FAQ - Travel to Sri Lanka and Weligama Conference Guide

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emx is designed for emergency physicians, trainees, junior medical officers, nurses, nurse practitioners, paramedics, pharmacists, allied health professionals, and all clinicians involved in front line emergency care. 

Sri Lanka is served by both direct and one-stop flights.

Pls see below for times of arrival at Colombo Airport and Durations. 

Direct Flights:

10 - 11h 

SriLankan Airlines: 

One-Stop Flights: 

14- 15 hours 

Singapore Airlines, Malaysian Airlines,  Qantas + SriLankan , Thai Airways   

From Melbourne :  Singapore airlines , Malaysian Airlines 

From Sydney: Malaysian Airlines 

From Brisbane : Singapore Airlines 

From Perth:  Singapore airlines , Malaysian Airlines 

• Single terminal, expansion underway.
• Buzzing and safe. 
• Colombo city ~40 minutes away by car.
• No train/express bus, use Taxi or Uber.

Visa Process:

• Online ETA 
• On-arrival visa ~USD 69 (credit card accepted)

Currency Exchange:

• Airport counters 24/7.
• Better rates at: HSBC, NDB, Bank of Ceylon, Peoples Bank, Commercial Bank.
  

Porter Service:

• ~LKR 1000 (~AUD 5) for 4 bags, LKR 250 (AUD ~1.25) per extra bag.

• Approx. 2.5 hours by car/taxi (172 km).
• Request expressway (otherwise 5h+).
• Marriott reception open 24/7.
• Colombo Airport is the only entry point.
• Travel is safe day & night.
• There are no domestic flights or train services directly from Airport. 

Recommended:

• Kangaroo Cabs. ( 160 ~ 170 AUD) 

- offers Meet and greet service at the airport. 

• Jetwing Eco- Travels.

- offers Meet and greet service at the airport. 

• Airport Taxis (24/7).
• Marriott Transport Desk (Pre-booked: +94 41 4600 100).
• Uber [~LKR 25,000 ( ~ 125 AUD) , choose larger vehicles]

Not Recommended:

• Public transport (slow, multiple transfers).
• Tuk-tuks (unsafe, not allowed on expressway).

1. Vivanta Colombo – Airport Garden Hotel
Located 15mins drive from the airport. 

emx has obtained a special promotional rate for emx participants from Vivanta. Vivanta also offers a meet-and-greet service from the airport and hotel transfer for a fee of USD 15.
click here for booking details and rate information.

2. Other options.
Negombo and Colombo are recommended.

• Negombo is closer ( 20 mins) to the airport and offers a range of hotels.
• Colombo is about 45 minutes away and provides more high-end options.

For peace of mind, we strongly recommend booking with reputed hotels or travel operators. 

Yes. 

You’ll receive a booking link in your registration confirmation email. Please check the “Additional Information” section in that email — the accommodation booking link will be included there.

175 USD( net price)  per night. Superior Ocean View room, inclusive of bed and breakfast.

From June 29th- July 02nd only. 

Yes, 

Book the room provided using the link sent to you upon registration. You can contact the hotel with the booking reference to apply the discount to your upgraded room. 

for assistance contact:  

Ms. Raveera  Wickramasinghe | Assistant Sales Manager
T +94 414 600 100 

e: Shrishani.R.Wickramasinghe@marriotthotels.com

• Ambulance: 110 / 1990
• Police: 119
• Tourist Police: +94 112 421 052
• Australian High Commission: +94 112 463 200

• Buy a local SIM (Dialog or Mobitel) at the airport. Also available telecommunication outlets. 
• Roaming services from your original country 

Yes, your registration ticket includes access to the Gala Dinner.
If you wish to bring a guest, please purchase a separate Gala Dinner ticket for them.
Children under 6 years of age are welcome to attend free of charge.

• Yes, commonly used as a second language.
• Most locals will assist if asked.