For Sri Lankans arriving in the UK capital, London offers both familiar tastes and new experiences, blending community, career opportunities, and neighborhoods where Sri Lankan culture thrives. Whether you’re here for work, studies, or adventure, here’s a guide to help you settle in, find a slice of Sri Lanka in London, and explore the city’s unique charms.
1. The Sri Lankan Community in London: A Thriving Diaspora
The Sri Lankan community in the UK has grown considerably over the past few decades, with an estimated 200,000 Sri Lankans across the country. London is home to around 60,000 Sri Lankans, many of whom are settled in neighborhoods where Sri Lankan culture is woven into the local fabric.
The majority of London’s Sri Lankan community is of Tamil or Sinhalese heritage, contributing to the city’s rich multicultural environment. With community events, grocery stores, and Sri Lankan temples scattered across London, it’s easy to feel connected to familiar traditions and make new connections. Sri Lankans here work across various fields, from healthcare and finance to education and tech, forming a supportive and vibrant diaspora.
2. Where to Live: Popular Neighborhoods Among Sri Lankans
Choosing where to live in London depends on your budget, lifestyle, and commute needs. Fortunately, the city has a range of neighborhoods that appeal to the Sri Lankan community.
North London: Wembley and Harrow
North London’s Wembley and Harrow neighborhoods are home to thriving Sri Lankan and broader South Asian communities. Wembley, known for its iconic stadium, is brimming with Sri Lankan and South Asian eateries, temples, and grocery stores. Harrow offers a slightly quieter, suburban feel with plenty of parks and family-friendly amenities.
- Pros: Strong Sri Lankan community, excellent South Asian food scene, well-connected by public transport.
- Cons: Can be pricey due to its popularity and proximity to central London.
South London: Tooting and Croydon
For a multicultural yet affordable neighborhood, Tooting is an ideal choice. Known for its bustling food markets and vibrant atmosphere, Tooting is a cultural hub for Sri Lankans, with spice shops, grocery stores, and Sri Lankan takeaways lining the streets. Croydon offers a more suburban lifestyle with a growing Sri Lankan population and numerous cultural amenities.
- Pros: Affordable housing options, great food, multicultural community.
- Cons: Some areas have a longer commute to central London.
East London: Ilford and East Ham
Ilford and East Ham are popular for their affordability and vibrant cultural scenes. East Ham, in particular, is known for its many Sri Lankan and South Asian shops and restaurants, making it easy to find essentials like spices, coconut milk, and curry leaves. Ilford is also family-friendly and well-connected to the city center.
- Pros: Affordable rents, strong Sri Lankan community, easy access to central London by train.
- Cons: Peak commute times can be busy.
3. Sri Lankan Food in London: Where to Find Authentic Flavors
Living in London comes with the perk of enjoying authentic Sri Lankan food, from street stalls to restaurants. Here are some top spots to taste the best of Sri Lankan cuisine or shop for ingredients to cook at home:
Restaurants Serving Sri Lankan Cuisine
- The Kolam – A favorite in Tooting, The Kolam offers a menu of classic Sri Lankan dishes like hoppers, crab curry, and kothu roti.
- Jaffna House – Also in Tooting, this popular spot is known for affordable and authentic Sri Lankan dishes like biryani, parotta, and mutton curry.
- Hopper & Roll – Located centrally, this restaurant brings a modern twist to traditional Sri Lankan street food with creative hoppers and sambols.
Sri Lankan Grocery Stores
Sri Lankan grocery stores across London make it easy to find familiar ingredients like curry leaves, coconut milk, and traditional spices. Tooting Market offers fresh produce and spices at competitive prices, while the South Asian markets in Wembley provide a range of Sri Lankan snacks, sauces, and cooking essentials.
4. Working in London: Job Opportunities for Sri Lankans
London’s economy is vast and varied, offering professional opportunities across sectors from finance and technology to healthcare and creative industries. Sri Lankans in London work in diverse roles, and the city is known for its demand for skilled professionals and graduates, making it a strong choice for those seeking career growth.
Popular Industries and Roles
- Healthcare and Social Care: The NHS, one of the largest employers in the UK, actively recruits internationally for doctors, nurses, and social care roles. There is a strong demand for skilled medical professionals, and Sri Lankans with healthcare experience will find a range of job openings.
- Finance and Banking: London is a global financial hub with opportunities in investment banking, accounting, and consulting. Many multinational firms have offices in London, making it an attractive city for Sri Lankans in finance or business.
- Technology and IT: The tech sector in London is rapidly growing, with demand for roles in software development, data analysis, cybersecurity, and AI. Tech hubs around Shoreditch and Silicon Roundabout offer plenty of job opportunities for skilled tech professionals.
- Education: There’s a steady demand for educators in London, from primary and secondary school teachers to university lecturers and support staff. Teaching qualifications and experience from Sri Lanka can often be transferred or supplemented with UK certification.
Networking and Job Resources
Professional networks like LinkedIn and groups like Sri Lankans in London can help you connect with industry professionals, find job leads, and access networking events. Additionally, recruitment agencies that specialize in particular sectors, such as Hays (healthcare, finance) or Michael Page (tech, finance), are invaluable resources for those job hunting in London.
If you’re a recent graduate, many companies offer graduate training schemes in finance, technology, and healthcare that provide structured paths for career growth and development. Job fairs, industry conferences, and seminars are common across London, providing opportunities to meet potential employers and explore different industries.
5. Staying Connected: Cultural and Religious Centers
Staying connected to Sri Lankan culture is important, and London has numerous community hubs, temples, and cultural centers where you can gather, worship, and celebrate. These spaces offer a sense of community and are great for meeting others from similar backgrounds.
Sri Lankan Temples and Community Centers
Buddhist temples such as the London Buddhist Vihara in Chiswick and the Shri Kanaga Thurkkai Amman Temple in Ealing offer regular services, festivals, and events. These temples host cultural activities, language classes, and traditional celebrations, providing a link to home and an opportunity to meet others in the Sri Lankan community.
For those interested in Tamil culture, organizations like Tamil Sangam offer resources, events, and classes in Tamil language, dance, and art. Community centers also organize cultural gatherings, festivals, and holiday celebrations for both Sinhalese and Tamil Sri Lankans.
Festivals and Events
Celebrate Sri Lankan festivals like Sinhala and Tamil New Year at cultural centers across the city, where food stalls, performances, and family-friendly activities bring Sri Lankan traditions to life. Events hosted by the High Commission of Sri Lanka and local Sri Lankan groups are also fantastic for connecting with the diaspora and experiencing home traditions in the UK.
Moving to London as a Sri Lankan offers a unique mix of career opportunities, community, and culture. With vibrant neighborhoods, authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, and a rich job market, there’s plenty to enjoy in this bustling capital. Embrace the diversity of London, explore the neighborhoods, and make the most of the city’s opportunities for career growth and cultural connection.