Short answer — they use a mix of serviced apartments, long‑stay hotels, furnished rental apartments (via agents or platforms), and company‑provided housing. Choice depends on budget, duration, family status, and project location. Practical details and tips below.

Where people commonly stay

• Serviced apartments / aparthotels — popular for 1–6+ month projects because they include utilities, cleaning, and flexible terms. Good for single consultants and families who want hotel‑style services but more space.
• Long‑stay hotels — some hotels offer monthly rates and business facilities; useful for short to medium stays or while you search for a longer lease.
• Furnished rental apartments — private flats (1–3+ bedrooms) rented through local agents, relocation companies or platforms (short‑term rental sites) for stays of several months to a year.
• Company‑leased housing — many consultancies or foreign firms arrange apartments/condos for staff, sometimes in gated complexes.
• Guesthouses / serviced guest flats — lower cost option for smaller budgets or single travelers, usually without the full services of an aparthotel.

Best neighborhoods in Colombo for expats (depending on work location)

• Cinnamon Gardens (Colombo 7) — leafy, upscale, quiet; close to embassies, schools and many corporate offices.
• Kollupitiya / Cinnamon Grand area (Colombo 3) — central, lots of restaurants, hotels and shopping; good for business travel.
• Bambalapitiya / Galle Road (Colombo 4 & 6) — good transport links, many apartments and shops.
• Havelock Town (Colombo 5) — residential, popular with families and longer‑term renters.
• Wellawatte / Dehiwala (south of central Colombo) — more affordable options with easy access to the city.
• For project sites outside central Colombo, expats often choose the closest safe residential suburb or a serviced apartment near the client site.

What to expect from each option

• Serviced apartments: furnished, utilities often included (or billed monthly), housekeeping, gym/pool, reliable power backup and internet often available. Higher nightly/monthly rates but less hassle.
• Furnished rentals: lower monthly cost for similar space but you’ll handle utilities, internet, sometimes maintenance; landlords commonly require a security deposit and a lease (often 6–12 months).
• Hotels: most convenient short term; can be expensive for multi‑month stays but sometimes offer discounted monthly rates.
• Company housing: convenient and quick to move into; may have rules about visitors, pets, etc.

Practical tips and checklist

• Lease length & deposit: expect 3–12 month agreements. Deposits are common (often 1–3 months’ rent) — clarify refund conditions in writing.
• Furnishings & inventory: get an inventory list and photos at move‑in; document existing damage.
• Utilities & internet: confirm what’s included; Sri Lanka has frequent planned/unplanned power outages in some areas so prioritize places with reliable backup generators or inverters and good internet redundancy.
• Security: pick a building with controlled access or a gated complex if safety is a concern.
• Proximity: choose based on commute time to the client site, access to supermarkets, hospitals and international schools if you have family.
• Use trusted channels: reputable real estate agents, relocation companies, or well‑rated serviced apartment providers. If booking online (Airbnb, local portals), check recent reviews.
• Visas & permits: ensure your accommodation and employer support any local permit documentation you might need.
• Budgeting: rentals vary widely by location and standard — check current listings for accurate pricing before deciding.

If you’d like, I can:

• Search current serviced‑apartment and long‑stay hotel options in Colombo for your project dates and budget, or
• Suggest a short checklist to give to a local agent so they can find properties that match your requirements.

Which follow‑up would you prefer? (If you want current listings or price estimates, tell me your project dates, budget, and whether you need family accommodation.)