1. Sri Lanka Business Behavior, Customs, International and Domestic

2. General Business Customs  The traditional greetings, procedures, courtesies and the like are very similar to those in the United States  They treat their customers and associates with the same demeanor and accord that we attempt to in the US  General politeness and kindness is expected in order to form a good business relationship

3. Quick overview  Business language is English  Business cards are used very frequently  Courtesy, personal politeness, punctuality, and formality all play major roles in closing a deal/contract

4. Business Infrastructure  Sri Lanka has an incredibly modern airport to facilitate a constant flow of decent business associates  No US carriers fly in to Sri Lanka, but the US does have countless sales agents in the country  There are 25,000 miles of paved roads that increase accessibility to all businesses

5. Business Infrastructure  Cell phones are becoming increasingly important  International direct dialing is available  International mail and courier services are at the disposal of companies  Several local providers of Internet and e- mail servers

6. Business Practices  Formality and punctuality are stressed highly, but it is not observed as strictly as the US  Proper attire to the business occasion (many times a suit) is expected  One key element is that inferior employees show extreme respect for their peers and higher ranking associates

7. Innovations  Technology, especially the use of the Internet, is becoming more and more popular  They are starting to close deals over the Web just like hundreds of other countries  On-line cafes and wireless communications are readily available now

8. Business Travellers  Can find lodging in one of several five- star hotels  Provide accommodations and amenities to business travelers  There are now several luxury apartment blocks in the downtown cities

9. International Business  A passport and onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient funds are required to enter and exit the country  Business travelers are required to have a visa prior to arriving  Customs regulations can, and often are, be very strict as far as what and whom they allow in the country  Because of the country’s governmental system, they have “free ride” to dispose of whoever and whatever they want