Here are the available villas for rental in Sri Lanka.

Diverse culture and history

It is now possible to travel to all areas of the country, in particular Trincomalee on the east coast, which has now opened up.
This follows a peace treaty, which has been signed between the Tamils and Singhalese.
Excluding Trincomalee and looking at the southwest coast, I would recommend people going to the Beruwela/Bentota area as opposed to Negombo which is nearer the airport, but not as healthy. Negombo is a fishing area, and not as clean.
Major spots to see if you really want to get a feel of the variety of geography, history and culture are: the Elephant Orphanage on the way to Kandy, The Temple of the Tooth and Peredinya Gardens (similar to Kew Gardens) in Kandy, the cultural triangle of Polonnaruya, Sigiriya, Anharadhapura (ancient kingdoms), Dambulla (monastery of painted caves and sculptures).
Then you should go up into the cool, hill country, tea plantations (take a mac and umbrella), then on down to the sea in the south via Horton Plains, or Yala for wildlife, and chill out at a nice hotel by the sea.
If you want an intriguing first or last night in the country, stay at Mount Lavinia hotel just outside Colombo, which was previously the residence of the English ambassador, and still has hints of its colonial past. ... more

Five star place

I went out there twice last year to the Riverina Hotel. I give it five stars.
Great service. Good location. Stunning and safe beach. Excellent food. Very safe to travel around town by foot.
The most wonderful beach on God's earth as far as I'm concerned.
The only drawback is it is three- and-a-half hour drive from the airport.