How well-equipped is this city for those raising infants/toddlers? Specifically, are there public places to change diapers, maintained playgrounds, etc?
There are no special public areas to change diapers and parents do these activities in the washrooms of hotels, malls etc.
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Where can I get a list of reliable childcare providers/nannies?
Word of mouth is a remarkable and effective tool for obtaining a reliable list of child-care providers.
Check with your neighbors, co-workers, and/or friends you meet. Another way to obtain a list of reliable child-care providers or nannies is by contacting your local embassy or Crown Sri Lanka.
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Discuss any safety issues for children in this city.
Colombo is a very busy city. It is best to keep one's eyes and ears open and avoid talking to strangers. Be cautious as you would do in any city.
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What are the most popular kid-friendly attractions in the area?  
Leisure World Water Park, a famous amusement park and Water World Lanka , an aquatic park , are situated in the city of Colombo. Colombo zoo has dancing elephants and acts in the evening.
There is a planetarium and a museum situated in the city which some kids might like to visit.
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What are the most popular activities for kids after school or on weekends?
Sports are particularly popular with the local kids. There are clubs, wherein once enrolled, one can take advantage of the latest in gymnasium equipment and have access to the swimming pools, tennis and badminton courts, table tennis, carom etc. Additionally, the local schools offer many sports activities in which kids participate. Kids also enjoy going to the shopping malls, movies, theater and shopping with friends.
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What's it like to be a teenager in this city? Are there any particular challenges I should be aware of as a parent?
Most good nightclubs require cover charges, which are nominal entrance charges. There is an age limit for admittance and most nightclubs close just after midnight. However, extra precautions should be taken when visiting night clubs as there have been many past incidents involving firearms and altercations. It is always better to be with a group rather than visiting alone.
Sports are particularly popular with the local kids and many apartments where expatriate live have tennis courts, gymnasiums and swimming pools. Most of the apartments have a terrace on the top floor which gives an excellent bird’s eye view of the entire city and beyond.
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Are there any organizations/social groups in the area that cater exclusively to young people ages 12-17?
There are beaches, parks and water parks, bowling and go carting options, sightseeing tours and trips. There is a planetarium, an aquarium, a science museum and many libraries.
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I want my child to get the most out of our stay in this country. Are there any specific opportunities to teach young people about the local culture?
Sri Lanka is a Buddhist country. The other religions like Christian, Hindu and Muslim blend together and create a harmonious blend of living. There are festivals of all religions. The Buddhists and Hindus celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil new year which falls on April 13th  and 14th.
There are many fun events that are associated with this festival. The Hindus also celebrate Deepavali, Thai Pongal and Sivaratri. Some of these events are really colorful. Buddhists celebrate Vesak in the month of May and the whole city and the entire country celebrate this by lighting up lanterns and engaging in holy activities.
The Christians celebrate Christmas.
  • Sinhala and Tamil new Year – Celebrated by Buddhists and Hindus on the 13th and 14th of April. The whole city comes to a standstill during the entire week. The focus is on the villages and towns far outside the cities which celebrate in a traditional way by wearing traditional costumes and observing rituals at nominated times.
  • Vesak – This festival commemorates the birth, death and attaining nibbana of the Lord Buddha which is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of May.
  • Deepavali: This festival of lights is usually celebrated in October or November. It generates an atmosphere of gaiety, friendliness and excitement.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your local Crown representative.