The Central Cultural Fund is revising its policy on issuing complementary and concessionary entry tickets to the heritage sites managed by the CCF effect from 01st July 2026.
The proposed revisions to the policy on issuing complementary and concessionary entry tickets to heritage sites have been carefully reviewed to ensure clarity, fairness, and alignment with institutional objectives. These revisions aim to standardize procedures, minimize misunderstandings at entry points, and ensure transparency for both visitors and CCF staff.
A. Eligibility for Complementary Entry Tickets to heritage sites are as follows, subjected to specific conditions stipulated below:
Diplomatic Personnel
Heads of Missions (Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Consul Generals etc.), their Deputy Heads; Diplomatic Officers serving In an advisory capacity, and their immediate family members (spouse and children only) of the above categories, upon written Request by the Head of the respective Mission.
(Issuing Authority: Director General (DG), Central Cultural Fund (CCF))
Foreign staff members of Diplomatic Missions, upon a written request by the Head of the respective Mission (No free entrance or concessionary tickets to their immediate family members)
(Issuing Authority: DG, CCF)
United Nations system Organizations (UNESCO, UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, UN Women, WHO, ILO, WFP, IOM, UNODC, UNOPS, UNIDO IAEA etc.
Resident Head & foreign staff members of the UN Organizations upon a written request by the respective Resident Head.
(Issuing Authority: DG, CCF)
SAARC Cultural Centre
Resident Head and foreign staff members, upon a written request From the Resident Head.
(Issuing Authority: DG, CCF)
Foreign Professionals and Volunteers
Foreign professionals, experts, consultants, workers & volunteers invited by the line ministry, the CCF or by the Departments / Institutions under the line ministry upon a written request by the Head of the inviting institution.
(Issuing Authority: DG, CCF)
Foreign VVIPs
Foreign VVIPs to other government Ministries, Departments and Agencies upon a written request from the Secretary to the President, Prime Minister or the respective line ministry.
(Issuing Authority: DG, CCF)
Cultural and Heritage Professionals
Members of the ICOMOS, ICOM /staff members of ICCROM upon presenting a valid membership card or document which is active for the current year.
(Issuing Authority: Project Manager / Officer-in-Charge of the respective site)
University Students and Academic Staff
Local and foreign academic staff members, and undergraduate/Postgraduate students of government and private universities in Sri Lanka recognized the UGC, visiting heritage sites for academic purposes, upon a written request by the Dean of the respective faculty.
(Issuing Authority DG, CCF)
Foreign visiting scholars, researchers, and students affiliated with local universities, visiting heritage sites for academic purposes, upon a written request by the respective Vice Chancellor.
(Issuing Authority DG, CCF)
Religious Clergy
Buddhist monks and other clergy are granted free access to heritage sites upon presentation of a valid identity card confirming their religious status.
(Issuing Authority: Project Manager / Officer-in-Charge of the respective site)
Foreigners engaged in promotional activities of heritage sites through tour operators
A maximum of five (05) complementary tickets at a time per tour operating company is issued upon a written request by the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau or by his/her nominee. The total number of complementary tickets issued per year shall not exceed 500 tickets.
(Issuing Authority DG, CCF)
International visitors below the age of six (06) years
All international visitors below six years of age are allowed free entry to heritage sites upon presenting the proof of their age
(Issuing Authority: Project Manager / Officer-in-Charge of the respective site)
Local visitors below the age of 18 years
All local visitors below the age of 18 years are allowed free entry to heritage sites upon presenting the proof of their age.
B. Concessionary entry tickets (Half-rated tickets) to heritage sites may be issued under the following categories, subjected to specific conditions stipulated below:
Foreign students studying in local international schools
Foreign students studying in local international schools, who are under 18 years of age are eligible for concessionary entry tickets upon the request of Principal of the respective school
(Issuing Authority: Project Manager / Officer-in-Charge of the respective site)
International Students
Holders of valid international student Identity Card (ISIC) upon presentation of the card.
International visitors between 6 to 12 years of age upon presentation of proof of their age.
(Issuing Authority: Project Manager / Officer-in-Charge of the respective site)
Citizens of SAARC Countries
Citizens of SAARC countries upon presentation of a valid passport of a SAARC member country
(Issuing Authority: Project Manager / Officer-in-Charge of the respective site)
C. Local Entry Tickets to heritage sites may be issued to the following categories, subjected to specific conditions as stipulated below:
All Sri Lankans holding a valid Sri Lankan ID or a Passport
(Photo or photocopy of the document is not accepted)
(Issuing Authority: Project Manager / Officer-in-Charge of the respective site)
Sri Lankans residing on a foreign country and or having Dual Citizenship
Sri Lankans residing in a foreign country and those having Dual Citizenship upon presentation of valid Sri Lankan NIC or Passport (Original Dual Citizenship Certificate or Certified one).
(Issuing Authority: Project Manager / Officer-in-Charge of the respective site)
D. The following visitors are not eligible for free access, local entry tickets, complimentary tickets, or concessionary tickets:
- Foreign nationals working in Sri Lanka, even if they hold a valid resident Visa
- Individuals claiming to be Sri Lankan, but unable to provide proof of Sri Lankan citizenship (i.e. cannot present a valid Sri Lankan NIC or Sri Lankan Passport)
- Spouses and children who do not hold Sri Lankan Citizenship, regardless of their marital or familial relationship with Sri Lankan citizens.
Director General
Central Cultural Fund
