Pros and Cons of Living in Sri Lanka
Last updated on Jul 27, 2023
Summary: The pros of living in Sri Lanka include its beautiful scenery, friendly people, and rich culture. The country is known for its stunning beaches, lush jungles, and ancient ruins. Additionally, Sri Lanka is a very affordable place to live, with a low cost of living and a wide variety of affordable housing options. The people of Sri Lanka are also very welcoming and friendly, making it a great place to make new friends. Finally, Sri Lanka is home to a rich culture, with a variety of religions, languages, and traditions. The cons of living in Sri Lanka include its lack of infrastructure and economic development. The country is still recovering from a long civil war, and many areas lack basic amenities such as reliable electricity and running water. Additionally, the country is still struggling with poverty and inequality, and there is a lack of job opportunities for many people. Finally, the country is prone to natural disasters such as floods and cyclones, which can cause significant damage and disruption.
What are the pros and cons of living in Sri Lanka?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Sri Lanka responded:
"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the low cost of living in Sri Lanka, as well as the friendly locals and the beautiful scenery. They also enjoy the country's rich culture and history, as well as the variety of activities available. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the infrastructure and public transportation lacking, as well as the slow internet speeds. Additionally, the hot and humid climate can be a challenge for some," remarked one expat in Sri Lanka.

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What do expats in Sri Lanka appreciate most about the local culture?
"Friendliness of people and their willingness to help you at every turn. I was working in London and Latvia before and I was depressed then due to the fact that I did not find genuine people around me," remarked one in Colombo.
"Expats in Sri Lanka appreciate the country's rich cultural heritage, which is evident in its vibrant festivals, colorful traditional dress, and delicious cuisine. They also enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals, who are known for their friendliness and willingness to help. Additionally, expats appreciate the country's stunning natural beauty, with its lush jungles, stunning beaches, and majestic mountains. Finally, expats enjoy the country's relaxed pace of life, which allows them to take the time to explore and appreciate all that Sri Lanka has to offer," explained one expat.
"It is clean, people are more educated amongst south Asian people, nature is beautiful, weather is nice, great fruits and sea food," said one person in Colombo .

SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
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SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
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What do expats find most challenging?
"Expats in Sri Lanka often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to. Many find the language barrier to be a challenge, as English is not widely spoken outside of the major cities. Additionally, the local customs and etiquette can be difficult to navigate, as Sri Lanka has a very distinct culture and set of social norms. Expats may also find the climate to be difficult to adjust to, as Sri Lanka is a tropical country with high temperatures and humidity. Finally, the cost of living in Sri Lanka can be higher than what expats are used to, making it difficult to budget and plan for their stay," said one expat in Sri Lanka.
"Everything is so slow. People are very proud and stubborn at times. They smile a lot, but the smile doesn't always feel sincere. There is a lack of problem solving orientation. Prices are quite high for some items and especially for foreigners. Old cars are being driven and they are very polluting," said a person living in Colombo .
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Sri Lanka Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Sri Lanka
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Sri Lanka
- Best Places to Live in Sri Lanka
- Guide to Real Estate in Sri Lanka
- Pros & Cons of Living in Sri Lanka
- Cost of Living in Sri Lanka
- Enrolling in the Public Healthcare System in Sri Lanka
- How to Get a Driver's License in Sri Lanka
- 10 Best Places to Live on the Coast in Sri Lanka
- Understanding the Health System in Sri Lanka
- Pros and Cons of Living in Sri Lanka 2025