Do I need to print the Digital Arrival Card? Airport Wi-Fi never works!

You have identified a major choke point!

The Wi-Fi Reality: The free Wi-Fi at Colombo Airport (BIA) is notoriously difficult to connect to (requires OTP via SMS, which you can't get without a local SIM).

The Solution: SCREENSHOT IT. Take a clear screenshot of the QR code and the reference number before you fly.

The E-Gates: You don't even need to show the code to a human. Go straight to the "E-Gates" (Electronic Gates), scan your passport photo page, and the gate will open (it links your passport to the digital card automatically). You only need the screenshot if the machine fails.