Tips for making it work in Sri Lanka

Few tips for making it work here - I will keep adding to the list as and when I think realize more:

1. DO NOT get involved in politics and keep a distance from politicians
2. If you want to do business, keep it small - the larger it gets the more you need to deal with the government, politicians and inefficiency. This will just deeply frustrate you.
3. Most people in Sri Lanka are very curious and nosy and want to know a lot about you, your job, relations, income, property, kids etc etc. Try to identify such people early before you open out about your life and problems and keep a distance.
4. Most Sri Lankans will have an opinion about what you do and how you do it. You need to learn to deal with it - ignore most of it and avoid discussing such matters with opinionated people. 
5. The inverse of the above also important - if you can help it keep your opinions to yourself - especially if it is to do with criticism then people are unlikely to backdown whatever you say and it will only stress you out more.
6. If you need to commute to Colombo for work or school, leave home early and get to your destination early, traffic at rush hour is horrendous and will just make you tired and stressed up before you get there and will just ruin your day. Its the same in the evenings - either leave early or leave late. You will feel more relaxed and happy when you get home if you avoid traffic.
7. Try to get out of the city often. There are so many lovely places in Sri Lanka to visit, relax and enjoy - beaches, wild life, hill country, historic sites etc. You can easily find affordable places for accommodation in most destinations to suit your budget so it doesn't have to be a very costly affair.
8. Visit rural Sri Lanka and spend some time with the less privileged - anything you give them, including your smile, will put a huge smile on their faces and make you feel really good and make your stay in Sri Lanka really worth it!