Sri Lanka

Location: N 7.17, E 79.88

Capital: Colombo (Sri Jayawardanepura)

Currency: SL Reupee

Language: Sinhala, Tamil, English

Time Zone: GMT +5.30

Read more about Sri Lanka in 'CIA World Fact Book' here.

Student Life

Cost of living
Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee(LKR). Exchange Rates

Meals: Ranging form US$3.00 to US$3-6.00 and higher
Lodging: Ranging from US$15.00 - US$30 and higher

Colombo is still an economical city to travel throughout the city. Budget visitors can comfortably pay less than US$20.00 per night by staying in standard share or double rooms, travelling around by bus and not spending too much on food. Up the scale, add US$5 or $10 for staying in enchanting rest houses, or spend around US$100 per night if you want the luxury treatment.
Travellers' cheques can be changed at the main banks without any problems. Banks will offer a better rate for travellers' cheques; however, it is advised to carry cash with you when you can't get to a bank. Various money changers are also available in Colombo. US dollars are the most accepted currency. ATM's are very common. Credit cards are widely accepted; Mastercard and Visa cash withdrawals may be possible at the main banks.
Colombo has a reasonable network of public transport, with buses and trains that link the main city to the satellite towns. Train fares are cheaper than bus fares, but to catch a bus is much easier than to catch a train, so it works out about the same. Taxis and 3-wheelers can also be hired, although these are more expensive, so it is best to negotiate and settle on a mutually acceptable price before you start the journey.
Bandaranaike International Airport is 32 kilometres from the city of Colombo.

Source: travelpuppy.com

Climate and Time Zone
Sri Lanka Standard Time Zone (UTC+5:30)
Average January temperature is 27°C (81°F) and average July temperature is 28°C (83°F).
Monsoon seasons: December through March and June through October. Today's weather


Accommodation and Meals

Post Graduate Institute of Medicine - University of Colombo has identified several house owners for student accomodations. Once a candidate is selected for the course, he/she will be informed about the list of house owners. Candidate is free to find a suitable accomodation option on his own if he/she is able to do so.

Trainee can have their meals and refreshments form the PGIM cafeterria and the coffee Shop in the 'Araliya Lounge' for consessional rates.


Medical facilities and Insurance
MSc Biomedical Informatics trainees will have the opportunity to use the University Medical Facility, which is located in the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo.
Trainees will be given a medical insurance, even though health services are accessible for free of charge in Sri Lanka.


Financial support for students
NOMA Scholarships are for three Vietnamese students and three other Asian students form NOMA eligible countries, including Bangladesh and Nepal. Each scholarship is valued at course fee, living expences and return air fare (please contact NOMA project staff for more details).


Student affairs office
Please feel free to send an email to info@msc-bmi-pgim.org or call us at +94 112 689268 for more details.


Study facilities
The MSc programme is equiped with a modern telematic resource center with the capability to conduct online teaching learning sessions. Students may use the fully equipped computer laboratory with free internet connectivity for practicals and project requirements.


Sports facilities, extramural and leisure activities
MSc trainees may enjoy the sports facilites of the University of Colombo. Apart form these there are several learure parks in and around the city of Colombo. Colombo has many shopping malls and cinemas as well
The contry is surrounded by sandy beaches.

Sri Lanka has a diverse cultural heritage, consisting of multi ethnic activities. There are many cultural activities through out the year belonging to Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims.