Explore Sri Lanka with Ami

  🌴💰 Using Sri Lankan Money – A Simple Guide for Tourists 💰🌴 Visiting Sri Lanka is a dream — from golden beaches to misty hills and vibrant markets. Before you dive into shopping, tuk-tuk rides, or savoring local cuisine, let’s talk about money ! Knowing how to use Sri Lankan currency will make your trip smoother, safer, and more enjoyable. 💵 Sri Lankan Currency Basics Sri Lanka’s official currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR / Rs.) . Coins : Rs. 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 Banknotes : Rs. 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000 💡 Tip: Keep small notes and coins for tuk-tuks, street vendors, and markets. 💳 Paying in Shops & Markets Big shops, hotels, and malls: You can usually pay by credit or debit card . Street markets, local stalls, tuk-tuks: You must use cash , ideally small denominations like Rs. 50, 100, or 500. Ask politely: “Pinhasi thiyenavada?” ( Do you have change? ) if paying with large bills. Bonus Phrase: To ask the price in Sinhala...

  𝐒𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 – 𝐊𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐝𝐢 𝐏𝐨𝐨𝐣𝐚 \ On my journey along Nawalapitiya Road, I had the blessing of witnessing the Kavadi Pooja — a ritual that is both powerful and heart-touching. This spiritual pageant is part of the Thaipusam festival, dedicated to Lord Murugan (Kataragama Deviyo). It is an act of faith, sacrifice, and devotion. A devotee I spoke with explained: When someone is very sick, when children are born with disabilities, or when a family faces deep troubles, they make a “bara” (vow) to God. They pray for help and promise: “If we are healed or blessed, we will return and perform Kavadi as an offering.” Later, as “bara oppu kirīma” (fulfilling the vow), the family performs this sacred ritual — piercing, carrying kavadis, and offering milk — to honor their promise. For the devotees, piercing the skin with hooks or spears is not about pain, but about purification, healing, and surrender to the divine. The atmosphere was filled with chants, music, colo...

  𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐄𝐓𝐘 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐄 – 𝐃𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐫𝐢 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐚 Your safety comes first – enjoy Sri L anka responsibly. According to Police, 𝟐𝟓𝟕 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐝𝐮𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐬𝐨 𝐟𝐚𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫. Among them are 𝟑𝟕 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝟐𝟐𝟎 𝐦𝐞𝐧. The Police Life-Saving Unit has also successfully 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞𝐝 𝟑𝟑 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 who were at risk of drowning. (Colombo, August 17 (Daily Mirror) Tourists and locals are kindly reminded: • Always swim in designated safe areas. • Follow lifeguard instructions. • Avoid swimming under the influence of alcohol. • Be extra cautious in rivers, lakes, and rough seas. Your safety comes first – enjoy Sri Lanka responsibly. #SriLanka #TravelSafety #DrowningPrevention #ExploreSriLankaWithAmi #authentictravelcounselling #travelcounselling 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐮𝐬: 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐬?...