Is coconut sambol always made with extremely hot chilies.

If you order a fresh meal at a local guesthouse, simply ask the host beforehand to prepare the sambol without chili. They will happily make a sweet, mild version using just freshly grated coconut, lime juice, and salt, which is incredibly delicious.

However, if you are dining at a tourist friendly cafe in places like Ella or Hiriketiya, they often tone down the chili significantly to accommodate foreign palates.