You are able to hire guides at sightseeing destinations. Sri Lankan tour guides acquire a good knowledge about the given subject and will be more than happy to educate you more about the beautiful island the following guide books are recommended to you from BSL.

Lonely Planet Sri Lanka – latest copy August 2003. Many hotel address/tel inaccuracies but good for general.
Insight Guide to Sri Lanka – Focuses on sightseeing / culture. Well written and stunning photography.