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About Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, also known as the “pearl of the Indian Ocean,” is a beautiful island located in South Asia. With a rich cultural heritage and a diverse landscape, Sri Lanka offers a unique experience to visitors.

Sri Lanka has a long and storied history, with evidence of human settlement dating back over 35,000 years. Over the centuries, the island has been ruled by various kingdoms and empires, each leaving its mark on the country’s culture and architecture.

Today, Sri Lanka is a vibrant and modern nation with a booming economy and a thriving tourism industry. Visitors to the country can enjoy a wide range of activities, from exploring ancient ruins and temples to hiking in the mountains or relaxing on beautiful beaches. In addition to its rich cultural heritage, Sri Lanka is also known for its incredible biodiversity. Sri Lanka boasts a diverse and flavorful cuisine that is a harmonious blend of various spices and ingredients. It’s a wonderful tourist destination that offers something for everyone.

Welcome to Sri Lanka

Welcome to Sri Lanka, the pearl of the Indian Ocean! If you are planning to attend the APMEC 2024 conference in Colombo, here is some useful information to help you prepare for your trip.

Experience Sri Lankan Hospitality

Sri Lanka is a diverse and multicultural country with a rich history and culture. The official languages are Sinhala and Tamil, but English is widely spoken in urban areas and tourist destinations. The currency is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR), which can be exchanged at banks, hotels, or authorized money changers. The climate is tropical and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C throughout the year. The best time to visit Colombo is from January to March, when the weather is dry and sunny. Sri Lanka has a variety of attractions to offer, from ancient temples and monuments, to scenic beaches and wildlife parks.

Colombo

Colombo is the executive and judicial capital of Sri Lanka and the largest city by population. It is located on the west coast of the island, just south of the Kelani River. Colombo is a bustling and vibrant city with a mixture of modern life, colonial buildings, and monuments. It is also the financial and commercial hub of the country, with many businesses, hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls.

Conference venues

The APMEC 2024 conference will be held at two venues in Colombo: Pre-Conferences & Opening Ceremony - UCFM Tower and BMICH.

Pre-Conferences & Opening Ceremony - UCFM Tower

UCFM Tower is a state-of-the-art building that houses the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Colombo. It is located at No. 25 Kynsey Road in Colombo 08. UCFM Tower has modern facilities for teaching, learning, research, and clinical services. UCFM Tower is easily accessible by public transport or taxi from various parts of the city.

Main Conference Venue-. BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall)

BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall) is a convention center located in Bauddhaloka Mawatha in Colombo 07. It has various halls, auditoriums, meeting rooms, exhibition spaces, and catering facilities. BMICH is one of the most prestigious venues in Sri Lanka for hosting local and international events.

We hope this guide has been helpful for you in preparing for your trip to Sri Lanka for APMEC 2024. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at apmec_asst@med.cmb.ac.lk. We look forward to seeing you at the conference!

Post Conference Venues

Post- Conference Workshop - W301

Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna: 406 km, 8 hours 0 mins (directions)

Post- Conference Workshop - W302

Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya: 117 km, 3 hours 22 mins (directions)

Post- Conference Workshop - W302

Faculty of Medicine - University of Kelaniya: 16.7 km, 41 mins (directions)

Exploring Colombo

Walking

Colombo's compact size makes exploring on foot a delightful option. Soak in the colonial architecture of Fort, wander through the bustling Pettah market, or relax on Galle Face Green.

Taxis

Metered taxis are readily available and affordable. Flag one down or call for a ride through popular apps like Uber and Pickme Taxi (download before you arrive!).

Tuk-tuks

These three-wheeled icons offer a unique and fun way to get around.Negotiate fares beforehand and enjoy the breeze in your hair.

Public Transportation

Colombo's buses are extensive and inexpensive, though navigating routes might require some local guidance.

Traveling to Post-Conference Venues

Pre-arranged Tours

APMEC has partnered with trusted travel providers for convenient excursions to post-conference workshop destinations Jaffna, Kandy & Kelaniya. Contact the APMEC Travel Desk at contact@travelmyasia.com or Whatsapp +94725935559 for details and booking.

Train

Sri Lanka's railway network is a scenic and budget-friendly way to travel.

Handy Apps

Uber and Pickme Taxi

Download these popular ride-hailing apps for easy taxi bookings across Colombo and beyond.

For hotel booking

https://hotels.colomboexpo.com/

Remember

  • Traffic in Colombo can be congested, especially during peak hours. Plan your journeys accordingly and allow extra time.
  • Negotiate fares with tuk-tuk drivers before hopping in.
  • Carry Sri Lankan rupees for smaller transactions and tuk-tuk rides.

For personalized travel assistance, don't hesitate to contact the APMEC Travel Desk at contact@travelmyasia.com or Whatsapp +94725935559.

Wishing you an unforgettable APMEC 2024 experience and a memorable journey through Sri Lanka!

Traveling in Colombo

Colombo has a well-developed public transport system, including buses, trains, taxis, and tuk-tuks (three-wheeled vehicles). You can also use online platforms such as Uber or PickMe to book rides.

Around Colombo

  • Gangaramaya Temple
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    This Buddhist temple is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit in the heart of Colombo. It features a museum, a library, and a large collection of religious artifacts.

  • National Museum of Colombo
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    This museum is a must-visit for history buffs. It houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

  • Old Colombo Dutch Hospital
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    This restored colonial-era building is now a shopping and dining complex. It features a range of boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes in a beautiful historic setting.

  • Pettah Market
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    This bustling street market is a great place to shop for souvenirs and local goods. It’s a colorful and lively place to explore, with vendors selling everything from spices to textiles to jewelry.

    Traveling to other cities

  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress
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    This ancient rock fortress is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Sri Lanka. It was built in the 5th century AD and features stunning views and impressive ruins.

  • Kandy
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    This charming city is located in the hills of central Sri Lanka and is known for its rich culture and history. The Temple of the Tooth, which houses a sacred relic of the Buddha, is a must-visit attraction.

  • Yala National Park
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    This wildlife reserve is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to spot elephants, leopards, and other exotic wildlife. Visitors can take a guided safari tour to see the animals in their natural habitat.

  • Nuwara Eliya
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    This picturesque town is located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country and is known for its scenic views and cool climate. Visitors can tour tea plantations and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed Ceylon tea.

  • Galle
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    This historic coastal city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its well-preserved Dutch colonial architecture. Visitors can explore the city’s fortifications, museums, and charming streets

  • Ella
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    This small town in the hills is known for its stunning natural scenery and outdoor activities. Visitors can hike to waterfalls, go rock climbing, or simply take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

  • Mirissa
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    This laid-back beach town is a popular destination for surfing, snorkeling, and whale watching. Visitors can relax on the beach or take a boat tour to see blue whales and dolphins.

  • Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
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    This sanctuary for orphaned and injured elephants is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can watch the elephants being fed and bathed and even take part in feeding them.

  • Dambulla Cave Temple
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    This complex of rock temples dates back to the 1st century BC and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features stunning Buddhist murals and statues.

    These are just a few of the many attractions that Sri Lanka has to offer. Whether you are interested in history, culture, wildlife, or natural beauty, there is something for everyone in this amazing country.

    Activities to do in Sri Lanka

  • Trekking
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    Sri Lanka has a variety of trekking routes that offer scenic views of the country’s natural beauty.

    Popular trekking destinations for Trekking in Sri Lanka,

      • The Horton Plains National Park
      • Knuckles Mountain Range
      • Adam’s Peak
  • Whitewater Rafting
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    It’s an exciting activity that takes you through rapids and waterfalls.

    Popular trekking destinations for Rafting in Sri Lanka,

      • The Kelani River, located near Kitulgala
  • Surfing & Kite Surfing
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    Sri Lanka has excellent surf spots on both the east and west coasts, making it a great destination for surfers.

    Popular trekking destinations for Rafting in Sri Lanka,

      • Arugam Bay
      • Weligama
      • Hiriketiya
  • Wildlife Safaris
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    Sri Lanka is home to a variety of exotic animals, including elephants, leopards, and birds. Visitors can take a wildlife safari at one of the country’s national parks,

    such as :

      • Yala National Park
      • Wilpattu National Park
      • Wasgamuwa National Park
      • Habarana
      • Udawalawe National Park
      • Gal Oya National Park
      • Minneriya National Park Safari
      • Bundala National Park
  • Snorkeling & Scuba Diving
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    Sri Lanka has a variety of stunning underwater attractions, including coral reefs and shipwrecks.

    Some of the Scuba diving and Snorkeling spots,

      • Hikkaduwa
      • Unawatuna
  • Hot Air Ballooning
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    This is a unique way to experience Sri Lanka’s natural beauty from above. Visitors can take a hot air balloon ride over the Cultural Triangle or the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

  • Paragliding
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    This is a thrilling activity that allows visitors to soar through the skies and take in stunning views of Sri Lanka’s natural beauty.

    Popular destinations for paragliding in Sri Lanka,

      • The Ella Gap
      • Kithulgala area
  • Whale Watching
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    Visitors can take a boat tour from Mirissa harbor to witness whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Some of the whale species that can be spotted include blue whales, sperm whales, and humpback whales. The best time for whale watching in Mirissa is from November to April when the sea is calm and the whales are migrating.

    Find your accommodation

    You can book your accommodation at a discounted rate through hotels.colomboexpo.com. This website offers a wide range of hotels near the conference venue, with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, breakfast, airport shuttle, and more. You can compare prices of different hotels and choose the one that suits your needs and budget. This facility is only available for registered users.

    If you have any accommodation/ travel/tour related inquiries, please contact +94725935559 or email to us on contact@travelmyasia.com .