Sri Lanka (Democratic Socialist Republic of)

Sri Lanka (Democratic Socialist Republic of)

History of Relations

South Africa and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka formally established diplomatic relations on 12 September 1994. South Africa maintains representation to Sri Lanka through an Honorary Consul in Colombo. Sri Lanka established a High Commission in Pretoria on 1 October 1997.

Diplomatic Representation

South African Representation in Sri Lanka

H E Mr G Q M Doidge
High Commissioner Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

*Also accredited to Bangladesh, Nepal and Maldives.

High Commission of the Republic of South Africa

Sri Lanka Representation in South Africa

H E Mr W S Rantavale
High Commissioner Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

High Commission of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

Travel Info

Visa Requirements for South Africans

For more information, please contact the High Commission of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in Pretoria.

Health Requirements

Immunisation against hepatitis A and B is recommended. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from visitors coming from an infected area. The benign form of malaria is prevalent throughout Sri Lanka, except for Colombo and Nuwara Eliya. It is highly resistant to chloroquine.

For further information go to Travelers' Health.

Climate Info

Sri Lanka has a tropical climate. The lowlands are always hot, particularly from March to May. The highlands are cooler. During December and January, there is occasional frost on very high ground, e.g. Nuwara Eliya. The dry season is March to mid-May. The southwest monsoon lasts from mid-May to September and the northeast monsoon season from November to March. There are only slight seasonal variations in temperature. In Colombo - at sea level - it varies from 25 degrees Celsius to 28 degrees Celsius.

For up-to-date weather information click here.

Currency Info

The monetary unit is the Sri Lanka rupee (Rs). One rupee = 100 cents. The current rate of exchange is about Rs 77 to one US dollar. The currency is not freely convertible.

For current exchange rates click here.

State and Official Visits / Bilateral Meetings

No Information

Bilateral Agreements

If you have any queries with regard to treaties please contact the Treaty Section at 012 351 0872/0851/0837.

Trade Info

South Africa's main exports to Sri Lanka include fresh produce, processed foods, chemicals, asbestos, paper, iron ore, copper, aluminium, and containers (for transport of goods, etc). Sri Lanka's main exports to South Africa include agricultural produce like coconuts, cashew nuts, tea, spices, activated carbon, rubber, synthetic fabrics, textiles, footwear, and kitchen/table ware.

For current information on trade statistics between South Africa and Sri Lanka, visit the web site of the Department of Trade and Industry of South Africa

Interest Groups and Information

The Sri Lanka - South Africa Friendship Society
273, High Level Road
Kirillapone
Colombo 05
SRI LANKA
Tel: 0994 1 824249
Fax: 0994 1 829362