Also seems decent accommodations (with AC) are hard to come by in December, but I hear easier to find before then. When does it start to pick up there? If I show up mid November is there a decent chance to find a good apartment still?

Thanks for any tips or info 🙏🙏

The season is starting in November
The majority of places will be rent out most probably (via airbnb)
But! I noticed this year a significant drop in prices… like never before… so maybe this season will be different

In general “good apartment” is a rare thing here :)

Beth, what kind of recommendation do you need? About exact location or apartment to stay? Or how to split your time? Share a bit more please:)

I asked around to some contacts through Facebook and seems most people just rent a bike without papers

Never been
You can use google maps for search. It’s pretty popular here

I always enjoyed working at Outpost locations in Bali, they have a branch in weligama and I'm sure it's top notch

Not the cheapest co-working space but always good facilities and staff, food community and events

What's the best way to find one? Just drive around and look for rent signs?

About the motorbike, in case anyone else is seeking this info:

Foreign tourists arriving in Sri Lanka can obtain temporary driving licenses directly at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) at Katunayake from today.

The on-arrival service counter, launched today aims to enhance convenience for travellers, particularly those who rent vehicles near the airport and prefer to drive during their stay.

Previously, tourists could only obtain temporary driving permits from the Department of Motor Traffic in Werahera.

According to the Ministry, most tourists use motorcycles, three-wheelers and light vehicles to travel across the island.

However, under the new system, licenses will be issued only for motorcycles and light vehicle categories. Driving permits for heavy vehicles and three-wheelers will not be provided through the BIA counter.

To apply for a temporary Sri Lankan driving license at the airport, foreigners must present a valid full driving license from their home country. Learner, probationary, provisional or temporary licenses will not be accepted. If the license is not in English, a certified translation is required. Applicants must also show a valid passport and visa.

The foreign driving license must be valid for at least one year from the date of conversion.

Temporary Sri Lankan licenses issued through this process will be valid for a maximum of five months. All restrictions noted on the foreign license—such as requirements for corrective lenses, use of automatic transmission or hearing aids—will be applied to the converted license as well.

The service will charge Rs. 2,000 per month of validity.

All my findings were via airbnb :)

yeah, I'm trying to find a first-hand experience in the community - I can use Google Maps but could be miss or hit as usual 🙂

Main damage happened in the middle of the island and north part. Some roads maybe be close still. But major attractions are open already

Airport in Colombo works without interruption

I would say there is no reason to cancel plans

I work here for few years. It’s okay
Some places even provide info about internet speed.
Mobile internet is always good to have for the backup plan. It’s quite good in my opinion too