Colombo - Post Report Question and Answers
How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
I use diplomatic mail bags to receive mail and send very little. The local post is adequate but chaotic. - Mar 2021
Everything through the U.S. Embassy DPO/Pouch. It's slow, but it's better than nothing. - Sep 2020
We are fortunate to have diplomatic mail privileges, so we can use the Embassy mailroom (pouch and DPO) to send and receive mail. - Apr 2020
Diplomatic pouch. There are postal facilities, but my friends who aren't with the embassy say it's difficult to work with them. - Sep 2017
The postal service in Sri Lanka is not terrible, but it does take a long time. The US embassy has a pouch option, but anything over 2 pounds gets charged heavily, as many posts do! - Mar 2017
Have not used the local post but I hear it very reliable in sending things to other countries. Receiving things is hit or miss. The Embassy has pouch. - Sep 2013
A courier is relatively cheap to Europe and USA. Do NOT send money in an envelope (or what might be construed as money). It will not get there. Don't expect mail to arrive unopened here either. - Sep 2012
I frequently sent and received letters and packages through the Sri Lankan postal service. They arrived quickly and in good condition; the cost was quite reasonable. - Dec 2011
Easy, quick and cheap to send letters and packages through local post. - Feb 2010
Most mail from abroad seem to get through. For important documents you should use courier service (DHL or similar). - Feb 2008
