Sam Sultan
@samsrilanka
Canadian expat in Sri Lanka
Forum posts
71
Contacts
17
About me
Canadian
Lives in Colombo
Speaks English, Hindi, French
Registration: 12 April 2012
Opening a small business in Sri Lanka by faisal67
hi, my name is faisal muzaffar, iam originally an English Professor got Phd from usa. iam interested in opening a small business where i can bring some delicious and spicy snacks from pakistan and sell it ina shop where there is good traffic and ...
The Board of Investment in SrI Lanka is only entertaining new foreign investments of over USD 500,000! We have a BOI approved private limited company, registered over 12 years ago, for sale to a foreigner, for only $50,000! You can get RESIDENCE ... Read More
Driving licenses by thanhgiang2303
Hi, my name is Jane and I recently move to Colombo. I'm planning to buy a motorbike, I like driving myself to work instead of get on a tuktuk. But the thing is I don't have a driving license. I used to live in Vietnam and it was so easy to ...
Hassan, normally I would not get involved in other's replies, but I can't help but see that you have completely misunderstood the situation, and the person, and the query. She already has said that she has been driving around in her country ... Read More
Extending 30 day visa
Annie, overstaying your visa in third world countries is not the smartest of things to do, there are many countries in which you could easily be jailed. I understand your age, but you seem to be aware that you are overstaying, without even ... Read More
Back to Paradise
Sorry for the late reply, pls consider Negombo Beach, it is now only 30 minutes fast drive to Colombo on the new airport highway, and the properties and cost of life here is extremely cheap, compared to Colombo. Good Luck! Read More
Buying property by kesfromoz
Buying property as an expat is very risky, yes??? I am Australian and looking for a holiday house in Asia.
Sorry for the late reply, it is not really possible for a foreigner to purchase lands in Sri Lanka at the moment without a very large investment and all kinds of government special approvals. However, you may be able to buy land if you have a 51% ... Read More
What kind of "very very small bussines" could I start in Lanka? by Guest9021
Hello everyone I want to shift to lanka and I'm thinking to start a very small bussines there to earn a way of living, but I don't have too much money to invest can some one give me some advice about what kind of "very very small ...
There seems to be a lot of conflicting information on this thread, as per my experience, there is really no bar in setting up any type of business for foreigners in Sri Lanka. You do not need to go to the B.O.I. unless it is a large business. The ... Read More
Purchasing land with a cash cheque by Laurie Lee
Hi all, My wife and I ( Londoners) are about to complete on a land purchase in south Sri Lanka. We are buying from a Local ( villager ) and our agent has just informed us The seller wants the money in cash...having a little google and it seems ...
Sorry for the delay, if it's any good to you, an alternative may be to pay your (reputable) lawyer by cheque in his or his firm's name, get a proper receipt which clearly states what the money is for, and you are fairly safe, because if ... Read More
Driving licenses by thanhgiang2303
Hi, my name is Jane and I recently move to Colombo. I'm planning to buy a motorbike, I like driving myself to work instead of get on a tuktuk. But the thing is I don't have a driving license. I used to live in Vietnam and it was so easy to ...
Hi Jane, if you have a Residence Visa here in Sri Lanka, it is VERY easy to get a license, just go to the Driving License Office in the morning and you should have a license within a couple of hours! If you don't, you may still be able to get a ... Read More
Comedy Club
WOW, didn't know I had so many choices for comedy in KL!!! Thanks a million!!! Read More
Comedy Club
Anybody want to join me for a evening of laughter at the Crackhouse Comedy Club, on Saturday, 26th November???? Address is: 1st Floor 24A, Lorong Rahim Kajai 14, TTDI, 60000 KL (very close to 1Utama Mall I ... Read More
Opening a small business in Sri Lanka by faisal67
hi, my name is faisal muzaffar, iam originally an English Professor got Phd from usa. iam interested in opening a small business where i can bring some delicious and spicy snacks from pakistan and sell it ina shop where there is good traffic and ...
Hi Zee, I was only interested in this because the fellow was talking about doing motorcycle parts and touring and EXPORTING his products, ALL of which should be good for the country... I am so sad that previous governments have wasted so much ... Read More
Opening a small business in Sri Lanka by faisal67
hi, my name is faisal muzaffar, iam originally an English Professor got Phd from usa. iam interested in opening a small business where i can bring some delicious and spicy snacks from pakistan and sell it ina shop where there is good traffic and ...
IGNORE the naysayers, Simon, we have in place a foreign investment friendly government, and there are many ways of happily coming and settling down, just give me a pm when you're here! Cheers! Read More
Opening a small business in Sri Lanka by faisal67
hi, my name is faisal muzaffar, iam originally an English Professor got Phd from usa. iam interested in opening a small business where i can bring some delicious and spicy snacks from pakistan and sell it ina shop where there is good traffic and ...
I had it done within 24 hours for my daughter last year. But I would allow for 48 hours, to be on the safe side. If you need any help when you're here, just pm me. Happy Journey! Read More
what are the pros and cons in Sri Lanka ? by Chillington
Hello, My name is Steve, my wife and I have recently returned from Sri Lanka. This was our second visit to Sri Lanka and will probably come back for a 3rd time in the next couple of years. We are seriously thinking about retiring out there and will ...
As foreigners ourselves, very happily living in Sri Lanka, I was really shocked and surprised to read some of the extremely negative posts on this forum, and have really been trying to figure out the reason for it, because every single foreigner ... Read More
Opening a small business in Sri Lanka by faisal67
hi, my name is faisal muzaffar, iam originally an English Professor got Phd from usa. iam interested in opening a small business where i can bring some delicious and spicy snacks from pakistan and sell it ina shop where there is good traffic and ...
Hi Simon, hope you're on your way to Sri Lanka! From your experience with the trade counsellor, I suppose you have an idea that things are not the same here, as in your home country... and you're right. In Sri Lanka, it is the norm to do ... Read More
Overseas pension tax
Sorry for the delay. According to my accountant, you can set it up so that your pension comes in each month as your foreign income to qualify for the Sri Lanka Retirement Visa and it will not be taxed if you can sucessfully structure it that ... Read More
Best cities to live in Sri Lanka
After trying Colombo and it's immediate suburbs for years (Dehiwela, Wellawatte), we found NEGOMBO beach, and it's simply PARADISE for us! And only 15 minutes to the airport, and 30 mins to Colombo whenever we require! Ahhhhh, ... Read More
Does Lanka need a magician to perform in hotels,for kids,on weddings?
You know, at the speed that Sri Lanka is growing, I think there would definately be an opportunity for you to find work, the only thing is, since this is a fairly undeveloped concept, you would probably need to "market" yourself, by ... Read More
sea place
Marco, almost all of Sri Lanka is MUCH safer than many, many other countries, so that should not be a great worry for you. Additionally, there are SO MANY seaside villages you could live in, because Sri Lanka is basically a fairly small island ... Read More
Buying property in Sri Lanka by Christine
Hi, can a foreigner buy property in Sri Lanka? If so, is it complicated? What is the process of purchasing a property in Sri Lanka? Any tips for buying property, such as a check-list of items to verify ? Thanks in advance for ...
:) GREAT NEWS everybody, the "new" Government has proposed a complete change of stance on retrictions on foreigners investing in Sri Lanka, including removal of the stupid 100% tax on 99 year leases, etc. etc. I think it will make things ... Read More
Looking for international school... by ncls8888
Dear parents, Anticipating a future relocation to Colombo, I'm looking for an international school for my two kids (sons) of 9 and 11 years old. They are now following an IB curriculum in one of the leading international school of Shanghai. They ...
Lisu, in our experience, N.I.C.E. International School was the most appropriate for our son, it is comparitively cheaper, and has much smaller classrooms of 10-15 students only, mostly expat students and foreign teachers/principal. Additionally, ... Read More
construction cost in Colombo, per square feet? by vivah
Hi, I would like to know the building cost per square feet ?, this is to build a 2 bedroom apartment on existing house which currently has ground floor, 1st floor and open Terrace, the 2 bedroom apartment will have to come on the Terrace. anyone ...
No, Thisara, you mentioned TWO FLOORS of 6000 square feet each, and if you divide Rs. 36 Million by 12,000 square feet, you will see that that cost I quoted is only Rs. 3000 per square feet, which is about the lowest that you can get today in Sri ... Read More
construction cost in Colombo, per square feet? by vivah
Hi, I would like to know the building cost per square feet ?, this is to build a 2 bedroom apartment on existing house which currently has ground floor, 1st floor and open Terrace, the 2 bedroom apartment will have to come on the Terrace. anyone ...
Thisara, this should cost you approx. 36 Million or US$250,000 Good Luck! Read More
Set up a company in Maldives by sushanta
We are an internet based education company in India. We want to set up a company in Maldives. Presently, we are subject to the following tax rates in India: Corporate Tax 30% Service Tax 12.36% We have students in about 50+ countries joining our ...
Hi Mishna, yes, I noticed that, but as I am also trying to do what guy wanted, to start a business in Maldives, I just thought that I would take a chance and see if he notices my post and contacts me for future collaboration. By the way, you are SO ... Read More
Russian speaking doctors in Maldives? by ROMA28
Is anybody here in Maldives from russianspesking countries as a doctor? 袩褉懈胁械褌!袣褌芯-褌芯 械褋褌褜 褌褍褌 懈蟹 ...
You could call them on +960 331 6600 and ask for the Russian Doctor..... Read More
Set up a company in Maldives by sushanta
We are an internet based education company in India. We want to set up a company in Maldives. Presently, we are subject to the following tax rates in India: Corporate Tax 30% Service Tax 12.36% We have students in about 50+ countries joining our ...
Hi Sushanta, just came across your posting. Pls have a look at Sri Lanka, I think you will find it much more suitable for your exact purposes, as well as much cheaper than Maldives! If you require any help, please contact me, I am based here, ... Read More
Motorcycle touring business Sri Lanka by Sunsetcoast
Hello Everyone, My name is Chris, I am from Australia. I am thinking of starting a small business in Sri Lanka involving motorcycle touring. Is anybody able to supply me with current information. It appears quite hard to gather the information I ...
Chris, please don't lose hope or faith! Just come down here and get started! Issues like BOI not replying are only due the backward nature of bureaucracy and changes in Government, which are all "teething pains" for a VERY fast ... Read More
Motorcycle touring business Sri Lanka by Sunsetcoast
Hello Everyone, My name is Chris, I am from Australia. I am thinking of starting a small business in Sri Lanka involving motorcycle touring. Is anybody able to supply me with current information. It appears quite hard to gather the information I ...
Clikbill, you are right of-course, about the B.O.I. present investment requirement, but you must be aware that the foreign investment amount to qualify was only USD 50,000 for a very long time, up until the previous Government upped it to something ... Read More
construction cost in Colombo, per square feet? by vivah
Hi, I would like to know the building cost per square feet ?, this is to build a 2 bedroom apartment on existing house which currently has ground floor, 1st floor and open Terrace, the 2 bedroom apartment will have to come on the Terrace. anyone ...
Linisha, I think you should be aware that your project of approx. 2500 square feet is comparitively small, compared to most construction projects presently ongoing in Sri Lanka, even including private homes. There is really no need to get involved ... Read More
Motorcycle touring business Sri Lanka by Sunsetcoast
Hello Everyone, My name is Chris, I am from Australia. I am thinking of starting a small business in Sri Lanka involving motorcycle touring. Is anybody able to supply me with current information. It appears quite hard to gather the information I ...
Hi Chris, no, you do not need a local partner to incorporate a company in Sri Lanka, any type including limited, partnership etc.. You will find insurance is fairly reasonably priced here, and all types are available. Of-course, for your ... Read More
Long stay Sept-Nov 2015 by nigele2
Hi all. Don't know if anyone here can help us but here goes. We planned a 4 week trip to Sri Lanka. As we researched we liked more and more what we saw. As it happens we are semi retired and this year must be out of Spain for 6 months (where ...
Nigel, you would be surprised at how often people from Europe buy a ticket to Sri Lanka, and then buy another ticket from Sri Lanka to other destinations like Maldives or India, not knowing, that if they had bought a ticket to one of those countries ... Read More
Motorcycle touring business Sri Lanka by Sunsetcoast
Hello Everyone, My name is Chris, I am from Australia. I am thinking of starting a small business in Sri Lanka involving motorcycle touring. Is anybody able to supply me with current information. It appears quite hard to gather the information I ...
Chris, please do post the exact information you are looking for, I think you will find many knowledgeable people willing to help you with current answers to your detailed questions! Cheers! Read More
I need some advice/help by aireenuyumi
anybody here can help me? i just wanna know what is the process of going to sri lanka? coz my Bf is a sinhalese we are planning to get marry.. he will sponsor me. any one can tell me what i have to do? do i need to apply for a visa? fiancee visa? ...
Mal, just to correct you a little bit, I don't believe that they should come on a Tourist Visa and try to convert it to a Residential Visa, because the Immigration Dept. is pretty strict about that, supposedly because arriving on a Tourist Visa ... Read More
Long stay Sept-Nov 2015 by nigele2
Hi all. Don't know if anyone here can help us but here goes. We planned a 4 week trip to Sri Lanka. As we researched we liked more and more what we saw. As it happens we are semi retired and this year must be out of Spain for 6 months (where ...
Hi Nigel, believe me, Sri Lanka is not that strict about foreigners visiting for 90 days, like other countries are. In any case, if you are planning on travelling to India as well, and have not bought your ticket, please do look at ... Read More
I need some advice/help by aireenuyumi
anybody here can help me? i just wanna know what is the process of going to sri lanka? coz my Bf is a sinhalese we are planning to get marry.. he will sponsor me. any one can tell me what i have to do? do i need to apply for a visa? fiancee visa? ...
From my personal experience, I can tell you that a TOURIST VISA is very difficult to convert to any other type of visa, so my advice would be, to get a VISIT VISA which you can get from any Sri Lankan Embassy abroad. Then, get married, either ... Read More
New member
Congratulations, the new Government has re-started the process of issuing Dual Citizenships to persons of Sri Lankan origin, but the fees are a bit high, and should be revised, due to the large outcry, I will keep you informed.... Cheers! Read More
Retiring in Sri Lanka - do you have experience about buying a house?? by rosmin63
Hi All, My husband who is Sri Lankan and myself and Australian are thinking of retiring in Sri Lanka in 3 - 5 years. We will travel again there later this year. Just wondering if any other expats have experience in buying a house there. REally ...
Rosmin, you really NEED to come down, look around, and decide on an AREA first, and then choose to either buy or build a home. I don't think this type of decision can be made over the internet!!! You are very lucky having a Sri Lankan husband, ... Read More
Colombo or Kandy? by runningmom
Hello all, I'm in the initial process of discussing a teaching position with CIS schools. Firstly, does anyone have any opinions regarding this school? Secondly, is living in Colombo and travelling on weekends better than living in Kandy? I ...
Running Mom, I am really confused, as I believe everyone else who has posted also are. Are you hoping to get a position at CIS Colombo or Kandy???? Because you mention living in Colombo and travelling to Kandy on weekends??? Anyway, please ... Read More
Visiting Srilanka as a tourist. Need advises. by schaz
Hi all, I'm one of the senior EB members from Oman forum. I'll be visiting Srilanka during the first week of March'15 with my wife and a 3 year old toddler (For 9 days approximately). I have few things to ask if you could help me ...
Schaz, we would like to welcome you to Sri Lanka, and hear more about Oman. You are welcome to use our vehicle, or one of our friend's vehicles for self-driving your way around Sri Lanka, and we expect to charge you only about $40-50 per day, ... Read More
starting a small biz, and importing materials by vitamine27
Hi all, I'm looking at starting a biz in sri lanka, on quite a tight budget, making fiberglass parts for motorbikes, My friend said that someone he knows tried to import 2nd hand medical equipment in Sri Lanka for some aid project, and ...
Hi Simon, I partially agree with clikbill, because unlike neighboring countries, Sri Lanka seems to be a lot easier to work in, if you follow the rules and work with the Government. There are many ways of doing what you want to do, one is to do it ... Read More
Long stay Sept-Nov 2015 by nigele2
Hi all. Don't know if anyone here can help us but here goes. We planned a 4 week trip to Sri Lanka. As we researched we liked more and more what we saw. As it happens we are semi retired and this year must be out of Spain for 6 months (where ...
Well Nigele2, a lot of people have said that Sri Lanka was a life-changing experience for them (for the better!). We hope you too will really enjoy your stay here in this wonderful island. I would like to try and answer your questions, but first, ... Read More
What is the best obstetrics center in SL? by Anna14
Hello, please help me sort out the best hospitals and medical centers in obstetrics and gynecology in Sri Lanka. We have a family plan to come to Sri Lanka from Moscow for a long time. Now I am 14 weeks pregnant and plan to give birth in Sri Lanka. ...
Some of the best hospitals in Sri Lanka are: DURDANS NAWALOKA HEMAS LANKA HOSPITALS ASIRI Some of the above have new branches, which are quite good also. Please decide according to the location you prefer, for instance, if you want to combine ... Read More
construction cost in Colombo, per square feet? by vivah
Hi, I would like to know the building cost per square feet ?, this is to build a 2 bedroom apartment on existing house which currently has ground floor, 1st floor and open Terrace, the 2 bedroom apartment will have to come on the Terrace. anyone ...
In my long experience in Sri Lanka, constructing everything from small houses to small hotels, the TOTAL construction cost in Sri Lanka is PRESENTLY anywhere between Rs. 2000 to Rs. 4000 PER SQUARE FOOT for a fairly good quality construction, NOT ... Read More
Moving back to Sri Lanka by ca2ca
Hello All, I planed moving back to Sri Lanka( permanently) after my retirement in May 2015. Finding a suitable place won't be a problem. As I intend to bring my household stuff with me (container --- can not dump here and buy new) , I am ...
We literally went through hell with customs when we moved our personal goods from Dubai to Sri Lanka some years back. It is very important that you do try and sort this out before you ship your goods. You mention "moving back to Sri ... Read More
Buying a property throught local partner by Errzo
Hello to all, I would like to buy a property in Sri Lanka. I have a person ,local man. I already read a lot about how it works when I want to buy it throught local partner. I checked this forum, topics which were posted before, there were some old ...
Firstly, I would advise you to wait for a few weeks, because some of the main parties to the new Government are quite pro foreign investment and may change things a bit in our favour. Secondly, do not tie yourself up in a situation where it is ... Read More
BEST PLACE FOR AN EXPAT TO LIVE AND RETIRE IN SRI LANKA by ericsdad
I am getting a retirement visa and would like to know which is the best place to live in S L
In Sri Lanka, you have a choice of locations to live at: 1- BEACHES - from the "happening" beaches like Hikkaduwa on the west coast, with it's various pubs, clubs & regular parties, to the very secluded and quiet beaches like ... Read More
Move to Sri Lanka Contemplated
If you are looking for a very good International School, outside of crowded Colombo City, I would suggest the N.I.C.E. School in Negombo (Kadirana), which is a beach resort area close to the Airport. This is a very good school, with small classes, ... Read More
Too many questions! Move to SL by tudfso87
Hi All I am married to a Sri Lankan man and we live in Dubai. We had planned to move back to SL last year but work commitments kept us in the middle east. Although the money here is good, recently we have become so exhausted by the middle eastern ...
Sorry I'm late! As a hotelier in Sri Lanka, I can ASSURE everyone that there is actually a SEVERE SHORTAGE of good, well-trained Hotel Staff at all levels! That is due mainly to two reasons: 1- Some of the BEST employees are frequently lured ... Read More
Education in international schools by narinenana
Hello, I want to know fees of International Primary Schools. Thank you!
Well, I had basically the same experience, trying to find a suitable school for my 4 year old, and failing, until I found SEEKERS in Mount Lavinia, just outside Colombo! Here is a News Report about it. They are really different! Personal ... Read More
Setting up an outsourcing company - Colombo by ratcliffej
Hi All, Hope everyone is well. I'm considering relocating to Sri Lanka (Colombo) and setting up an outsourcing solution - currently based in Australia. The company would work within Finance / Legal, I have a few questions in terms of average ...
COSTING FOR STARTING UP A BUSINESS IN SRI LANKA Starting Salaries (2014): US$150 - $300 for intelligent, educated youngsters who can be trained, add 20% to 50% for staff with prior experience, $400 and above for Management Level Staff. Office ... Read More
Education in international schools by narinenana
Hello, I want to know fees of International Primary Schools. Thank you!
Thanks, Mal, we are in the process of visiting all these places, but we keep getting told by foreigners that we meet in the restaurants here in Negombo that "NICE INTERNATIONAL" is where all the foreigners go, but I don't know if it's in Negombo or ... Read More
Education in international schools by narinenana
Hello, I want to know fees of International Primary Schools. Thank you!
Hi Mal, you seem to be somewhat of an expert in the field of International Schools in Sri Lanka! Can you please help us, we are looking for a very good English Montessori for our 4 year old, we would prefer to live near the beach, preferably in ... Read More
Registering a birth in Sri Lanka by David
Hi, About to have a baby or already had children? Let's share your experience about the paperworks for registering a birth in Sri Lanka. What are the formalities to obtain a birth certificate? What is the procedure to follow if both parents ...
I had a baby (well, technically speaking, my wife did) in Sri Lanka. Government wise, it was trouble free. Doctor wise, it was harrowing! But that's another story, let's just say you should choose your doctor carefully. Paperwork is minimal, ... Read More
Sri Lankan Citizenship
Hi Indika, dual citizenships were temporarily halted, they have started again, the Controller of Immigration is a friend, so if you need any assistance, pls let me know. About the 100% tax, pls ask your friends to contact me, I will direct them to ... Read More
Would we qualify for Sri Lanka?
Alex, please come down, visit the Board Of Investment, ask about investing $50,000 to set up your own business, and enjoy PARADISE for the rest of your years on this planet! Read More
WheelChair hire in Colombo by RobOther
Can anyone tell me if it's possible to hire a wheelchair in Colombo?
Yes, it is possible, from any of the hospitals, also, there is a company in Ward Place that rents medical equipment, I will try and get further details for you. Read More
Thona Bay development. by sportscasual
I am looking at investing in a property with a company called Karooda properties. They are developing a large stretch of beach front land north of Batticaloa called Thona Bay. I am trying to find out as much about this area as possible before i ...
I would advise anybody thinking of investing in any property in Sri Lanka to VISIT and look at the place! [Moderated: Please register into Sri Lanka Business directory] Best of luck! Read More
Sri Lankan Citizenship
Stavanger, it is not that difficult for you to get Sri Lankan Citizenship as you were born there, and one of your parents were Sri Lankan once upon a time. HOWEVER, please note the the country whose citizenship you presently hold, MAY revoke your ... Read More
retiring in sri lanka
Lynette, well you certainly have chosen the right place to retire, in my opinion, Sri Lanka is really a paradise in this crazy world! I would advise you to register a company with the Board Of Investment so that you are protected, and can easily ... Read More
What to do in Srilanka ?? by trmy.nguyen
Hi Im coming to Sri lanka in 3 weeks time and going to spend 2 weeks over there but I haven't figured out yet what are the best things to do in Sri lanka as where to go, what to do, night life..etc... I've heard Sri lanka cuisine is quite ...
Sumitran, an excellent review of Sri Lanka, and I can only add to it, by saying that yes, that is the way to see Sri Lanka, go to Colombo, specifically the Mount Lavinia Beach area, where you can easily get a room for around $15-20 per night, in an ... Read More
Work permit/entry visa processing
You would need to contact the company that offered you a job, as they would need to get you a residence visa for Sri Lanka. Otherwise, there are smaller companies that can get you the visa, but they would charge you around $300-500 per year for the ... Read More
Moving to Sri Lanka
[Moderated: No free ad please] You could get a job in one of the many English Radio Stations in Sri Lanka, please google them! Thanks, Sam. Read More
Searching for a Business Partner :)
[Moderated: Please communicate by PM] Read More
Is it a good time to buy a Condo in Colombo?
It depends on what price range you are talking about. If it is above $150,000 that you are looking at, yes, it is a bubble, due to an acute shortage of units of higher prices. As there are more buildings built catering for the richer segments of ... Read More