Travel Adaptor for Sri Lanka
& Sri Lankan Plug Types
Sri Lanka Plug Types & Sockets
- Voltage
- 230 V
- Frequency
- 50 Hz
Sri Lanka uses plug types D, G and M with matching sockets. Voltage: 230 V, Frequency: 50 Hz.
Type G sockets are the most common so our recommendation for international travellers who need one is a type G plug adaptor for maximum compatibility.
Sri Lanka Plug Adaptors
Best choice
Our Adaptor Recommendation
Our primary recommendation is for a type G plug adaptor as that will fit the most commonly found sockets in Sri Lanka. You may however be presented with any one of the sockets shown (types D, G and M). In addition to our primary recommendation you might want to consider the secondary travel adaptors shown below if you want to be absolutely certain of being able to plug in and access power anywhere.
A simple unearthed adaptor is compact and enough for phone chargers and most travel electronics. Models with USB or USB-C ports are useful when charging several devices, while PD ports are suitable for compatible laptops. For earthed equipment or several mains-powered appliances, choose an earthed adaptor or power strip.
Our recommendations for the best Sri Lanka travel adaptors ensure that you'll always be able to connect your plugs to the Sri Lankan type D, G and M sockets.
Other Travel Adaptors You May Find Useful in Sri Lanka
These are particularly important to consider if you have critical equipment (eg medical) to plug in and can't verify exactly what sockets will be present at your destination and need to cover all the possibilities.
Choosing the Right Power Adaptor
Having overcome the pesky differences in plug types and socket configurations you now need to decide what sort of adaptor suits your own, specific needs.
If you decide to buy an adaptor, here are some useful features to consider:
- Earthed vs unearthed adaptors
- Multiplug adaptors
- Extensions / power strip adaptors (great for families)
- Integral USB / USB-C ports for charging devices like phones and tablets
- Dedicated charging hubs with multiple ports
- USB-C port with power delivery (PD) using GaN technology for laptop charging up to 140W
- Universal adaptors (any plug to any socket) for the ultimate in versatility
- Combined transformer / adaptors
Sri Lanka Electrical Supply
Sri Lanka uses plug types D, G and M with matching sockets.
The electrical supply voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.
Sri Lanka - Traveller Notes
Increased use of type G in new houses/establishments. Mainly in Colombo and high end hotels.
Voltage Converters
Please be aware that whilst a power adaptor will allow you to physically insert a plug into a Sri Lankan socket it will not change the voltage or frequency of the local mains supply.
Voltage - The Sri Lankan mains supply is 230 V which is compatible with appliances designed for 220 -240 V (common outside North and Central America). If you have equipment that is designed to operate at 127 V or lower you will need a transformer or voltage converter to operate them safely. It is extremely dangerous to attempt to operate appliances at voltages that are higher than they are rated for and it could result in damage to the appliance, fire and serious injury to the operator
Frequency - Sri Lanka operates at 50 Hz, which is common in countries outside of North and Central America. Most modern travel electronics are designed to work at either frequency and will be marked 50/60 Hz. Some appliances containing motors, clocks and other frequency-sensitive equipment may not operate correctly when used with a supply frequency they were not designed for. Check the frequency rating on your device before use; if it is marked 50/60 Hz, it is suitable for either frequency. If you are unsure, particularly with specialist or medical equipment, check with the manufacturer.
Most modern travel gadgets, chargers and laptops are dual voltage and will work worldwide; check the appliance or power supply for an input such as 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz.
If you have equipment that is not compatible with the Sri Lankan supply voltage, check our transformers page for further information and available options for transformers and power converters that you can use in Sri Lanka. Voltage converters and transformers only change the voltage, not the frequency, of the supply. Changing the frequency requires specialist frequency-conversion equipment, which is not normally practical for travellers.
If you need to take items like hair dryers / straighteners that draw high current then see our hair straighteners page for information on how it can affect your choice of travel adaptor.
Sri Lanka Plug Type Specifications
Plug Type D
Type D plugs are based on the UK standard prior to 1947 and are almost exclusively used in India and Nepal. The plugs have 3 round pins in a triangular configuration. The live and neutral pins are 5.1mm diameter, 14.9mm long and spaced 19.1mm apart. The earthing pin is 7.1mm in diameter and 20.6mm long with an offset of 22.2mm from the other 2 pins. They are rated at 6A with the type M plugs (rated at 16A and with bigger pins) being used for higher current appliances.
The pins are uninsulated, making them dangerous as a partially pulled out plug can remain connected but the blades are exposed and could be touched, particularly by the fingers of a small child.
Plug Type G
Type G plugs have 3 rectangular pins in a triangular configuration, and are rated at 13A. The live and neutral pins are 4mm x 6.35mm, 17.7mm long and spaced 22.2mm apart. The earth pin is 4mm x 8mm, 22.7mm long and offset by 22.2mm.
The live and neutral pins are insulated and the plugs individually fused. The sockets have safety shutters preventing access to the live and neutral until they are opened by the insertion of the (longer) earth pin. This makes type G plugs one of the safest designs in the world.
Plug Type M
Type M plugs resemble the Indian type D plugs but have larger pins and are rated at 16A. The plug has 3 round pins arranged in a triangle. The live and neutral pins are 7.1mm in diameter, 18.6mm long and spaced 25.4mm apart. The earth pin is 8.7mm in diameter, 28.6mm long and offset by 28.6mm.
The live and neutral pins are insulated to prevent electric shock in the case of a partially pulled out plug.
Type M plugs are also used in India, Nepal, Israel and the United Arab Emirates for high current appliances such as air conditioning units.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Travel Adaptors for Sri Lanka
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Sri Lanka uses type D, G and M plugs. Type G are the most commonly used.
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Sri Lanka uses type D, G and M sockets. Type G are the most commonly used.
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There are multiple sockets used in Sri Lanka. For international travellers who need one, a type G adaptor would be a good choice as that will fit the most commonly found sockets.
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The mains supply in Sri Lanka is 230 V, which is compatible with appliances designed for 220 -240 V (common outside North and Central America). Many travel gadgets are dual voltage and will work worldwide; check the appliance or power supply for an input such as 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz. Single-voltage appliances that are designed to operate at 127 V or lower will need a voltage converter or transformer to operate safely. Do not plug a 120 V-only appliance into a 230 V supply - it is dangerous.
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International travellers who need an adaptor can charge their phone in Sri Lanka using their normal phone charger with a type G plug adaptor, which fits the most common sockets. Modern phone chargers are normally dual voltage, but check the input rating before use.
Alternatively, they can use a travel adaptor with built-in USB or USB-C ports and connect their phone directly with the appropriate charging cable. The adaptor's USB ports convert the local supply to the voltage required by your phone, so no separate voltage converter is needed. -
Sri Lankan plug adaptors have 3 rectangular pins in a triangular configuration. Here's a picture of a Sri Lanka plug adaptor.
