Q: What is the Zonal International Conference?

A: It's an international conference organised by Zones 4 & 5 countries of the SSSIO. It brings together devotees, spiritual seekers, and volunteers from different countries around the world to engage in spiritual activities, workshops, discussions, and service activities.

Q: When is the Zonal International Conference?

A: The International Conference organised by Zones 4 & 5 countries will be held over 4 days. The conference will be held on 28th September, 29th September, 30th September, and 1st October. The last day is allocated for seva activities as an integral part of the conference.

Q: Who can attend the Conference?

A: The conference is open to all individuals interested in the teachings of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. It is not restricted just to the members of the SSSIO.

Q: What time does the program starts and end?

A: The program will start at 9:00 am IST on September 28, 2023. It will end at approximately 1:30 pm IST on October 1, 2023.

Q: Where will the Conference be held?

A: The Conference will be held at the University of Jaffna, Medical Faculty Auditorium in Jaffna town, Sri Lanka.

Q: What is the GPS location of the Conference site?

A: The GPS location of the Conference site is (https://maps.app.goo.gl/AzAxzgVF2dKTv5FCA?g_st=ic)

Q: How can I register for the Conference?

A: Kindly note that Registration for the Conference has been closed.

Q: Is there a registration fee for the Conference?

A: There is no fee for attending the Conference

Q: When will the registration close?

A: The registration for the Conference was closed on 31st July 2023. 

Q: Do I have to attend the conference all four days?

A: We recommend that you attend all four days.

Q: What are the travel options available for the international delegates to fly into Sri Lanka?

A: There are three travel options for International delegates to choose from.

Option 1	Fly to Colombo + Travel by a luxury bus from Colombo to Jaffna  (Travel time by bus is approximately 7 hours) Estimated cost for the Bus Fare (Round Trip) ~ USD 30 (excluding Airport transfers)
Option 2	Fly to Chennai (India) + Fly from Chennai (India) to Jaffna via Alliance Air  (Alliance Air flies only on Sun, Mon, Wed & Fri on limited capacity) https://www.allianceair.in/book Foreign nationals require multiple entry Visa for India if travelling via Chennai
Option 3	Take a train from Colombo Fort Railway Station to Jaffna. There are 4 trains that leave for Jaffna daily. They are Intercity Express leaving Fort Railway Station at 5.30am (All compartments are 1st Class Air Conditioned). Reaches Jaffna around 12.30pm. Leaving Jaffna Station at 1.10pm and reaches Colombo around 8pm. Yall Devi leaving Fort Railway Station at 5.35am (There are 1st Class (AC), 2nd Class and 3rd Class Compartments). Reaches Jaffna around 1.30 pm. Leaving Jaffna Station at 1.30 pm and reaches Colombo around 9.30pm. Uttera Devi leaving Fort Railway Station at 11.50am (There are 1st Class (AC), 2nd Class and 3rd Class Compartments). Reaches Jaffna around 7.15 pm. Leaving Jaffna Station at 6am and reaches Colombo around 1.30pm. Jaffna Night Mail leaving Fort Railway Station at 8.00 pm (There are 1st Class (AC), 2nd Class and 3rd Class Compartments). Reaches Jaffna around 4.30am the following day. Leaving Jaffna Station at 7.30pm and reaches Colombo around 5am. Cost of the Train Tickets are (one way fare) 1st Class (AC Compartment) Rs.3,200 (USD.10) 2nd Class (Reserved Seats) Rs.1,900 (USD.6) 3rd Class (Reserved Seats) Rs.1,800 (USD.5.65) Reservation can be made online using below link. https://seatreservation.railway.gov.lk/mtktwebslr/ Kindly note, those who are arriving from overseas have to make arrangements to be dropped at Fort Railway station and there after picked up from Fort Railway Station on their return. Similar arrangements have to be done in Jaffna as well.
Option 4	Fly to Colombo + Fly to Jaffna (the airline is yet to release the flight details.)

Delegates travelling to Colombo from overseas, are kindly requested to arrive on the morning flights of September 27th so that bus transportation can be arranged from Colombo to Jaffna.

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Q: What are the visa requirements for international delegates attending the conference?

A: International delegates are generally required to obtain an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Sri Lanka. However, visitors (Nationals) from Singapore, Maldives, and Seychelles are exempted from this requirement and can obtain a free visa on arrival. To apply for an ETA or for more information about the visa application process, please visit
www.eta.gov.lk
Address to be mentioned on ETA application:
Arriving in Colombo – Hotel address in Colombo OR Sai Mandhir, 22 Barnes Place, Colombo -7 / [email protected] /+94 11 2687014
Arriving in Jaffna – Hotel Address in Jaffna

Q: Is food provided for all participants?

A: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea/ coffee will be provided to all participants during the conference free of cost.

Q: Is Accommodation provided for all participants?

A: Accommodation is not provided free of cost. Arrangements can be made if requested to make bookings at Hotels / Guest Houses. Below is the list of Hotels and Guest Houses near the Conference site.

The hotel prices may vary based on factors such as the duration of stay and the booking period. Participants are required to make their own reservations and directly settle the hotel costs. Please refer to the provided links for more information/ reservations.

Hotel Guest House	Estimated Cost (Double sharing)	Address	Contact no. / email	Booking links
Abi Villas	USD.35-40	844, Jaffna-Point Pedro Road, Jaffna	+94778778772
US Hotel	USD 25 -45	No. 855 Hospital Street, Jaffna.	+94212221017 [email protected]	https://www.agoda.com/u-s-hotel/hotel/jaffna-lk.html?cid=1844104
Green Grass Hotel & Restaurant	USD 20 -40	No 33, Aseervatham Lane, Hospital Road, Jaffna.	+94 21 222 4385 /  +94 21 222 1686 [email protected]	https://greengrass.lk/ https://www.booking.com/hotel/lk/green-grass.en-gb.html
The Valampuri	USD 35-60	148/10, Station Road, Jaffna.	+94 (0) 21 222 0111 [email protected]	https://www.valampurihotel.com/ https://www.booking.com/hotel/lk/the-valampuri.en-gb.html https://www.agoda.com/valampuri-hotel/hotel/jaffna-lk.html?cid=1844104
Northgate Jaffna	USD 55-100	136 Station Rd, Jaffna.	+94 (0) 212 030 500	https://www.booking.com/hotel/lk/north-gate-by-jetwing.en-gb.html https://www.agoda.com/north-gate-by-jetwing/hotel/jaffna-lk.html?cid=1844104
The Thinnai	USD 75-105	86, Palaly Road, Thirunelveli, Jaffna.	+94 774 558 220 /  +94 21 20 30 400 [email protected]	https://thethinnai.com/ https://www.booking.com/hotel/lk/the-thinnai.en-gb.html https://www.agoda.com/the-thinnai-suites/hotel/jaffna-lk.html?cid=1844104
Fox Resort	USD 90-140	257 K. K. S. Road, Jaffna.	+94 217 400 400 Whatsapp : +94 76 0233 667 [email protected]	https://www.foxresorts.com/fox-jaffna

Q: Are there any accommodation options provided for local delegates? 

A: Local delegates are encouraged to make their own bookings. Please speak to your center President and Regional Presidents for group travel and accommodation arrangements. 

Q: Are airport pickups and drop-offs available?

A: Jaffna Airport pick-up and drop-off services can be provided at no additional cost.

Colombo Airport pick-up and drop-off services can be arranged upon request, subject to a charge. The cost will vary depending on the number of persons. For a car or a 9-seater van, the approximate cost would be USD 15, while a 14-seater van would cost around USD 20. Please note that these prices are applicable within a 17-kilometre radius from the airport and may vary depending on the delegates' chosen hotel.

Alternatively,

• For those staying in hotels near the Colombo airport, the most efficient and affordable option is to arrange an airport taxi. These taxis are readily available just outside the departure lounge and are reasonably priced. They typically accommodate around 7 passengers in vans.
• Hotels near the Colombo airport may also be able to help with arranging airport transfers from the hotel to the airport.

Q: Is transportation provided to the venue and back during the conference?

A: Yes. Scheduled bus transportation will be provided for those who are travelling from overseas from the list of recommended hotels / guest houses to the conference/activity venue and back during the conference (all 4 days), at no additional cost.

Q: Can I request for customised transportation timings?

A: The transportation timings are planned and scheduled in a way that accommodates the majority of participants. Customized transportation timings will not be available due to logistical constraints. It is advisable to follow the provided schedule to ensure a smooth and coordinated transportation experience.

Q: Can I choose not to use the provided transportation services and make my own arrangements?

A: Yes, participants have the option to make their own transportation arrangements instead of using the provided services. If you prefer to arrange your own transportation, please inform the organizers in advance.

Q: Will the organizers assist with any alternative transportation options if I am unable to use the provided transportation services?

A: The organizers will be able to provide guidance and information on alternative transportation options if you choose not to use the provided services. They can offer recommendations or contact details for local transportation services, taxis, or rental car agencies. However, any costs or arrangements for alternative transportation will be your responsibility.

Q: Can I request a different pickup location?

A: The scheduled bus transportation will have designated pickup locations. Requests for a different pickup location may not be accommodated due to logistical constraints. It is advisable to plan your travel to reach the designated pickup location at the specified time.

Q: When will the program schedule be available?

The program schedule will be emailed to all registered participants in due course. It will also be made available on the website 1^st week of September 2023. 

Q: How can I get updates and important information about the Conference?

A: The organizers will communicate updates and important information about the conference through official channels. This may include email notifications, social media updates, or announcements on the SSSIO Sri Lanka website. It's advisable to check these sources for the latest updates regularly. You may send an email to the following email address requesting for any information [email protected]

Q: How can I provide additional information or ask further questions regarding the conference?

A: You may provide any additional information or ask further questions about the registration process or conference by emailing us at [email protected].