Steps from the venue
Galle Face Green
Step outside the conference hotel for an oceanfront walk, sunset skies, kite-flying, and Colombo street-food favourites along the promenade.
Photo: Thilina Alagiyawanna · Pexels License
Travel & visa
Plan your trip
Last updated: 16 July 2026. Always verify visa requirements against official government sources before booking travel.
Beyond the conference
Make time to explore
Begin with Colombo’s landmarks, markets, temples, and oceanfront, then extend your stay for Sri Lanka’s ancient cities, hill country, beaches, and wildlife.
In and around Colombo
These stops fit naturally around a conference stay. Opening hours and access can change, especially at active places of worship, so check locally before visiting.
Pettah, Colombo
Red Mosque & Pettah
See the landmark red-and-white façade of Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, then explore Pettah’s lively market streets. Dress respectfully and check visitor and prayer times.
Photo: A.Savin, Wikipedia · FAL
Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo
Independence Square
Walk the shaded grounds around Independence Memorial Hall, then continue through Cinnamon Gardens and Colombo’s nearby museum district.
Photo: Charaka Ranasinghe · Pexels License
Beira Lake, Colombo
Colombo Lotus Tower views
Take in a broad view across the capital from Colombo’s observation tower. Check current opening hours and ticket arrangements before setting out.
Photo: Thilina Alagiyawanna · CC0 1.0
Beira Lake, Colombo
Gangaramaya & Seema Malaka
Discover Buddhist art at Gangaramaya Temple and pause at lakeside Seema Malaka. Dress modestly and remove shoes in shrine areas.
Photo: Lkzombie · CC BY-SA 3.0
South of Colombo
Mount Lavinia Beach
Head south of central Colombo for a relaxed beach walk and an Indian Ocean sunset. Check local sea conditions before swimming.
Photo: Rilwan19760430 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Worth extending your stay for
These destinations deserve more time than a quick outing from Colombo. Build in travel time and plan one or more overnight stays.
Cultural Triangle
Sigiriya
Climb the ancient rock citadel above forest and water gardens. Start early, bring water, and wear shoes suited to steep steps.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon · CC BY-SA 3.0
Central Province
Kandy
Explore the hill capital, walk beside Kandy Lake, and visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Dress modestly and check visitor hours.
Photo: Dan Arndt · CC BY-SA 4.0
Central highlands
Hill country
Slow down among cool green slopes, tea estates, and highland towns. The journey is part of the experience, so plan at least an overnight stay.
Photo: dronepicr · Pexels License
Uva highlands
Ella & Nine Arch Bridge
Pair hill-country viewpoints and walking trails with a visit to Nine Arch Bridge. Use marked paths and view the railway only from safe areas.
Photo: Dilshan255 · CC BY-SA 4.0
South coast
Galle Fort
Wander historic ramparts, quiet lanes, courtyards, and lighthouse views where the old town meets the Indian Ocean.
Photo: Rovin Shanila · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cultural Triangle
Dambulla Cave Temple
Explore a hillside cave-temple complex filled with murals and Buddha images. Dress modestly and be prepared to remove your shoes.
Photo: Philip Nalangan · CC BY 4.0
Southern Province
Mirissa & the south coast
Unwind on palm-fringed beaches and small bays. Plan any sea excursion with a reputable operator and only when weather conditions allow.
Photo: Praveenshashika · CC BY-SA 4.0
South-east Sri Lanka
Yala National Park
Join a responsible guided safari through varied coastal and forest landscapes. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, so enjoy the whole habitat.
Photo: Manelka Jayasundara · CC BY-SA 4.0
Destination photographs are displayed cropped and are linked to their source and licence on each card.
Practical information
Travel essentials
Entry requirements, airport transfers, weather, money, power, and useful contacts for your conference trip.
Visa and entry
Most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) issued through Sri Lanka's official online portal at eta.gov.lk before travel. Requirements and fees vary by nationality, so check the portal early and apply well in advance. Official invitation letters are issued after delegates complete payment and email their payment receipt to the organising team.
Airport and transfers
Fly into Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), about 32 km north of Colombo. The drive to the city centre takes roughly 45–75 minutes via the airport expressway. On arrival you can use prepaid airport taxi counters in the arrivals hall, ride-hailing apps (PickMe, Uber), or hotel transfers booked in advance.
Weather in October
October in Colombo is warm and humid, typically 24–31°C. It falls within the second inter-monsoon season, so expect sunny spells broken by afternoon or evening showers and the occasional thunderstorm — a compact umbrella and light, breathable clothing are recommended. Conference rooms are air-conditioned, so a light layer is useful indoors.
Time zone
Sri Lanka Standard Time is UTC+5:30 year round, with no daylight saving changes. All programme times on this site are given in local time.
Money and payments
The local currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Cards are widely accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and supermarkets; carry some cash for taxis, small vendors, and markets. ATMs are widely available in Colombo.
Electricity
230 V, 50 Hz. Sockets are mainly Type D and Type G (UK-style), with Type M also found in some buildings. Bring a universal adapter to be safe.
Emergency numbers
- Police Emergency Hotline: 119
- Ambulance (Suwa Seriya): 1990
- Fire and rescue: 110
After completing payment, email your payment receipt to contact@hispasia.org. The organising team will send your official invitation letter once payment is verified.
5–7 October 2026 · Galle Face Hotel, Colombo
Join the DHIS2 community in Colombo
Participant registration is open. Register early — especially if you need a visa — and be part of the fifth regional gathering of the DHIS2 community.