The most important while visiting countries in Asia is to stay away from bureaucratic tangle, constant conning and awful hotels. I am not taking about avoiding contact with local people, but about all the disadvantages that come form negative experiences during your travel. Sri Lanka has many hidden oasis of relatively inexpensive clean hotels with comfort and relaxation so needed after days on dusty roads and many hours with annoying beggars. Such places allow you to come back from the exertion of the previous day and filter out only the best and nice experiences.