Make the most of your travels in Sri Lanka : speak Sinhala ! If you're after a ticket for the cricket, the best way to the beach or a taste of Ayurveda treatment, this is the book for you. Seek out the striking Sigiriya frescoes or kick on with the kolam dancers at Ambalangoda. Barter for your batiks or talk tea at the plantation - whatever you choose, add sparkle to your speech on the Isle of Gems.

- get the lowdown on full moon days and festivals

- don't be thrown by signs in script

- curry favour with your waiter - order in Sinhala

- use the comprehensive dictionary to find words fast

- know the right vocab for monk communication

- wise up on Sinhalese pronunciation and grammar