Sri Lanka

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Sri Lanka Cruising Guide

An online cruising guide for sailing around Sri Lanka

Overview

The island of Sri Lanka lies in the Indian Ocean, to the southwest of the Bay of Bengal and to the southeast of the Arabian Sea. It is separated from the Indian subcontinent by the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait.

According to Hindu mythology, a land bridge to the Indian mainland, known as Rama's Bridge, was constructed during the time of Rama by the vanara architect Nala. Often referred to as Adam's Bridge, it now amounts to only a chain of limestone shoals remaining above sea level. According to colonial British reports, this is a natural causeway which was formerly complete, but was breached by a violent storm in 1480. The width of the Palk Strait is small enough for the coast of Sri Lanka to be visible from the furthest point near the Indian town of Rameswaram. The tear drop shaped island consists mostly of flat-to-rolling coastal plains, with mountains rising only in the south-central part. Amongst these are Sri Pada (Adams Peak) and the highest point Pidurutalagala, at 2,524 meters (8,281 ft). The Mahaweli ganga (Mahaweli river) and other major rivers provide fresh water to the population.

Cruising the region

Climate & Weather

Tropical climate; two distinct monsoon seasons. Heavy rainfall along the western coast occurs during the SW monsoon, especially May to September. Coastal temperatures are usually high. The island is occasionally affected by tropical cyclones, which develop in the Bay of Bengal, the worst months being November and December. Northeast monsoon (December to March) only affects east coast

Sources for weather forecasts:

Charts

Submit details of the charts required for safe navigation of the area.

Local Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets

Arrival/Departure procedures

• Visiting yachts are only allowed in official ports of entry except in an extreme emergency .
• When arriving in a Sri Lankan port (port of entry), the yacht skipper must contact the Harbour Master, or immediately report to the nearest customs office or police station. A health officer will board the vessel for inspection before granting clearance. The vessel will then be inspected by Customs.
• The port authority will indicate the area in the port where visiting yachts may anchor/moor and you may not move from there without the Harbour Master's permission. ONLY the designated dinghy landing points may be used in each port.

Documents required:

• Clearance certificate from last port
• Detailed crew lists and proposed crew changes.

On departure, a clearance certificate must be obtained from Customs.

Immigration

• A 30 day visa is granted to all arrivals aboard a yacht and can be extended for up to 2 months.
• Any crew that leaves the yacht (signs off) must obtain a Landing Endorsement from Immigration or local police before leaving the harbour area.
• Prior permission/clearance from Immigration or the police is reguired before taking on any new crew/passengers and a new crew list must be submitted.

Customs

• All firearms and ammunition MUST be declared on arrival and will held in custody by Customs until your departure.
• Permission is required from Customs to remove or return any item to the yacht - this includes ship's stores and anything for repairs.
• Electronic and electrical goods such as cameras and radios has be re-exported.
• Yachts are allowed to stay in Sri Lanka for up to 2 months.
• PETS: Animals must not be taken ashore.

Health

• Vaccinations are recommended for Hepatitis A+B, Polio, and Tetanus. Also, the Typhus vaccination outside of tourist areas especially in the wet season.
• Dengue fever: During the rainy season use mosquito repellent. When head and joint aches occur get a blood check. There is no vaccination yet.
• Malaria : Gampaha (e.g. Negombo), Colombo, Kalutara, Galle, and Nuwara Eliya districts are considered malaria free, as is the city (but not the entire district) of Kandy. Elsewhere, malaria exists and is most likely in Anuradhapura. In the dry season, using DEET repellent for a mid-day road or train trip to Kandy (including visits to the Peradeniya Gardens) or Nuwara Eliya should suffice. Risk increases after sunset. Malaria prophylaxis (anti-malarials) are warranted for trips to the north (especially Anuradhapura), east, and southeast (however some types are not available locally.)
• Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over 1 year of age coming from infected areas.

Security

Violent crime is not a serious problem for tourists in Sri Lanka. As in most tourist locations, beware of pickpockets, and don't leave valuables unguarded. Women should not be alone at night on the beach or streets. There has been a slight increase in violent crimes involving tourists in the past few years, but it is still rare.

Ports & Popular Stops

• Galle (Port of entry)
• Colombo (Port of entry)

Offshore Islands

Details?

Cruiser's Friends

Submit details/contacts of cruiser's "friends" that can be contacted in advance or on arrival - who can offer information and assistance to our cruising "family".

References & Publications

Books, Guides, etc.

Links to Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

External Links

• sv Ocelot (Sri Lanka page)

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Comments

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Contributors to this page
Names: Haiqu