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.
Your British (type G) plugs will fit the most common (but not all) of the Sri Lankan sockets.
Type G sockets are the most common so you should not need a plug adaptor.
-
Adaptor Required?
(See recommended adaptors) - No ! (Most sockets)
-
Voltage Converter
Useful?
(More info) - No
UK to Sri Lanka Plug Adaptors
Our Adaptor Recommendation
You should not need a plug adaptor as the most common sockets are the same type G as the British ones. 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.
Our recommendations for the best UK to Sri Lanka travel adaptors ensure that you'll always be able to connect your British type G 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 UK 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 within the normal UK range of 230 V +10%/-6%, so British appliances are compatible.
Frequency - Sri Lanka operates at 50 Hz, the same as the UK. Frequency compatibility is therefore not a problem for UK appliances.
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
-
Sri Lanka uses type D, G and M plugs. Type G are the most commonly used.
-
Sri Lanka uses type D, G and M sockets. Type G are the most commonly used.
-
British travellers should not need a plug adaptor as the most common sockets are the same type G as found in the UK. No voltage converter is required for UK appliances.
-
British travellers do not need a voltage converter. The Sri Lankan mains supply is 230 V, which is within the normal UK range, so British appliances are compatible.
-
As British travellers don't need a plug adaptor you should be able to use your normal charging equipment.