FAQ - Travel to Sri Lanka and Weligama Conference Guide

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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 (SriLankan Airlines):

Melbourne → Colombo | Arr: 10:25 pm | Duration: 10h 45m

Sydney → Colombo |  Arr: 10:55 pm | Duration:11h 15m

One-Stop Flights:

From Melbourne 

Singapore Airlines via Singapore | Arr: 10:345 pm | Duration:15h 40m

Malaysian Airlines via Malaysia | Arr: 0955 | Duration:14h 55m

Singapore Airlines via Singapore Duration:| Arr: 11:35 pm | Duration:12h 25m

Malaysia Airlines via Kuala Lumpur  | Arr: 10:55 pm | Duration:14h

Qantas + SriLankan via Singapore | Arr: 9:10 pm | Duration:14h 35m

Thai Airways via Bangkok  | Arr: 11:55 pm |Duration: 14h 55m

* Most of the the flights from Australia arrive late in SL time. It will be safe for you to travel to your destination even during these late hours. 

* Reputed travel agents are recommended. Please refer to our recommended travel options.  

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 in evenings
• 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.

SIM Cards:

• Available at airport (Dialog & Mobitel).
• Airport counter may be busy to pick up these sims. 
• Roaming services are readily available for Australian telecommunication services. 

Porter Service:

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

Yes, if:

• Comfortable with ~ 2.5h travel.  

             (travel  is safe during any time of the day) 

Consider stopover if:

• With children.
• Prefer rest before travel.

Stopovers: pls see below. 

1. Vivanta Colombo – Airport Garden Hotel
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. Jetwing Eco Holidays
Jetwing Eco Holidays, is in the process of arranging exclusive pre-conference accommodation options for emx participants. Details will be shared soon.

3. Other options.
Negombo and Colombo are recommended.

• Negombo is closer 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. 

All recommended travel partners offer a Meet and Greet service at the Colombo international Airport for your convenience and safety.

1. Kangaroo Cabs

A reliable and well-established cab service offering Meet and Greet assistance and comfortable vehicles for your onward travel.

2. VIVANTA Colombo – Airport Garden Hotel
Guests staying at Vivanta can book a Meet and Greet airport transfer for an additional fee (USD 15). This service includes assistance upon arrival and transfer directly to the hotel.

3. Jetwing Eco Travels
Jetwing Eco Travels provides personalised Meet and Greet services with guided transfers, ensuring a smooth and comfortable start to your journey.

• Approx. 2.5 hours by car (172 km).
• Request expressway (otherwise 5h+).
• Marriott reception open 24/7.
• Colombo Airport is the only entry point.
• Travel is safe day & night.

Recommended:

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

Not Recommended:

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

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.

- The above rate includes single | double occupancy.

- From June 29th- July 02nd only. 

- Room rates and availability valid till 30th December 2025.

-Further details and terms and conditions upon registration. 

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

Click here to explore Jetwing Eco’s customised EMX travel experiences. 

Click here for Welligma Marriott Experiences page. 

These tours may also be organised with different tour guides of your choice. 

• Wildlife & Nature: Yala National Park, Udawalawe National Park, Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary.
• Diving & Marine Life: Hikkaduwa, Mirissa beach
• Temples & Shrines: Weherahena, Wewrukannala, Mulkirigala, Katharagama.

• 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. 
• Affordable tourist packages.
• 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.

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR).

• Yes. Peaceful, family-friendly, safe for solo travellers.
• Locals are welcoming and helpful.

• Respect elders. 
• Visitors treated with kindness.

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