PowerUp Asia Helpful Information

Airport / Airline / Transportation Information

Colombo International Airport (Bandaranaike International Airport), CMB, is the primary airport servicing Sri Lanka. Located approximately 32 km from the Colombo city center, it serves as the hub for Sri Lankan Airlines, the national carrier of Sri Lanka. BIA connects passengers of over 50 destinations with over 30 international carriers and budget airlines operating flights to and from Colombo. The airport has three passenger terminals. While Terminal 1 and 2 serves international flights, the new Terminal 3 handles all domestic flights. 

Ground transportation:
  • Taxis are available 24/7 and can be found just outside the main terminal in the arrivals area. You can also book a taxi at the official counter inside the arrivals area. Taxi fare is approximately €10 to the city center.
  • Private car service is available through services like Welcome Pickups, for approximately US$35 each way.
  • Travel time to the Sheraton Colombo is approximately 30 minutes.

Electronic Devices

NPAworldwide requests that all electronic devices (cell phones, pagers, tablets, laptops, etc.) be silenced during educational sessions and meals. If it is necessary to use your cell phone, please step outside the meeting room to an area that will not disturb others.

Getting Around Colombo

A variety of transportation options are available in Colombo:

Host Hotel

The NPAworldwide PowerUp Asia Conference will be held at the Sheraton Colombo Hotel, 265 Galle Road, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka, 00300. The telephone number is +94 11-7678000.

Hotel Reservations

NPAworldwide has reserved a block of rooms at the Sheraton Colombo at the discounted rate of US $79 per night for single occupancy or US $86 per night for double occupancy, plus taxes. Basic guest room wifi and breakfast are included in the room rate. This special rate is available until 2 August 2026 or until the block sells out, whichever comes first. Make reservations here. 

Parking

Complimentary valet parking is available at the Sheraton Colombo on a first-come, first-served basis.

Photo Release/Company Release

NPAworldwide occasionally uses photographs, video images, or company names of meeting participants in its promotional materials. By virtue of your attendance, you automatically agree to usage of your likeness and company name in such material.

Planning Your Trip

Here are some articles and websites that may be helpful as you plan your trip to Colombo:

Responsible Drinking

NPAworldwide encourages an atmosphere of responsible drinking. Non-alcoholic beverages will be available at all social events. The drinking age is 18. Alcoholic beverages will not be served to anyone under the age of 18 and service may be denied to individuals who appear intoxicated. Attendees may not bring their own alcoholic beverages into any NPAworldwide function.

Smoking

The Sheraton Colombo is a non-smoking property; designated smoking areas are available. Smoking is prohibited in all guest rooms and other non-smoking areas; fines are levied to anyone who smokes in an undesignated area.

Visas

Foreign travelers to Sri Lanka are required to either have a visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the country. Since January 2012, all holiday or business travelers—except Singapore, Maldives and Seychelles nationals—must have ETA to enter Sri Lanka. Learn more here.

Visiting Temples

Modest clothing that covers the shoulders to the knees is required to enter temples in Sri Lanka. Hats/caps/hijabs may not be worn. Shoes/sandals/slippers must be removed.

Weather

The average daytime high temperature in September is 28° C / 82° F. The average overnight temperature is 27° C / 81° F. September receives an average of 20-24cm of rain, with average humidity of 76%.

What to Wear

Suggested attire is business casual. For men, this includes slacks, golf-style shirts, blazers, or sweaters. For women, this includes slacks, skirts, golf-style shirts and blouses, blazers or sweaters, and comfortable shoes. Suits, ties, day-to-evening dresses and high heels are not required for NPAworldwide functions. Off-site venues (restaurants, theaters, etc.) may have dress codes; please check with individual venues prior to traveling. Meeting room temperatures can vary; dressing in layers is advised.

Wi-Fi

Basic guest room wifi is complimentary for NPAworldwide PowerUp attendees. NPAworldwide does not warrant that the wifi service provided by the Sheraton Colombo to its guests will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free of viruses or other harmful components. No information you consider confidential should be transmitted via this network.