09. Communications:

The international country dialling code for Sri Lanka is +94. The outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)11 for Central Colombo. International direct dial facilities are available in Colombo and other major cities. Four mobile phone operators provide GSM 900 and/or 1800 frequency networks with coverage across all the main parts of the island. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts.


9.1 Post Offices ;
Agency Post Offices, and payphone booths provide local as well as I.D.D. facilities. Phone cards of denominations up to Rs.500/- are available at Post Offices and Shops. Foreign cables are accepted at the G.P.O. Janadhipathi Mawatha, Colombo 1.


9.2 Postal Information:
For information on postal rates contact hotel front desk or No.4, Inquiries Counter, General Post Office, Janadhipathi Mawatha, Colombo 1. (oppostie the President's House), Post Restante - Tel. 326203, For times of arrival and despatch of foreign mail - Tel: 692273. The General Post Office is open day and night for the sale of stamps and for local calls.


9.4 Business Hours
Business hours are from 08.30 hrs. to 16.30 hrs. Certain businesses are open on Saturdays till 1300 hrs.

9.5 Telecom Operators in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Telecom - 94 1 432201 www.slt.lk
Lanka Bell - 94 1 075375375 www.lankabell.net
Suntel 94 1 074747000 www.suntel.lk
Celltell -94 1 541541 www.celltelnet.lk
Mobitel - 94 1 330550 www.mobitellanka.com
Dialog GSM - 94 1 678678 www.dialog.lk


9.6 Newspapers
National daily newspapers are published in English, Sinhala and Tamil languages and Magazine type editions during weekends. A comprehensive selection of International publications, newpapers, journals and magazines are available at newsagents, bookstalls and in hotel foyers.


9.7 Radio
The Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation operates radio transmissions in 9 Languages - Sinhala, Tamil, English, Hindi, Nepali, Kannada, Telungu, Malayalam and Japanese to listeners between 0530 hrs. and 2300 hrs. TNL and other FM Service Transmissions are also available to listeners island wide. Please check daily newspapers for programmes.


9.8 Television
There are 8 channels in operation - Rupavahini, ITN, MTV, TNL, Dynavision and ETV. A wide variety of programmes covering various subjects are telecast on these channels which include News brief from B.B.C., Sky News & CNN. Please refer daily press for programmes