Why not go through immigration and go check-in at the departure terminal? I found the experience quite an eye-opening and sobering. En-route to the exit from immigration, you will see stalls selling various things (mainly electronics). There is no consideration given to glitzzy displays: everything piled up together, bare-boned and utilitarian. The thought that struck me was that esthetics is cleary a luxury. Outside the arrival building, there is a mob of touts trying to get your attention. Here I was: flying to CMB to pick up a cheap DONE ticket while there are many people there trying to eek out a living (at 1 am) in this poor country. I must say that the middle class guilt hit me pretty hard (I ended up filling the unicef envelope quite generously onboard).

Sorry to be a downer, but I think reality check is needed once in a while.

Back to FT: I agree with the foot message (at least the12USD may contribute the local economy). The business lounge is a contracted lounge located opposite from the F lounge with the walkway in the middle. There are 3 computer terminals with internet access, but no wi-fi (as of 12/05). There are snacks, coffee/tea/beers/bev. The local offerings are quite tasty. I only saw one small duty-free shop airside. So you may want to stay in the lounge. Of note, you will be bussed out the plane and they require your presence at the gate about 45 minutes before departure.

I am going back to CMB next month and will stay for a few days this time. I am looking forward to getting to know Sri Lanka a little better as a country and not an XONEX shop.