Sri Lanka Sojourn - The Beginning

Time flies! It will be a shame to think otherwise, when you reflect. It was early April last year (2019) when I was flying to Mumbai from Bhubaneswar to attend the interview for the role in Sri Lanka and here comes another April of our lives - wherein I and my wife have spent nearly an year in the country - however, which has brought so much of uncertainty to the fabric of normalcy in our lives, with the fight against Corona Virus taking centre-stage across the world. An April wherein I cannot be back to my home land, even if I choose to!

This year has been a steep learning curve both in my professional as well as personal life. Knowing how to be living in a distant country, learning the "dos & the don'ts", exploring the culture, the language and so many other aspects of the daily life has been fulfilling. Learning the nuances of the Foreign Trade has also been very gratifying. Couldn't thank my organization enough for the opportunity to live the "experiences".

I remember my first visit to the Pearl of the Indian Ocean in the night of May 02, 2019 - the palpable tension in the air due to the horrific blasts which had taken place 10 days before - the frequent checks by armed security personnel - the uneasy quietness prevailing in the roads - and yet the unmistakable friendliness and warmth exuded by the people. The politeness and easy going nature of Sri Lankans was easy to spot and I knew then & there that we as a family will enjoy this beautiful island country.

Before I had landed in the country, I had a very pleasant experience pertaining to the VISA procedures. Must compliment the Dept of Immigration & Emigration, SL for the same. I remember sitting in the aircraft at Bhubaneswar, taxiing to the runway while I submitted my online Business VISA Application through my mobile, a bit apprehensive as to the timeline the dept will take to approve the same, and lo behold within two minutes and before the aircraft took flight for Chennai, I received an email alert confirming the approval of the Business VISA! Must say was mightily impressed with the professionalism!

Another pleasant experience was that as I was carrying an International Debit Cards (ICICI / SBI), both worked perfectly in the ATMs in Sri Lanka. I understand that there would have been some charges - however, I could withdraw LKR from the ATMs. I had also carried a ICICI Travel Card loaded with few USD and the same could be used in all POS machines in Sri Lanka.

Uber / Pickme are two most popular apps to cover all your transportation requirements and in the Airport there are a plethora of cab agencies (incl a govt one) to choose from.

I also had activated my Airtel Sim for international roaming and the Airport has free Wi-Fi access which you can log into without going through the tedious process of OTP and stuff! 

In the fortnight I spent in Colombo, got the chance to get acquainted with the spicy yet delicious Sri Lankan Cuisines of Hoppers, Sambols, Coconuts, Fish / Chicken Curries; however, being a person who loves bakery good, loved the Paan (bread)! Also noticed the culture of cafes here, which dotted every lanes in Colombo wherein the famous Sri Lankan Tea & Coffee were a staple.

I had stayed for 15 days in Colombo for the initial visit and I saw the country take the onus of gradually settling in and leaving behind the scars of the horrific blasts; however, which struck me that though there was decisiveness in dealing with the radicals by the nations' Army but the political indecisiveness to act to prevent this "war" on the nation and its economy due to the then ongoing struggles between the country's topmost legislative executives. I understood later that this had a profound effect on the Elections which was conducted later in the year.

I had bid adieu to the country in the early hours of May 14, 2019 (if I recall correctly) amidst a declared curfew; however without any hassles as transportation to&fro the airport was well taken care of. I hoped fervently that the security and economic stability return to this beautiful nation at the earliest!

to be continued...