Living in Colombo: the ultimate expat guide

Colombo's employment landscape has evolved significantly, with unemployment reaching a historic low of 3.8% in the second quarter of 2025, according to Sri Lanka's Department of Census and Statistics. The capital drives the country's economic growth through diverse sectors including information technology, financial services, shipping logistics, and tourism. The Port City Colombo development has attracted over 100 companies as authorized businesses, spanning IT, finance, professional services, and global capability centers.

Key Employment Sectors

The IT and business process outsourcing sector represents Colombo's fastest-growing industry, with over 500 companies operating across banking, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing. Major employers include Virtusa, HCL Technologies, and Microsoft, offering competitive salaries for skilled professionals. The financial services sector has expanded significantly with the development of Port City Colombo's Special Economic Zone, which provides tax incentives and operates in designated foreign currencies. Tourism and hospitality continue to generate substantial employment, while the apparel industry and shipping logistics remain traditional strongholds. The Port of Colombo, South Asia's largest transshipment hub, creates opportunities in maritime services.

Salaries and Work Permits

Average monthly salaries vary considerably by sector and experience. Software engineers earn between LKR 120,000 to LKR 350,000 (approximately $400 to $1,200 USD) monthly, while managers average around LKR 225,000 ($750 USD). The overall average salary in Colombo stands at approximately LKR 742,000 annually ($2,465 USD). Foreign nationals require work permits issued by the Department of Immigration and Emigration, typically obtained through employer sponsorship. The Board of Investment facilitates permits for companies operating in special economic zones.

The following table presents key employment indicators for Colombo and Sri Lanka:

Sources: Department of Census and Statistics Sri Lanka, PayScale

Colombo hosts Sri Lanka's premier higher education institutions, attracting both local and international students. The city's universities offer diverse programs from undergraduate to doctoral levels, with many courses taught in English. The academic environment combines rigorous standards with affordable tuition compared to Western universities, making Colombo an accessible destination for tertiary education.

University of Colombo

Founded in 1921, the University of Colombo stands as Sri Lanka's oldest and most prestigious institution, occupying a 50-acre campus in the heart of Cinnamon Gardens (Colombo 7). The university comprises 10 faculties with 68 academic departments, plus institutes, centers, and a computing school. With over 11,000 students, it offers programs across arts, science, medicine, law, management, and technology. The institution ranks within the 1001-1200 bracket in QS World University Rankings 2026 and maintains partnerships with universities in Sweden, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, and Australia. International students benefit from exchange programs, with tuition fees waived under certain agreements. The university provides support for accommodation and visa applications through its International Unit.

Visit the official website: University of Colombo

Admission and Costs

International undergraduate admissions typically require three Advanced Level passes or equivalent qualifications in relevant subjects. English proficiency is essential as most lectures are conducted in English. Application processes vary by faculty, with medicine requiring particularly competitive grades. The university operates on a two-semester system from August to December and January to June. While tuition costs remain significantly lower than Western institutions, international students should budget for living expenses, health insurance, and materials. Postgraduate programs welcome international applicants through the Faculty of Graduate Studies, with research opportunities available across multiple disciplines.

Sri Lanka actively welcomes international retirees through its My Dream Home program, offering a pathway for financially independent seniors to establish residence in this tropical island nation. Colombo serves as the administrative center for visa processing and provides access to quality healthcare, diverse housing options, and a comfortable climate. The country's affordable cost of living, combined with modern amenities and natural beauty, makes it an attractive retirement destination in South Asia.

My Dream Home Retirement Visa

The Sri Lankan government's official retirement program targets individuals aged 55 and above from all recognized countries. The visa is issued for two-year periods and can be renewed indefinitely. Successful applicants can bring their spouse and unmarried children under 18 as dependents. Key financial requirements include depositing $15,000 USD or equivalent in foreign currency into a fixed deposit account at an approved Sri Lankan bank, plus demonstrating monthly remittances of $1,500 USD for the principal applicant and $750 USD for each dependent into a savings or current account.

Applications must be submitted to the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo, with decisions typically provided within two weeks. Required documents include a completed residence visa application form, valid passport copies, proof of financial capability through bank statements, evidence of pension or superannuation income, a police clearance certificate valid for six months, marriage certificate if applicable, and valid medical insurance covering Sri Lanka. The application fee is $150 USD, with visa fees totaling LKR 40,000 ($133 USD). Visa holders cannot engage in paid or unpaid employment but may withdraw interest from their fixed deposit for living expenses.

Healthcare and Lifestyle

Sri Lanka offers both public and private healthcare systems. The public system provides free universal healthcare with well-equipped facilities, though waiting times can be lengthy. Most expat retirees opt for private hospitals such as Lanka Hospital, Asiri Medical Centre, and Nawaloka Hospital, which offer world-class care with English-speaking staff at costs significantly lower than Western countries. Medical insurance covering Sri Lanka is mandatory for visa holders. Many private facilities accept international insurance.

Retirees typically settle in areas like Colombo 7, Galle, Kandy's hill country, or coastal towns like Mount Lavinia and Arugam Bay. Housing options range from modern apartments in the city to colonial-era villas and beachfront properties. The tropical climate remains warm year-round, eliminating heating costs but requiring air conditioning during hot periods. Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage, UNESCO World Heritage sites, national parks with elephants and leopards, and pristine beaches provide endless exploration opportunities. The friendly local population, diverse cuisine, and growing expat community contribute to a welcoming retirement environment.

Colombo provides comprehensive education options for expat families, ranging from international schools following British, American, or International Baccalaureate curricula to national schools offering the Sri Lankan system. The city's international schools maintain high academic standards and offer smooth transitions for children relocating from abroad. Most expat families choose international institutions for continuity in their children's education and English-medium instruction.

International Schools

The Overseas School of Colombo (OSC), founded in 1957, offers all three IB programs from early years through grade 12. Located in Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, OSC enrolled 309 students in 2023-2024, with 72 US citizens and 183 third-country nationals. Annual tuition ranges from $12,960 for early years to $27,840 for grades 9-12, plus a one-time registration fee between $2,000 and $15,000. The school offers extensive facilities including science labs, a 25-meter swimming pool, and sports fields.

The British School in Colombo, located in Colombo 8, follows the English National Curriculum leading to IGCSEs and A Levels. The school accommodates students aged 2½ to 18 years across nursery to Year 13. Colombo International School, established in 1982 with campuses in Colombo 7 and Kandy, provides British curriculum education through Edexcel IGCSE and A Level examinations. The main branch admits approximately 1,600 students annually. Gateway College offers comprehensive education from kindergarten through advanced levels, while Lyceum International School provides Cambridge IGCSE and A Level programs with branches across Colombo including Nugegoda.

Enrollment and Requirements

International school admissions typically require previous school reports, entrance assessments in English and Mathematics, and an informal interview. Applications are accepted throughout the year, though popular schools maintain waiting lists, particularly for certain grades. Parents should apply well in advance to secure placement. Required documents include valid passports, student visa documentation, immunization records, and proof of residence in Colombo. Schools are concentrated in residential areas like Colombo 7 (Cinnamon Gardens), Colombo 5 (Havelock Town), Battaramulla, and Nugegoda, providing convenient access for families living in these expat-friendly neighborhoods.

Colombo's housing market offers diverse options from colonial villas to modern high-rise apartments, with rental costs significantly lower than regional hubs like Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. The city's postal districts define distinct neighborhoods, each with unique character and amenities. Expats typically gravitate toward areas offering security, accessibility to international schools, and proximity to commercial centers.

Popular Expat Neighborhoods

Colombo 7 (Cinnamon Gardens) represents the city's most prestigious district, featuring tree-lined streets, colonial architecture, and proximity to diplomatic missions. This area hosts the National Museum, University of Colombo, and numerous international schools. Properties command premium prices, with houses renting for LKR 500,000 to LKR 1,400,000 monthly ($1,650 to $4,650 USD). Colombo 3 (Kollupitiya) serves as a central commercial district with shopping malls, restaurants, and financial institutions. Its convenient location makes it popular among working professionals. Colombo 5 (Havelock Town, Kirulapone) has emerged as an up-and-coming residential area with modern apartment complexes and excellent connectivity. The district includes leading hospitals like Lanka Hospital and Asiri Medical Centre. Colombo 8 offers colonial charm with properties near Beira Lake, while suburban areas like Rajagiriya, Nugegoda, and Battaramulla provide more spacious housing at lower costs.

Rental Procedures and Costs

One-bedroom apartments in city center locations cost approximately LKR 60,000 to LKR 70,000 monthly ($200 to $233 USD), while outside the center, prices drop to LKR 38,000 to LKR 50,000 ($126 to $166 USD). Three-bedroom apartments in prime areas range from LKR 150,000 to LKR 300,000 monthly ($500 to $1,000 USD). Landlords typically request advance payment equivalent to 3 to 6 months' rent as deposit. Rental agreements should clearly specify terms, security deposits, utility responsibilities, and maintenance arrangements. Foreign nationals can rent properties freely but should ensure leases exceeding 12 months are properly registered. Real estate agencies like LankaPropertyWeb and Expat Homes specialize in assisting international tenants. Properties vary from unfurnished to fully furnished, with modern apartments offering amenities like air conditioning, hot water, security, and parking facilities.

Colombo's leisure scene combines coastal recreation, historical exploration, and contemporary entertainment. The city's tropical location provides year-round opportunities for outdoor activities, while its colonial past and multicultural present create a rich cultural tapestry. From beach sunsets to museum visits, Colombo offers diverse experiences for residents and visitors.

Cultural Attractions and Museums

The National Museum of Colombo, established in 1877, stands as Sri Lanka's largest museum in an elegant Italianate building on a 50-acre campus in Colombo 7. The museum displays over 100,000 artifacts spanning ancient kingdoms through colonial periods, including the royal throne of King Wimaladharmasuriya II from 1693 and 9th-century Bodhisattva Sandals. Entry costs LKR 1,000 for adults ($3.33 USD). The museum opens daily from 9am to 5pm except national holidays. The adjacent Natural History Museum can be visited with a combined ticket.

Gangaramaya Temple, located near Beira Lake, serves simultaneously as a place of worship, museum, and learning center. This 120-year-old Buddhist temple complex features intricate architecture, a library, and collections of vintage cars and religious artifacts. Independence Square showcases the Independence Memorial Hall, a stone edifice commemorating Sri Lanka's 1948 independence from Britain. The monument, loosely based on Kandy's Audience Hall, sits within palm-lined gardens in Colombo 7. The Dutch Hospital, dating to the early 1600s, has been beautifully restored into a dining and shopping precinct with boutiques and restaurants.

Outdoor Activities and Entertainment

Galle Face Green, a 5-hectare oceanfront park, serves as Colombo's social gathering space. This promenade comes alive each evening with families, kite flyers, and food vendors selling isso wade (prawn fritters), kottu roti, and fresh coconuts. The spectacular sunset over the Indian Ocean draws crowds daily. The colonial-era Galle Face Hotel overlooks the park. Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo's largest public park, features superb tree cover, walking paths, and recreational facilities. Beira Lake in the city center provides serene views and houses the floating Seema Malaka temple, used primarily for meditation.

The Pettah Market offers an authentic Sri Lankan shopping experience with vendors selling everything from textiles to electronics in bustling lanes. Odel and modern shopping malls like Colombo City Centre provide air-conditioned comfort and international brands. Sports enthusiasts can access facilities at the Royal Colombo Golf Club, various tennis clubs, and coastal water sports. The city's restaurant scene ranges from fine dining establishments in Colombo 7 to authentic street food experiences. Nightlife centers around bars and lounges in major hotels and entertainment districts.

Daily life in Colombo blends tropical living with urban convenience, where modern shopping malls coexist with traditional markets, and Buddhist temples stand beside colonial churches. The city operates at a relaxed pace compared to other Asian capitals, though traffic congestion during peak hours tests patience. English is widely spoken in commercial areas, making daily interactions straightforward for expats.

Transportation Options

Public transport in Colombo relies primarily on an extensive bus network operated by the state-run Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and private companies. Red government buses offer cheaper fares and follow fixed routes, while blue private buses charge slightly more but operate more frequently. The government launched the Metro Bus Company initiative in 2025, introducing 100 luxury low-entry buses along major corridors including Kottawa-Pettah, Kadawatha-Pettah, and Moratuwa-Pettah. These modern buses feature digital systems and improved comfort.

The railway system connects Colombo to major cities including Kandy, Galle, and coastal areas. Trains offer scenic journeys with first-class, second-class, and third-class compartments. Three-wheelers (tuk-tuks) provide convenient point-to-point transport throughout the city. Apps like PickMe and Uber offer metered rates, while traditional tuk-tuks require negotiation. A ride within Colombo typically costs LKR 200 to LKR 500 ($0.66 to $1.66 USD). Private car hire and international ride-sharing services operate citywide. The long-planned Light Rail Transit (LRT) system from Colombo to Malabe remains under development with Japanese funding.

Lifestyle and Culture

Colombo's tropical climate maintains temperatures between 25°C and 31°C (77°F to 88°F) year-round, with monsoon seasons from May to August and November to January. Air conditioning becomes essential in homes and workplaces. The city offers diverse dining from street food vendors at Galle Face Green to upscale restaurants in Colombo 7. Fresh produce markets operate daily, while supermarkets like Cargills, Keells, and Arpico provide familiar shopping experiences. Banking services include international branches, and most establishments accept credit cards. The dress code remains casual though conservative, particularly when visiting religious sites. The multicultural population celebrates various festivals including Sinhala New Year, Vesak, Ramadan, and Christmas, creating a vibrant cultural calendar.

Colombo offers significantly lower living costs compared to major Asian cities and Western capitals, though it ranks as the second most expensive city in South Asia after the Maldives. According to Numbeo data for 2025, the estimated monthly costs for a single person total approximately LKR 154,000 to LKR 506,000 ($513 to $1,685 USD) excluding rent, while a family of four requires around LKR 574,000 ($1,911 USD) excluding accommodation. These figures can vary based on lifestyle choices, with expats maintaining Western standards spending more than those adapting to local consumption patterns.

Monthly Budget for a Single Person

The following table outlines typical monthly expenses for a single person living in Colombo, excluding rent:

Sources: Numbeo Colombo

Monthly Budget for a Family of Four

Families with children face higher expenses, particularly for international schooling and larger accommodation:

Note: International school fees represent the largest expense for expat families. Costs vary significantly by institution and grade level.

Sources: Numbeo Colombo, Overseas School of Colombo