AIA International Conference 2025 Sri Lanka
The Art within Architecture
9 - 11 October 2025
FAQS - hotels and TRAVEL ADVICE
Q: Where should I stay in Colombo?
A: We have three recommended hotels, including the conference venue, the Cinnamon Grand Colombo. Please book using the links below to apply the promo code.
1) Cinnamon Grand Colombo, 77 Galle Rd, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 00030
Cinnamon Grand Colombo - Reservations - Room Availability
Promo code: AIACON25
2) Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, 115 Sir Chittampalam A Gardiner Mawatha Colombo, Colombo 02, Sri Lanka, 00200
Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo - Reservations - Room Availability
Promo code: AIACON25
3) Cinnamon Red Colombo, 59 Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka, 00300
Cinnamon Red Colombo - Reservations - Room Availability
Promo code: AIACON25
Q: Do I need a Visa to travel to Sri Lanka?
A: Visitors from the majority of countries will need to apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) here: https://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/.
Fill in your details to apply for a Tourist ETA - Individual and select M.I.C.E. Tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions) as the Purpose of Visit. For your Address in Sri Lanka, please give the address of your booked hotel, or the conference venue: Cinnamon Grand Colombo, 77 Galle Rd, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 00030.
If necessary, you can instead purchase your ETA on arrival in Sri Lanka.
Visitors from Cameroon, Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Ghana will need to apply for an ETA from the Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Sri Lanka, through a Sri Lankan Sponsor. Once you have registered for the conference, please contact administrativedirector@aiainternational.org for assistance with this process.
Q: Is there a recommended airline?
A: Participants can take advantage of a promotion from SriLankan Airlines via the link below: https://www.srilankan.com/en_uk/special-offers/promotion/aia-conference-2025.
Q: What is the best way to get from the airport to the hotel?
A: We suggest using Uber or taxi. You may wish to ask the hotel if they can arrange an airport transfer for you.
Q: What weather should I expect in Colombo and the rest of the country? What clothes should I pack?
A: October is usually sunny with occasional rain showers. Expect warm, humid weather, around 30°C/ 86°F.
It might be good to have a jacket or shawl on hand. During lectures, the halls will be airconditioned and may be cool. Anyone traveling to the hills will definitely need a jacket as it is cold in the evenings.
Loose, light clothing is recommended. Comfortable shoes for walking are a must.
Q: What are some important items to carry with me?
A: Water – please stay hydrated at all times. DO NOT DRINK TAP WATER.
Other important things – mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
Q: What should I bear in mind when visiting places of worship?
A: First, the dress code - shoulders and knees must be covered, so you may want to bring a jacket, sarong or shawl with you. No footwear is allowed in the temple, though socks may be worn.
Taking photos is allowed, but please note it is not permitted to take a photo of yourself or others in front of or beside any statues or murals, as having your back to them is considered not respectful.
This event is organised by AIA International and we reserve the right based on reasonable assessment of the circumstances to exclude individuals who display unprofessional or disruptive behaviour. AIA International, its programmers and moderators can and will select those questions and comments they deem pertinent to the talk and program.
By registering for this event, you consent to the use of your name and image (in any format) for AIA International advertising, promotional, and public relations purposes (including newsletters, web pages, social media, brochures, and recordings). To waive your consent, you must inform AIA International in writing at administrativedirector@aiainternational.org no later than 5 days after the event.
