Get the Local Permit First: You cannot drive on an IDP alone; you must obtain a Sri Lankan Temporary Driving Permit at the airport or through your rental agency.
Respect the Road Hierarchy: Buses, trucks, and large vehicles aggressively take right-of-way—always yield to them and expect them to pass into your lane.
Honk to Overtake: Light honking is standard etiquette to signal to tuk-tuks, pedestrians, or motorbikes ahead that you are passing on their right.
Stick to Day Driving & Automatic Cars: Mountain passes and rural roads lack streetlights, and stray animals or wildlife often cross at night. Automatic gearboxes make steep hill starts much easier.