Is the lack of internet freedom in Sri Lanka leaving you feeling restricted and uneasy? The persistent shadow of government surveillance can taint users’ online experience, causing concern among citizens and visitors alike.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) becomes crucial in such an environment. A VPN creates a secure, encrypted tunnel for your internet traffic, rendering it impenetrable to prying eyes, be it hackers or government entities.
We’ve researched and tested numerous VPNs to find the services that ensure your online experiences in Sri Lanka are secure, unrestricted, and worry-free.
We provide a lot of detail on each of the VPNs that we selected for this article, but if you only have time for a summary, here is our list of the best VPNs for Sri Lanka:
- NordVPN Our #1 choice for Sri Lanka. Exceptional speeds and leading privacy and security features. Plenty of servers in many countries (including Sri Lanka), so no issues unblocking restricted sites and services. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Sri Lanka. - Surfshark Best budget pick. No connection limit, great at unblocking, and it doesn’t keep any logs. Strong suite of security features.
- IPVanish Reliable, private, and secure. Also good for streaming and downloading. Allows unlimited device connections.
- ExpressVPN Vast array of servers around the globe that are able to unblock social media sites, communication apps, and geo-blocked streaming content. Secure and private service.
- CyberGhost A low‑cost provider with more than 10,000 servers in 100+ countries, and easy‑to‑use apps that are great for beginners.
- ProtonVPN Approximately 52 servers in Sri Lanka. Great for streaming and torrenting. Solid privacy and security.
Many VPNs claim to work with Sri Lanka but most (especially free VPNs) are often blocked.
We regularly test the top 70 VPNs with all major streaming sites and this list only includes VPNs which reliably unblock Sri Lanka and offer a full money-back guarantee, allowing you to try them risk-free.
How we found the best VPNs for Sri Lanka
Not all VPNs are born equal — some suffer from poor security while others are slow and unreliable. In this article, we reveal the best VPNs for Sri Lanka based on tests in the following key areas:
- Network suitability: We started by checking which VPNs had servers in Sri Lanka suitable for accessing local online services. We also assessed each provider’s global presence, as well as their ability to access a range of geo-restricted sites and streaming platforms.
- Speed: To find which VPNs were fastest, we carried out multiple speed tests while connected to each provider’s servers in Sri Lanka.
- Security and privacy: To ensure your online activities aren’t exposed to potentially malicious third parties, we only recommend those that performed well against our 16 different test metrics.
- Ease of use: We found the services with the most user-friendly apps and customer support by evaluating them against ten different metrics.
- Value for money: To gauge each VPN’s relative worth, we considered more than just monthly subscription costs. Our eight test metrics included checking for money-back guarantees, introductory offers, and discounts.
You can read more about our VPN testing methodology further in this article, but for now, let’s take a closer look at the ones we recommend.
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Best VPNs for Sri Lanka: Our hands-on review
We’ve tested and compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Sri Lanka.
No value | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | Proton VPN |
Website | NordVPN.com | Surfshark.com | IPVanish.com | ExpressVPN.com | Cyberghost.com | ProtonVPN.com | Ranking for Sri Lanka | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | Streaming reliability | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Good | Good | Avg Speed (Mbps) | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | Popular Sites Unblocked | 95% | 88% | 85% | 86% | 85% | 87% | Total number of servers | 7,425 | 3,200 | 2,400 | Undisclosed | 8,000+ | 12,660 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best deal (per month) | $3.39 Up to 76% off 2 year plans + free Amazon Gift Card | $1.99 87% OFF + 3 months free | $6.49 Best MONTHLY deal | $4.99 SAVE: 61% + 4 months free on 2 year plans | $2.19 SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan + 2 months free! | $3.59 SAVE 64% on a 2-year plan |
Best VPNs for Sri Lanka
Here is our full rundown of the best VPNs for Sri Lanka:
1. NordVPN
Jul 2025
Works In Sri LankaTested Jul 2025
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 9.4 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 9.6 / 10 |
Features: | 10.0 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 9.5 / 10 |
US speed testing: | 10.0 / 10 |
Value for money: | 7.9 / 10 |
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is our top recommendation for a Sri Lanka VPN. It combines robust security with incredible speeds. In our tests for this article, it averaged 197.35 Mbps. This was more than 47 Mbps faster than the combined average speed of the other tested VPNs, and makes it suitable for everything from video calling to gaming.
NordVPN encrypts internet traffic using the 256-bit AES protocol, and offers leak protection and a kill switch. More interestingly, it provides one-click access to the Tor network and access to multi-hop servers. It has obfuscated servers and a dedicated obfuscation protocol that are effective enough to bypass blocks in China.

The company adheres to a strict zero-logs policy. This means it will not store any user data related to sessions, traffic, or timestamps.
There have been a few instances where NordVPN received official requests to hand over user data from government surveillance agencies. But its no-logs policy helped it evade these summons. Servers were confiscated in at least one instance, but there wasn’t any incriminating data that could be extracted from them. Additionally, NordVPN is incorporated in Panama, which means it doesn’t have to automatically comply with any data retention laws.
Its server network is similarly robust. There are approximately 7,700 servers spread across 118 countries. This provider supports most online streaming service,s including Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. It’s also suitable for torrenting.

A subscription allows for 10 simultaneous connections. NordVPN’s easy-to-use apps are available for Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Buy this VPN if:
- You need a VPN that offers excellent obfuscation and multi-hop servers for bypassing government censorship in Sri Lanka.
- You are looking for fast speeds for video calls, streaming, and gaming.
- You prioritize a strong no-logs policy backed by audits, ensuring that your browsing activity remains private.
- You want access to a large network with servers in 118 countries, including Sri Lanka.
- You require a VPN with 24/7 live chat support for immediate help.
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You need a VPN with a super simple desktop app.
BEST VPN FOR SRI LANKA:NordVPN is our top VPN pick. It’s a great all-rounder that pegs amazing speeds and works well in Sri Lanka. Best-in-class security features and accommodates up to 10 devices. Also includes a 30-day money-back guarantee for a risk-free deal.
Read our review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
Works in Sri LankaTested Jul 2025
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 9.2 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 9.1 / 10 |
Features: | 9.6 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 9.5 / 10 |
US speed testing: | 9.5 / 10 |
Value for money: | 8.1 / 10 |
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark is a great low-cost alternative to NordVPN. It holds its own when it comes to unblocking and offers a robust set of security features. These include 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, protection against leaks, and a kill switch.
Alongside some of the more standard features, Surfshark also offers automatic Wi-Fi protection, multi-hop servers, and a split tunneling feature. Better still, Surfshark doesn’t keep any logs whatsoever.

This provider is well known for its ability to unblock content, and it’s easy to see why. During testing, we were able to access multiple Netflix libraries, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer.

Surfshark operates over 3,200 servers in more than 100 countries, so you have plenty to choose from. It has servers in Sri Lanka as well as in neighboring countries such as India, Malaysia, and Singapore.
While connected to its servers in Sri Lanka, we measured speeds of between 183.5 Mbps and 190.27 Mbps. This is more than fast enough for streaming or video calling without interruption.
Surfshark apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. A huge perk with this provider is that there’s no connection limit, so you can use it on as many devices as you like.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want a low-cost VPN that offers a premium service.
- You don’t want any device connection limits, making it perfect for securing multiple devices in Sri Lanka.
- You require strong security features, including leak protection, split tunneling, and the ability to bypass censorship with NoBorders mode.
- You want to unblock a wide variety of streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, from Sri Lanka.
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You need more advanced settings and configurations.
- You want a VPN with specialized servers for specific tasks.
BEST BUDGET CHOICE:Surfshark is a low-cost, reliable VPN. It’s also great at unblocking and boasts a selection of security extras. Plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of Surfshark.
3. IPVanish
Works In Sri LankaTested Jul 2025
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 8.4 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 8.1 / 10 |
Features: | 9.4 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 8.7 / 10 |
US speed testing: | 8.7 / 10 |
Value for money: | 7.3 / 10 |
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
IPVanish has two servers in Sri Lanka and 2,400 more in 140 locations worldwide. It allows users to choose between individual servers and lists the ping time and relative load for each of them.
In our speed tests, the provider was both consistent and quick. The results varied by just 5.13 Mbps and averaged 170.91 Mbps overall. This makes IPVanish well-suited to tasks such as streaming, torrenting, and gaming.
The service uses 256-bit encryption on the WireGuard protocol by default. It has a kill switch, split tunneling, and leak protection.

This company is registered in the US, which might be disconcerting for some. However, since this provider is completely logless, IPVanish simply can’t reveal any identifiable info. This includes session history, choice of servers, and bandwidth utilized.
IPVanish works with various streaming services and permits torrenting on all servers. We had no issue accessing Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video during testing.

Best of all, there’s no connection limit whatsoever. IPVanish has apps for iOS and Android as well as desktop support for Windows and macOS.
Buy this VPN if:
- You need a VPN with unlimited device connections, making it a great choice for families or people with many devices.
- You want a service that consistently delivers high speeds for streaming, torrenting, and gaming in Sri Lanka.
- You prioritize privacy with a solid no-logs policy and advanced security features like split tunneling and a kill switch.
- You want a VPN that provides easy access to local content in Sri Lanka and popular streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You need a VPN that allows anonymous payments via Bitcoin.
- You are concerned about its US-based location, which could raise privacy concerns for some users.
NO CONNECTION LIMIT:IPVanish is a good family choice. Allows unlimited simultaneous connections. Excellent standard of privacy and security, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our review of IPVanish.
4. ExpressVPN
Works In Sri LankaTested Jul 2025
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 8.3 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 9.0 / 10 |
Features: | 9.7 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 9.2 / 10 |
US speed testing: | 6.4 / 10 |
Value for money: | 7.0 / 10 |
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN leverages robust encryption standards. It uses 256-bit AES-CBC with utilization of both HMAC authentication and perfect forward secrecy. Additional security features include an internet kill switch (the company refers to it as a ‘network lock’), which will temporarily stymie all web traffic if the connection to the VPN drops unexpectedly. ExpressVPN keeps minimal metadata logs, but nothing that could identify users.

When it comes to server networks, ExpressVPN offers a large list of options. There are over 3,000 servers spread across 105 countries. There’s an option to connect to servers in Sri Lanka, too, which is handy for local residents trying to access local content and banking services when traveling abroad.
In our tests for this article, ExpressVPN’s slowest and fastest speeds varied by less than 1 Mbps. Such consistent connections are great for smooth gaming and streaming.
ExpressVPN can reliably access some of the most stubborn geo-blocked services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+.

Apps for Android and iOS are available, as well as desktop clients for Windows and macOS. There’s also an easy-to-set-up router app in case you’d like to secure an entire network.
Buy this VPN if:
- You need a VPN with a large network of servers in 105 countries, including Sri Lanka, for secure access to global content.
- You want to unblock a wide range of geo-restricted streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+.
- You prioritize strong encryption and security features like a kill switch, perfect forward secrecy, and minimal metadata logging.
- You are looking for a VPN with fast and incredibly reliable speeds for streaming and gaming.
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You are looking for the most budget-friendly option.
- You require more advanced configuration or customization options.
STRONG UNBLOCKER:ExpressVPN reliably circumvents internet censorship and unblocks Google, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Viber, and more. Also boasts fast connections and a huge range of servers. Try it on a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our review of ExpressVPN.
5. CyberGhost
Works In Sri LankaTested Jul 2025
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 7.7 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 9.1 / 10 |
Features: | 6.4 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 8.9 / 10 |
US speed testing: | 6.7 / 10 |
Value for money: | 7.2 / 10 |
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost has a large network of more than 10,000 servers in 100+ countries. It has more than a dozen servers in Sri Lanka, which makes getting a speedy, low-latency connection extremely simple. In our speed tests for this article, it averaged 131.81 Mbps overall. As a rough guide, this is fast enough to streaming Netflix in 4K on five devices at the same time.
The provider is a great option for streaming and works well with a wide range of services. These include Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Disney Plus.

CyberGhost uses 256-bit AES encryption along with 2,048-bit RSA keys and MD5 HMAC authentication. There’s also an internet kill switch included, which acts as an additional security layer, as well as split tunneling and automatic Wi-Fi protection.
This provider has a stated policy of not storing any data, so that should ease privacy concerns. The company is registered in Romania, which means it’s safely out of the reach of any data retention laws. For those concerned with privacy and don’t mind having a Romanian IP address, the company operates its own NoSpy servers.

CyberGhost allows up to seven simultaneous connections and has apps available for Android and iOS as well as desktop clients for Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want a low-cost option with access to a large network of 10,000+ servers, including several in Sri Lanka.
- You need a beginner-friendly app that’s easy to use, especially for less tech-savvy users.
- You are looking for a VPN with excellent streaming capabilities for platforms like Netflix and Disney Plus.
- You want a VPN with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, offering an extended trial period.
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You need more control over advanced features and customization options.
- You are looking for a VPN that works well in highly restrictive regions like China.
GREAT VALUE:CyberGhost is great for beginners. Great privacy and security. Vast global server network and comes with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of CyberGhost.
6. Proton VPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 7.7 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 8.0 / 10 |
Features: | 7.3 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 9.3 / 10 |
US speed testing: | 6.8 / 10 |
Value for money: | 7.3 / 10 |
Website: www.ProtonVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ProtonVPN has around 52 servers in Sri Lanka and more than 12,000 worldwide. This is far more than most VPNs and pretty much guarantees you’ll be able to avoid congestion.

While connected to Proton VPN’s servers in Sri Lanka, we recorded speeds averaging 134.02 Mbps. This is fast enough for everyday online activities like streaming, gaming, or torrenting.
ProtonVPN has the ability to unblock a number of geo-restricted streaming services in Sri Lanka and elsewhere. We had no issues accessing stubborn streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer during testing.

The provider is one of the few to allow port forwarding, making it a great option for torrenters. Other features include a stealth protocol, split tunneling, and multi-hop servers. As you might expect, it also provides strong encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch,
Subscriptions allow users to secure up to 10 devices at the same time. Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Android, Linux, and iOS.
Buy this VPN if:
- You prioritize privacy and security – strong reputation for data protection with no logs.
- You are a torrenting enthusiast and require port forwarding.
- You need access to servers in Sri Lanka and a wide range of other countries, with speeds suitable for streaming, gaming, and general browsing.
- You are concerned with censorship and need a VPN that can bypass restrictions with stealth mode and multi-hop servers.
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You need the most budget-friendly option.
- You’re a beginner who might find the advanced features and customization overwhelming.
Fast Servers:ProtonVPN is a solid all-rounder. Unblocks social media content, most chat and popular streaming services. Vast network of 12,000 servers in 117 countries. Excellent security and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our review of Proton VPN.
Our Methodology: Identifying the best VPNs for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has a particularly troubling digital landscape, with many ISPs blocking access to encrypted messengers and VPNs outright. Additionally, the country has vaguely worded laws that can easily be used to prosecute unwitting internet users. For this reason, users shouldn’t compromise on privacy when choosing a VPN. But this isn’t the only thing that’s important. To ensure you get a suitably versatile provider, we tested providers in five key areas:
Features
Sri Lankan ISPs have been known to block VPNs if they detect VPN traffic. As such, we started by checking which providers had stealth modes that could obfuscate traffic. Next, we checked whether they had servers in Sri Lanka. These will give you the fastest speeds if you’re in the country, and provide access to local online services if you’re abroad. We checked how many other countries each provider supported and which streaming services they worked with.
Scores for all of the above were weighted and combined to generate an overall score for each provider. This makes a quick comparison possible.
NordVPN scored a perfect 10.0 out of 10 in our tests. It has servers in Sri Lanka and another 117 countries. It can effectively obfuscate traffic and works with all major streaming services. ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and IPVanish are also excellent choices.
Speed
To avoid getting frustrated with slow connection speeds while using a VPN in Sri Lanka, we’ve only recommended suitably quick providers. We found the fastest by carrying out multiple speed tests while connected to their servers in Sri Lanka.
We took measurements using the desktop version of the Ookla speed-testing app. To emulate the experience of the average user, we rate-limited our base connection speed to 250 Mbps (which is roughly the median fixed broadband speed in the US).
We averaged each provider’s results and then converted them to scores out of 10. This makes a side-by-side comparison possible.
NordVPN was the fastest provider overall, though Surfshark was only about 10 Mbps slower. Both providers are well-suited to demanding tasks like 4K streaming and multiplayer gaming. IPVanish is also a good call for anyone who wants fast connection speeds.
Security and privacy
We’ve only recommended VPNs that use 256-bit encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch to keep your activities private. As you can see from the table below, we were also looking for providers with robust no-logs policies and secure protocols.
Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | Proton VPN |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs |
IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs |
Encryption | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher |
Authentication | SHA-384 | SHA-512 | SHA-256 | SHA-512 | SHA-256 | SHA-512 |
Keys | 4096-bit | 4096-bit | 4096-bit | 4096-bit | 4096-bit | 2048-bit |
Perfect Forward Secrecy | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
DNS leak protection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
IPv6 leak protection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Private DNS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Torrenting allowed | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Kill switch | All platforms | Mobile app-level | All platforms | Mobile app-level | All platforms | All platforms |
HQ outside 9 eyes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Obfuscation | Stealth | Stealth | Stealth | Automatic | Stealth | Stealth |
Supported protocols | Own protocol | Secure protocols only | Secure protocols only | Own protocol | Secure protocols only | Secure protocols only |
Anonymous payment options | Multiple | Multiple | None | Multiple | Multiple | One |
Additional security features | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
If the terms used in the table above are unfamiliar to you, don’t worry. The chart below — which combines the scores for each test metric — provides an overview of each provider’s relative security and privacy.
NordVPN and Surfshark each scored 9.5 out of 10. They use strong encryption and have no-logs policies that have been audited multiple times. ProtonVPN is the next-best alternative.
Ease of use
We looked for VPNs that were easy for newcomers to use, and that offered free customer support over live chat. We were also eager to find providers with strong multi-platform support.
Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | Proton VPN |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apps for all major platforms | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Novice-friendly design | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Ease of signup (reviewer to score) | 5 (easy) | 4 | 5 (easy) | 5 (easy) | 4 | 4 |
Router support | Standard | Standard | Standard | App | Standard | Standard |
Unblocking consistency | Great | Great | Great | Generally works | Great | Great |
Task specific servers | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Network | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries |
Ease of cancellation | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy |
Interface | Well-organised | A little cluttered | Well-organised | Well-organised | A little cluttered | Takes some getting used to |
Feature parity | Most features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions | All features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions |
We scored each metric according to its relative importance. These scores were then combined and used to generate a chart for direct comparison.
NordVPN scored a winning 9.6 out of 10. It makes life easier for users with task-specific servers, intuitive apps, and excellent customer support. Surfshark and CyberGhost are the best alternatives if user-friendliness is important to you.
Value for money
We all like a good deal, which is why we try to find VPNs that offer good value for money. As the table below suggests, this necessitates taking into account things like free trials, money-back guarantees, and long-term discounts.
Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | Proton VPN |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Money-back guarantee | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Connection limit | 6+ | Unlimited | Unlimited | 6+ | 6+ | 6+ |
Subscription terms | 3 terms+ | 3 terms+ | 3 terms+ | 3 terms+ | 3 terms+ | 3 terms+ |
Sale frequency | Frequently running deals | Frequently running deals | Frequently running deals | Frequently running deals | Frequently running deals | Frequently running deals |
Monthly pricing | <$13 | <$10 | <$13 | $15+ | <$13 | <$10 |
Lowest price | <$5 | <$5 | <$5 | $5+ | <$5 | $5+ |
Free trial available | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Student discount | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
As before, we combined the scores for each test metric to generate overall scores for each provider.
Surfshark was the best-value provider overall because it allows unlimited device connections and has a very reasonable two-year introductory offer. NordVPN came in as a close second thanks to its great value long-term plans and regular discounts and deals.
Browsing safely in Sri Lanka: FAQs
Should I use a free VPN in Sri Lanka?
Our recommendations on this list are paid options, meaning you’ll have to sign up with a credit card, PayPal, Bitcoin, or other available payment option. These services are meant to offer a premium experience, unencumbered with issues like sluggish speeds, weak encryption, or limited server offerings.
On the other hand, be prepared to face all these issues and more if you opt for a random free VPN. Some providers have been caught tracking and mining user data to sell to advertisers for a profit. Others have engaged in more egregious acts, like utilizing idle bandwidth to generate a massive botnet.
Since the web is under threat in Sri Lanka, it’s probably worth coughing up a few dollars to make sure your privacy and anonymity aren’t under threat. The last thing you want is for your ISP to snoop on your behavior.
Is torrenting legal in Sri Lanka?
The use of torrents sits in a legal grey area in the island country. Assuming your ISP doesn’t block P2P traffic outright, you can indulge in downloading torrents as long as you don’t use them to access copyrighted material. The practical implications of this are that any open-source software or royalty-free media can be safely consumed, but not the newest Taylor Swift song.
So far, there haven’t been any arrests in Sri Lanka for downloading torrents, but it’s better to be on the safe side. A VPN is a good bet to cover your digital footprint and ensure your ISP can’t figure out what you’re doing.
Disclaimer: although we’ve researched this topic thoroughly, nothing we’ve said should be considered legal advice. If there’s any doubt in your mind about the legality of using torrents, we encourage you to research local laws for yourself beforehand.
How do I blog anonymously in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka has a troubling history of jailing web journalists, with the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) previously used to imprison activists and those critical of the state.
These laws have now been replaced by a new counter-terrorism framework, and a National Human Rights Action Plan is under consideration by the government, reportedly at the behest of Western administrations. Despite these modest improvements, activists and legal scholars insist that the new regulations contain provisions that have the potential to limit freedom of expression. There are concerns regarding whether or not the law will be applied in a fair and just manner.
So far we haven’t come across any new threats to journalists or human rights activists. But this isn’t a far-fetched scenario. Repressive governments across the world have consistently twisted laws to jail opponents and snuff out attempts to question a totalitarian grip on power. As such, if you’re a journalist, whistleblower, blogger, or human rights activist in Sri Lanka, you may want to hide your identity on the web. Our guide to blogging anonymously is a useful read if you’re looking to tread down this path.
Is using a VPN in Sri Lanka illegal?
No, using a VPN in Sri Lanka is not illegal. While there have been reports of the Sri Lankan government censoring internet activity and blocking websites critical of the government, the use of VPNs remains legal in the country.
Additionally, there is a Reddit discussion from the Sri Lankan community that suggests concerns about privacy and internet snooping by service providers, which further implies that citizens are using VPNs and are seeking ways to maintain their privacy online.