Packing list for Sri Lanka, travel insurance for Sri Lanka, and taking your belongings

What to bring to Sri Lanka: highlighted

Documents: passport that is valid for at least 6 months upon arrival. An online and/or offline copy of your passport is always useful.
Money: cash in Sri Lankan Rupees. Some ATMs cost money to use an ATM, so it doesn't hurt to bring some cash with you.
Care: coral-friendly sunscreen with a high factor. You don't want to poison the turtles while swimming with them!
Outdoor and practical items: cap or hat and sunglasses.
Clothing: light, comfortable, covering clothing for warm weather, sun, mosquito protection and cultural visits. A sweater for the cooler hills, where it is a lot cooler in the evenings and during the rainy season than you would think. Quick-drying clothing is useful because it can be very humid and it can take a long time for clothes to dry.
Shoes: sandals/slippers for the beach and temple visits (easy to take off) and comfortable shoes for all the walking.
Medicines and travel kit: a small first aid kit with basic supplies, tissues and hand sanitizer. Mosquito repellent is also essential.
Safety: money belt.
Technology and equipment: in Sri Lanka there are three types of plugs, so bring a world plug.

A reusable water bottle with filter, because tap water is technically drinkable, but often tastes strange.
A snorkel set, sometimes you can also rent one on site.
Water shoes given the coral and stones in the water at various locations.
A spork in case you don't want to eat with your hands.
Rain gear, bag cover and a good umbrella for the rainy season.

What you should and shouldn't do. Cultural norms and values, customs, such as not eating with your left hand, no selfies with Buddha statues.

Mosquitoes are everywhere in Sri Lanka and you are at risk of getting dengue.
Mosquito repellent is therefore important, all day long, but especially in the early morning and evening.

Yes, in places all over the country, especially in the southern coastal areas and inland. Small creatures, terrible itching and a risk of Leishmaniasis.
Covering clothing, good spray, and don't sleep on the beach will keep you safe.

You can find Soffell with DEET in the larger drugstores and shops. Picaridin is more difficult to get.
Natural remedies are popular.
It is best to bring your own repellent of choice.

The larger chains such as Cargills Food City, Keells and Arpico have some Western ingredients, but mainly local stuff.
Fresh fruit and vegetables are cheap at roadside stalls or local markets – it doesn’t get any fresher than that.
Every town and village has local curry houses or “rice & curry” buffets.
Western restaurants are mainly found in tourist areas such as Ella, Galle, Unawatuna and Colombo – think pasta, avocado toast or smoothies for three times the local price.
You can find delicious local dishes at street stalls, markets and tea stalls.
For the vegetarians, Hela Bojun Hala is a great, local restaurant run by the Sri Lankan government.