What power plug adapters are used in Sri Lanka?

Question

I see online that both round 3-pin (Type D) and square 3-pin (Type G UK style) plugs are listed. Which one should I bring?

Serend AI · Answer

Sri Lanka officially uses the Type D plug (large round 3-pin, the old British standard) as its national standard, but in practice you will encounter both Type D and Type G (square 3-pin, modern UK style) sockets throughout the country, so the safest move is to bring a universal travel adapter that covers both.
In newer hotels, guesthouses, and modern buildings — especially in Colombo and tourist-heavy areas like Galle, Kandy, and Ella — Type G sockets are increasingly common because Sri Lanka's wiring standards have been shifting toward the UK system. Older buildings, budget guesthouses, and rural areas are more likely to have Type D. Many mid-range and upmarket hotels also have a mix of both on the same wall, or provide a universal socket that accepts several plug types.
The voltage is 230V at 50Hz, which is the same as the UK and Europe, so travellers from those regions won't need a voltage converter — just a physical adapter if their plug shape differs. Travellers from the US, Canada, or Japan (110–120V, Type A/B plugs) will need both a plug adapter and a voltage converter for any device that isn't dual-voltage (check your device's label for "100–240V").
The practical advice: pick up a compact universal travel adapter before you leave home, or buy one at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport or in a hardware/electronics shop in Colombo Fort or Pettah for around LKR 500–1,500. That way you're covered regardless of which socket type appears in your room. Prices and availability can vary, so confirm locally if you're buying on arrival.

Rajkumar Ratnam · Answer

Most modern hotels use the UK style square Type G plug. Older homes and budget guesthouses use the round Type D plug. A universal adapter handles both easily.

Elena Rodriguez · Answer

Fun lifehack for Sri Lanka: If you have a two-pin European plug and encounter a round three-pin socket, you can push a plastic pen tip into the top earth hole to open the safety shutters, then slide your plug into the bottom two holes.

What power plug adapters are used in Sri Lanka?

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