need a driving permit in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Whether renting a moped, car or Tuk Tuk you need a driving permit in Sri Lanka as your International divers licence is not sufficient.

You can apply on line a few days before your arrival from Rento.
They provide an excellent quick service and will courier your licence to Lion's Rest within days of your order.

Delivery address for permit,
Lion's Rest Hotel
                                    5A Kaddabeddagama, Gurubebila, 
                                                      Weligama 81700.

Question 3

Do you have Fibre Optic WiFi?

Accepted Answer

Lion's Rest has newly installed Fibre Optic unlimited super fast broadband for free to cover all your remote working and streaming needs. All rooms and the grounds have full coverage.
We also have a generator so if there's a power outage your connected will not be disturbed.

Question 4

What is the local currency, are there banks and ATM’s nearby?

Accepted Answer

Sri Lankan Rupees is the national currency. Check http://www.xe.com/ucc/ for current conversion rates. Weligama Town has many banks with ATM’s. Avoid changing money at the airport as the rate is usually poor.
Cash in USD, GBP and Euro's is also taken as payment at Lion's Rest.

Question 5

What Is The Weather/surf like?

Accepted Answer

Sri Lanka has a tropical climate and is therefore hot all year long. Daytime air temperature ranges from 28º-36º dropping to around 22º-26º overnight. May through to October is the monsoon season with more rain but interspersed with sunshine. The winds are mainly onshore during this period. The peak tourist season in our area is December, January and February which is the driest period, with the most consistent winds. The pre and post-monsoon months, March, April & October/November have been the best periods for surfing during recent years with bigger swells and waves, averaging head-high or more in places. The weather during this period is usually good with any storms usually during the night-time. Water temperatures are pretty consistent at 27º-29º so you can surf in board shorts the whole season long.

Question 6

What are the Medical Facilities Like?

Accepted Answer

There are 2 International Hospitals in the nearby cities of Galle and Matara, both approximately 30 minutes drive. For minor issues there is a good clinic with a English speaking doctor in nearby Weligama where we can take you should the need arise. We also can arrange for the local doctor to visit the hotel should you wish.

Question 7

Is there a problem with Mosquitoes?

Accepted Answer

Generally in Sri Lanka, there are mosquitos, but malaria has all but been eradicated from the country. Mosquitoes in the inland areas can be a nuisance, but we are lucky as we are right on the coast and they don’t bother us, as they avoid the salty air.

Question 8

What Plugs/Voltage Do You Use?

Accepted Answer

Electricity is at 220v in Sri Lanka. Our sockets are a mix of 3 pin round sockets and 3 pin square, UK-type, sockets.

Question 9

Mobile Phones, Local Sim Cards?"

Accepted Answer

Local Sim and Micro Sim cards to be used in android phones and iPads etc. can be bought at the airport and locally very cheaply. Data and airtime is super cheap - just make sure your devices are not locked to your overseas networks. Dialog seems to have the best coverage of those networks provided here.
Dialog also have E sims.

Question 10

Do I Need A Tourist Visa?

Accepted Answer

Almost all citizens visiting Sri Lanka for less than a month can get a Visa On Arrival. This can be pre-arranged and you can check prices by visiting this website: /www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa.

FAQ's