The 6 Best VPN for Sri Lanka: Paid and Free Providers in 2025
If you want internet freedom in Sri Lanka, you’ll need a VPN. Local authorities can spy on your connections, and social media sites are regularly blocked during times of unrest. Get the best VPN for Sri Lanka to access the internet without restrictions.
Written by Kate Hawkins (Editor, Writer)
Reviewed by Samuel Chapman (Writer, Editor)
Facts checked by Igor Kurtz (Fact-checking editor)
Last Updated:
All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing. Learn more here.
Key Takeaways: These Are the Best VPNs for Sri Lanka
- NordVPN — Best overall VPN for Sri Lanka, with a large server network and top security features. You can sign up for NordVPN with a 72% discount and use the 30-day money-back guarantee if you change your mind.
- Surfshark — Best budget VPN, with useful security and privacy tools. Surfshark’s two-year plan offers 66% (plus 3 months free) off on the first two years with three months free.
- ExpressVPN — Great VPN for beginner users, with an intuitive interface. A 25% discount is available for users who choose ExpressVPN’s extended subscription options.
- CyberGhost — Impressive server network, with connections in Sri Lanka.
- Private Internet Access — Highly customizable VPN for users who want to configure connections in Sri Lanka.
- PrivadoVPN — Best free VPN for Sri Lanka, with servers in 10 countries.
Facts & Expert Analysis: Sri Lanka VPN:
- The Online Safety Bill threatens free speech in Sri Lanka: The bill, passed in January 2024, was intended to stop online abuse. However, human rights groups claim it’s designed to stifle free speech and prevent government criticism. 1 Statements online can be traced back to individuals, who can be prosecuted.
- A VPN helps access blocked content in Sri Lanka: Social media and messaging services are often blocked during times of civil unrest, so it’s essential to have a VPN to contact family and friends.
- VPNs protect your data from cybercriminals: As cybercrime is a growing issue in Sri Lanka, using a VPN when connected to public networks helps mitigate the risk of your data being intercepted and stolen.
Internet freedom in Sri Lanka is improving, but there’s still plenty of work left to do. Cybercrime is on the rise, government surveillance is a threat and you can be blocked from social media. You can avoid these concerns by using a top-ranked VPN. With the best VPN for Sri Lanka, it’s easy to protect your internet activity and data.
A VPN (virtual private network) tunnels your internet traffic through an encrypted connection so outsiders — such as government agents and hackers — can’t see what you’re doing. You can access the internet freely by connecting to a VPN server outside of Sri Lanka, or protect your data locally with a server closer to home.
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11/02/2023
Updated the article to reflect ExpressVPN’s recent increase of 5 simultaneous connections to 8, as well as its expansion of server presence to 105 countries, previously 94.
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07/24/2024
Updated the article to reflect latest information on NordVPN’s allowed number of simultaneous connections.
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10/01/2024
We recalibrated the VPN positions after thorough reassessment of each service.
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11/06/2024 Facts checked
We’ve rewritten this article to include new VPN vendors based on our latest tests and to provide answers to the top FAQs.
Cloudwards’ Choice: NordVPN
Cloudwards’ Choice: NordVPN
NordVPN has been one of Cloudwards’ top choices for years. It continues to improve its services, adding useful features like Meshnet and threat protection tools, and increasing its server network for better coverage and faster speeds. NordVPN works consistently, and we trust it to protect our connections in Sri Lanka. You can try it yourself for 30 days risk-free.
The 6 Best Sri Lanka VPNs
| VPN Service | Price | Servers in Sri Lanka | Unblocks Netflix | Speed | No-Logs Policy | Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | $3.09 per month | The fastest | NordLynx, OpenVPN | |||
 | $2.19 per month | Very fast | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | |||
 | $6.66 per month | Very fast | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | |||
 | $2.19 per month | Not very fast | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | |||
 | $2.19 per month | Fast | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | |||
 | Free plan (10GB monthly data) | Not very fast | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
1. NordVPN — Best VPN for Sri Lanka
Very Fast
Very Fast
Very Fast
After rigorous testing, we’ve determined that NordVPN is the best Sri Lanka VPN, with virtual servers that provide Sri Lankan IP addresses and connections in 118 countries for access to global content. Its security features are well built to protect your online activities from observation and censorship by Sri Lankan authorities.
NordVPN has multiple server types, including multi-hop connections, obfuscated servers, P2P-optimized servers for torrenting and dedicated Tor servers. There’s also a kill switch, a no-logs policy and threat protection to stop malware, shady websites, ads and trackers — necessary for avoiding phishing scams and viruses that are prevalent in Sri Lanka.
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Notes From the Lab: NordVPN Speed Test Results
NordVPN ranks as the fastest VPN on the market, with consistently fast upload and download speeds. It sometimes struggles with high latency, but the latency isn’t high enough to cause noticeable lags when streaming or gaming online.
NordVPN Pricing & Value
With plans starting at $3.09 per month (for a two-year subscription plus three months free), NordVPN is reasonably priced for what it offers. It’s not the cheapest option, but it provides full-coverage security for 10 simultaneous users and should be impenetrable for internet censors in Sri Lanka.
All plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try NordVPN without making a commitment. If you’d like to read more about this VPN, check out our in-depth NordVPN review.
- **VAT may apply
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- *The prices are shown only apply for the first 12 months.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- **The prices are applicable only for the first 24 months. Secure, high-speed VPN Threat Protection Pro™: Anti-malware and advanced browsing protection Threat Protection Pro™: Ad and tracker blocker Password manager with Data Breach Scanner 1 TB of encrypted cloud storage Identity and SSN monitoring and alerts Credit monitoring services Up to $1M in identity theft insurance Up to $100K in cyber extortion insurance
- 10
2. Surfshark — Best Low-Cost VPN for Sri Lanka
Very Fast
Very Fast
Very Fast
Surfshark is one of the best cheap VPNs, as long as you sign up for at least one year at a time. It offers virtual servers in Sri Lanka if you need a local IP address, plus servers in 100 other countries. Surfshark also provides unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can protect all your devices at once.
The apps have plenty of extra features, including customizable multi-hop connections for added security, ad and malware blockers, and NoBorders mode, which automatically detects and avoids restrictions — even those imposed by governments. Surfshark’s only downside is that it can take more than 30 seconds to establish a server connection.
Notes From the Lab: Surfshark Speed Test Results
Surfshark’s global network speeds are reliably fast for streaming, torrenting and browsing. However, it can have issues with high latency, so it’s not the best option for lag-free online gaming.
Surfshark Pricing & Value
Surfshark’s two-year plan, which offers an extra four months free, is a steal at just $2.19/month for first-time subscribers. However, after the first billing period, you can renew only for the one-year plan, with its slightly higher price of $3.19 per month.
All of Surfshark’s plans feature a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can request a refund if you change your mind. Find out all the details in our dedicated Surfshark review.
- Unlimited GB bandwidth, Unlimited devices, Secure VPN, Ad blocker, Cookie pop-up blocker. Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Yes
- Everything in Starter, plus Antivirus protection, Identity protection, Email Breach and Credit Card Alerts, Online Alias Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Everything in One, plus Data removal Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
3. ExpressVPN — Easiest Sri Lanka VPN for Beginners
Very Fast
Very Fast
Very Fast
ExpressVPN is a great VPN for beginners, as its apps are user-friendly and easy to navigate. The apps are identical across all devices, so it’s simple to switch between a desktop PC and your smartphone. You can auto-connect to the fastest server by clicking the power button, or use the server list to search for a connection in Sri Lanka.
Though ExpressVPN doesn’t have a ton of configurable options, a lot goes on behind the scenes. Servers are automatically optimized for streaming or torrenting, and connections are obfuscated to avoid network restrictions without requiring you to activate any settings.
Notes From the Lab: ExpressVPN Speed Test Results
ExpressVPN has impressively fast servers on both long- and short-distance connections, achieving excellent speeds for Sri Lanka with its secure Lightway protocol.
ExpressVPN Pricing & Value
ExpressVPN is an expensive service, with plans starting at $4.99 per month for a two-year subscription. You can try ExpressVPN’s free VPN trial for seven days if you sign up through the Android or iOS app store. All plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Read more in our ExpressVPN review.
- Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
- Unlimited GB
- 8
- Yes
4. CyberGhost — Large Server Network With Sri Lankan Connections
Fast
Fast
Very Fast
CyberGhost has physical servers in Colombo that work well to access Sri Lankan content and protect your online activity. All VPN traffic on CyberGhost’s 125 global server locations came out securely encrypted in our tests. Premium security features include a kill switch, the OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, and an ad, tracker and malware blocker.
CyberGhost’s “smart rules” settings let you configure when, how and why the VPN connects. You can customize the apps to connect to a local server on startup or when using an unsecured network. You can even trigger a connection upon opening an app, which is ideal if you want to watch Disney Plus Hotstar, for example.
Notes From the Lab: CyberGhost Speed Test Results
Unfortunately, CyberGhost’s speeds are somewhat inconsistent, with upload and download speeds that are often slower than those of other VPNs. However, its speeds are good enough for day-to-day tasks like secure browsing.
CyberGhost Pricing & Value
CyberGhost is expensive on a month-to-month basis, but its long-term plans are very affordable, at $2.19 per month for a two-year plan plus four months free. Opting for a longer plan also means you can take advantage of CyberGhost’s 45-day money-back guarantee — monthly plans have only a 14-day refund window. Learn more in our CyberGhost review.
- *The 2-year plan includes 4-months free which breaks down the 56.94 t0 $2.03 per month. *The price under the 2-year plan is billed yearly after the first two years.
- Unlimited GB
- 7
- Yes
5. Private Internet Access — Highly Customizable Sri Lanka VPN
Fast
Very Fast
Very Fast
Private Internet Access (PIA) has a range of customizable features that are great for users who want to precisely configure connections in Sri Lanka. You can change encryption levels, choose between advanced or default kill switches, create standard or inverse split tunneling rules and add obfuscation with Shadowsocks.
PIA isn’t the most intuitive Sri Lanka VPN. The more advanced features are explained in the apps, but the explanations are quite technical, so it’s best to make changes only if you’re confident in what you’re doing. If you simply want to connect, you can opt for a virtual server in Sri Lanka or choose a server from PIA’s network in 91 countries.
Notes From the Lab: PIA Speed Test Results
PIA’s speeds are fast on local connections, but it can struggle to maintain those speeds over long distances. PIA has low latency on average, so it’s a good choice for online gaming and video chatting.
PIA Pricing & Value
You can protect unlimited devices with one PIA subscription, and long-term plans are cheap —$2.19 per month (two-year plan + two months) per month for two years plus four months free. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try PIA to see if it’s right for you. To find out more about this VPN, check out our PIA review.
- 10
- Yes
1-month plan, 6-months plan, 1-year plan, 2-year plan + 2 months
Can You Use a Free VPN for Sri Lanka?
You can use a free VPN in Sri Lanka, but it isn’t always the best choice. Many free VPNs have weak encryption, slow speeds and dubious data privacy policies. Some have been caught collecting and selling sensitive data. If you really need a free option, we’ve rounded up the best free VPNs for a safe and secure connection.
The Best Free Sri Lanka VPN: PrivadoVPN
PrivadoVPN ranks as the best free VPN for Sri Lanka. Though it doesn’t have servers in Sri Lanka, it provides secure connections to 10 global locations, including a free VPN server in neighboring India for fast and steady connections. PrivadoVPN’s free service also has a kill switch, split tunneling and obfuscation.
Our Methodology: How We Tested the Best Sri Lanka VPNs
With growing concerns about online freedom in Sri Lanka, there are multiple important factors to consider when choosing the best VPNs. These include the VPN’s ability to work on restrictive networks, the strength of its security, the server reliability and its connection speeds, to name a few.
We thoroughly test each VPN, ranking them according to the results they achieve in the following areas:
- Server availability: We look at VPNs with physical or virtual Sri Lankan servers so you can use a Sri Lanka IP address when necessary. We also check for a broad server network for unrestricted access to global content.
- Security and privacy features: We examine each VPN for strong encryption, a kill switch, secure protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard, obfuscation options to avoid detection by anti-VPN technology and data leak protection. We also ensure our recommended VPNs have strict zero-log policies.
- Speed and performance: For our top VPNs, we run daily tests to check for reliably fast upload and download speeds and consistently low latency. This gives us an accurate idea of how well the VPN will perform when streaming, torrenting, playing online games or browsing the web.
- Device compatibility: We spend time downloading and testing each VPN on multiple devices and operating systems to see how well they work and how easy they are to use. We also look at the differences between mobile and desktop apps and examine how they could impact your connections.
- Value: We compare the subscription options for each VPN to determine which services offer the most affordable plans and which VPNs provide the best value for the money. Plus, we ensure our recommended VPNs have a money-back guarantee.
Are VPNs Legal in Sri Lanka?
Yes, VPNs are legal in Sri Lanka. There are no laws prohibiting the use of VPNs, so you can connect to a reliable VPN service or set up your own virtual private network. However, it is not legal to use a VPN to access content that is prohibited by the Sri Lankan government. Make sure you check local laws before you connect.
Is Torrenting Legal in Sri Lanka?
Yes, torrenting is legal in Sri Lanka, as long as the content being downloaded or shared is in the public domain or open-source and not subject to copyright restrictions. Torrenting can be risky to your data security, so we recommend that you know how to download torrents safely and always use a top VPN for torrenting to protect yourself.
Why You Need a VPN for Sri Lanka
You need a VPN for Sri Lanka to protect your online freedom and personal data. Sri Lanka openly surveils its citizens, restricts freedom of expression with the Online Safety Act and blocks access to online content. Using a VPN to encrypt your connection ensures your online activity cannot be monitored and you can access global content without restrictions.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to protect yourself online in Sri Lanka, especially now that the Online Safety Act threatens to violate human rights and restrict the right to free expression. 2 Fortunately, the right VPN can provide secure access to the internet, avoiding cyber threats and surveillance that could compromise your online and personal security.
Overall, the best Sri Lanka VPN is NordVPN, which offers high-quality internet security on local and global connections. You can have peace of mind that your online activities are secure and private, and that you won’t be blocked from social media platforms. You can try NordVPN risk-free for up to 30 days with its money-back guarantee.
Have you used a VPN in Sri Lanka? Which tools do you use to maintain privacy online in locations with potential surveillance? Are there any VPN providers you’d add to this list? Let us know in the comments, and thank you for reading.
FAQ: Sri Lankan VPN
The best VPN for Sri Lanka is NordVPN. It has a global server network with virtual connections in Sri Lanka, plus a range of strong security features to protect your private data.
Yes, VPNs are legal in Sri Lanka. You can use a VPN to secure your connections and maintain privacy without legal repercussions. However, you may not use a VPN to engage in illegal activities or access content that has been blocked by the local authorities.
To get a Sri Lankan VPN, choose a high-quality VPN provider with servers in Sri Lanka. NordVPN has virtual servers in Sri Lanka that provide local IP addresses to access Sri Lankan content.
The best VPN to use internationally is NordVPN. It has a huge network of servers in 118 countries, making it simple to find connections in your chosen locations.