Do I pay directly for the Sri Lankan driver’s food and lodging?

Standard agency contracts usually bundle the driver’s meals and lodging into the overall package price, so you generally do not need to cover their everyday expenses out of pocket. Most tourism-oriented hotels around Sri Lanka also offer separate driver quarters and free meals, as part of common arrangements in the industry.

If you decide to eat at standalone luxury restaurants or stay at small, remote Airbnbs that do not include driver facilities, the agency then gives the driver a daily cash allowance to arrange their own food and lodging close by. You should never feel pushed to purchase meals for your driver, though inviting them for lunch is an appreciated gesture of hospitality.