Sri Lanka has quickly become one of the most attractive destinations in South Asia for digital nomads and remote professionals. From modern coworking hubs in Colombo to beachfront workspaces in Weligama and relaxed cafés in Galle and Ella, it’s easy to combine productivity with travel.
Reliable internet is essential whether you’re attending Zoom meetings, uploading files, using cloud applications or managing clients across different time zones.
Most remote workers combine coworking WiFi with a Sri Lanka eSIM. This provides stable internet while working indoors and dependable mobile data whenever you’re travelling between destinations.
Quick answer: install your Sri Lanka eSIM before departure, activate it after landing, use coworking WiFi for daily work and keep your eSIM as a backup connection.
Top Sri Lanka eSIMs
Sri Lanka eSIM
Fixed
1 GB, 7 days€ 4.332 GB, 15 days€ 6.923 GB, 30 days€ 9.09Unlimited
Unlimited, 1 day€ 4.76Unlimited, 3 days€ 10.82Unlimited, 5 days€ 16.87
Why Choose Coworking in Sri Lanka?
Compared with many other Asian destinations, Sri Lanka offers affordable accommodation, excellent cafés, welcoming communities and an increasing number of professional workspaces. Colombo remains the country’s largest coworking hub, while Weligama, Galle and Ella continue to attract growing remote-work communities.
| Benefit | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Fast WiFi | Reliable video meetings and cloud work |
| Air conditioning | Comfortable working environment |
| Meeting rooms | Professional client calls |
| Community events | Networking with other nomads |
| Flexible passes | Daily or monthly memberships |
Why Use a Sri Lanka eSIM?
- Install before departure.
- No physical SIM card required.
- No airport queues.
- Keep your regular SIM active.
- Reliable internet while travelling.
- Perfect backup for coworking WiFi.
- Works across Sri Lanka.
How to Activate Your eSIM
- Install the eSIM while connected to WiFi.
- Travel to Sri Lanka.
- Enable the eSIM.
- Select it for Mobile Data.
- Enable Data Roaming.
- Leave Network Selection on Automatic.
Your QR code and installation guide are delivered immediately after purchase and remain available inside your NoveSIM account.
Recommended Phone Settings
| Setting | Recommended Value |
|---|---|
| Mobile Data | Sri Lanka eSIM |
| Calls | Primary SIM |
| SMS | Primary SIM |
| Data Roaming | ON (eSIM) |
| Automatic Data Switching | OFF |
| Network Selection | Automatic |
| APN | data.esim if required |
Best Coworking Destinations in Sri Lanka
| Location | Why Work Here |
|---|---|
| Colombo | Largest coworking community and fastest business internet |
| Weligama | Beach lifestyle with several coworking cafés |
| Galle | Historic town with boutique workspaces |
| Ella | Mountain cafés and relaxed atmosphere |
| Kandy | Affordable city with growing remote-work scene |
Colombo offers the widest choice of professional coworking spaces, while Weligama and the south coast have become popular among surfers and long-term digital nomads.
Popular Coworking Spaces
Some of the best-known coworking spaces include:
- Hatch Works (Colombo).
- Catalyst by HUB9 (Colombo).
- Likuid Spaces (Colombo).
- WORX Havelock House (Colombo).
- Outpost Weligama.
- Co-nnect at Shangri-La Colombo.
Most offer high-speed fibre internet, meeting rooms, air conditioning and day or monthly passes.
Mobile Coverage While Working
Mobile coverage is generally excellent in Colombo, Galle, Weligama, Mirissa, Kandy and Ella. Most remote workers can comfortably tether their laptop whenever WiFi becomes unavailable.
Coverage may become weaker in national parks, mountain trails and isolated beaches.
Using Personal Hotspot
If your eSIM plan supports hotspot sharing, you can connect your laptop whenever coworking WiFi is unavailable.
Personal Hotspot is particularly useful when:
- Travelling between cities.
- Working from cafés.
- Hotel WiFi is overloaded.
- Waiting at airports.
- Working outdoors.
Does WhatsApp Work?
Yes. WhatsApp works normally using either coworking WiFi or your Sri Lanka eSIM. Your existing number remains unchanged.
Read our guide to using WhatsApp in Sri Lanka.
Google Maps for Remote Workers
Google Maps makes it easy to find coworking spaces, cafés, accommodation and public transport.
Download offline maps before travelling through mountain regions or remote coastal areas.
How Much Data Do You Need?
| Work Style | Recommended Data |
|---|---|
| Light browsing | 10 GB |
| Regular remote work | 20 GB |
| Daily video meetings | 30 GB+ |
| Heavy hotspot usage | 50 GB+ |
Sri Lanka eSIM APN Settings
Most phones configure the APN automatically. If manual configuration is required, use:
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| APN | data.esim |
| Username | Leave blank |
| Password | Leave blank |
| Authentication | None |
What If Mobile Internet Stops Working?
- Enable the Sri Lanka eSIM.
- Select it for Mobile Data.
- Enable Data Roaming.
- Disable Automatic Data Switching.
- Confirm the APN is data.esim.
- Use Airplane Mode for 30 seconds.
- Restart your device.
See our troubleshooting guides for eSIM not working and no internet in Sri Lanka.
Tips for Working from Coworking Spaces
- Carry a universal charger.
- Bring noise-cancelling headphones.
- Use hotel WiFi for large backups.
- Keep your eSIM as a backup connection.
- Download offline maps.
- Disable roaming on your primary SIM.
- Test your internet before important meetings.
- Carry a power bank.
Related Sri Lanka Guides
- Sri Lanka eSIM
- Remote Work in Sri Lanka
- Internet for Digital Nomads
- Mobile Data in Sri Lanka
- Best Network in Sri Lanka
- How Much Data Do You Need?
FAQ
Are there good coworking spaces in Sri Lanka?
Yes. Colombo has the largest selection, while Weligama, Galle and Ella also offer quality coworking options for remote workers.
Can I work using only a Sri Lanka eSIM?
Yes. However, combining an eSIM with coworking or hotel WiFi provides the best experience for professional work.
Can I use Personal Hotspot?
If supported by your plan, you can share your mobile connection with your laptop whenever WiFi isn’t available.
Which city has the most coworking spaces?
Colombo offers the widest selection of coworking spaces, followed by growing hubs on the south coast such as Weligama and Galle.
What APN should I use?
If manual configuration is required, use data.esim.
Final Recommendation
Combining a professional coworking space with a Sri Lanka eSIM gives you the most reliable setup for working remotely. You’ll have fast WiFi while working indoors and dependable mobile data whenever you’re travelling between destinations.
Install your eSIM before departure, enable Data Roaming after arrival and use data.esim if manual APN configuration is required.