What are the typical operating hours for Sri Lankan restaurants?

Ah, that's a great question, and one that often leaves first-time visitors to Sri Lanka a bit confused. The restaurant opening hours there aren't as "uniform" as they are here; it really depends on the situation. Let me explain, and it should become clear.

Generally speaking, restaurants in Sri Lanka, especially the smaller local eateries, have a very strong concept of meal times. They aren't open all day; they typically divide their hours into three main periods:

Breakfast Time: Approximately 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM Many small shops open very early to serve breakfast to locals heading to school or work, offering dishes like their popular Hoppers (bowl-shaped pancakes) or String Hoppers (rice noodle pancakes). After this window, breakfast service usually wraps up.
Lunch Time: Approximately 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM or 3:00 PM This is the most important mealtime, when everyone eats "Rice and Curry." It's crucial to note that many authentic small restaurants might stop serving lunch after 2:30 PM, then close for a break to prepare for the evening. If you're looking for lunch around 3 or 4 PM, you'll likely struggle to find an open local restaurant.
Dinner Time: Approximately 6:30 PM or 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM Dinner doesn't start too late, and most restaurants begin closing around 10 PM. In tourist areas, they might stay open a bit later, but generally, the nightlife isn't particularly vibrant.

However, here are a few exceptions and tips for you:

Tourist Areas and Hotel Restaurants: In popular tourist spots like Galle Fort, Mirissa, and Ella, many restaurants cater to visitors and have much more flexible opening hours. Some might be open all day, offering meals during afternoon tea hours, and closing later. Hotel restaurants are generally open all day, serving as a reliable option if you can't find food elsewhere.
Cafes and Tea Houses: Sri Lanka has many excellent cafes, especially in cities like Colombo and Kandy. These places are usually open all day, from morning until evening. If you miss lunch, finding a cafe for a sandwich, pastry, or a cup of Ceylon tea is an excellent alternative.
City vs. Rural Differences: In larger cities like Colombo, you'll have many more options, and all-day restaurants are easier to find. However, in more remote villages or smaller towns, restaurants will generally adhere strictly to the three meal times mentioned above.

To summarize simply:

If you want to experience authentic local cuisine, it's best to follow the local meal times. If you miss a mealtime, head to a tourist area, a cafe in a larger city, or your hotel restaurant; you generally won't go hungry. The safest bet is always to check the opening hours of the restaurant you plan to visit on Google Maps beforehand!