International Real Estate

I continue to be frustrated by the news coming out of Sri Lanka. The country is well educated, has a strong work ethic, and sits in an excellent geographic location. Unfortunately, it continues to be stalled on brink of terrific expansion. Actually, a huge amount of development has and continues to occur. It's just sad to consider how much has been missed due to 25 years of a continuing civil war.

We had long visits in 2004 and 2006. I love being there.

Like many Canadians, I often think of a retirement that includes five or six months in a warm location. Back east the Quebecois head to Florida. Out here, people winter in locations such as Arizona or Mexico.

I cannot help but consider how great it'd be to head to Sri Lanka in November of each year. We don't have to shovel snow in Vancouver but still more sun during the winters would be welcome. Unfortunately, I found real estate prices in the capital region of Sri Lanka to be very expensive. Seriously, property prices can be much higher than in many places in North America. Considering average families on the island have less money, I don't know what fuels such extravagant prices.