If you are planning to make the move to Sri Lanka, or anywhere in the world for that matter, being able to support yourself financially is obviously going to be an integral part of it. Below I have listed a few of the most common ways that expats generally make a living whilst living overseas, so hopefully this may give you a few ideas on how you can afford to make the move.
Work Online
This is probably one of the most simplest ways to get started with, in the fact that you don't need to get any kind of work permit in your new country, any kind of special visa, or any other kind of approval. You can do this simply as a tourist with a laptop and internet access.
Don't get me wrong though, it's easy to get setup, but that doesn't mean it's easy to actually make money with. A few different things to look into here might be some of the following:
Youtuber/Vlogger
This could involve you uploading videos to YouTube on a regular basis and making money off the advertising. The niche in which the videos are based is entirely up to you, so there endless potential, but a lot of competition so be warned, you won't be making the big bucks over night!
Blogger
Similar to the 'Vlogging' idea, is the more commonly known 'Blogging' one. Same sort of thing except instead of uploading videos you are writing your posts. Other than that all the principles remain the same.
Freelancer
This is a very broad way to describe people who offer a service online on a more casual basis, as opposed to a consistent workload. This may include being a website developer, digital marketer or freelance photographer just to name a few. You can then offer your services on somewhere such as Fiver and hope to get regular customers.
Start An Online Business
Starting an online business could include offering a service or product that can be done purely online. This might include having an online store, or offering a certain service online. Again the good thing about this is that you don't have to worry about the registration process in Sri Lanka, as you can just register the location of the business in your own country since it's all online!
Work For Your Old Company Online
This one is probably only applicable to certain industries, but if you are lucky enough to be apart of one of those industries, then this may be an opportunity for you. This being, to keep your regular day job but simply do your work online instead of in the office. This will then offer you the consistent paycheck you are used to, while living in another country (Thank god for the internet!)
Start A Local Business
This one may be a little harder than the other options, specifically in getting things actually up and running, and that being to actually start a registered local business in the country. This can be done quite easily, provided you do things the right way, but be sure to read the rules and regulations in place for your specific situation. This will also require things like government approval, certain visas etc, but certainly worth it if this is the avenue you want to take. Please see me other post How To Start A Business In Sri Lanka As Foreigner on the requirements and steps to take in doing so.
Invest In The Country
This will probably only be applicable for more mature aged people, or those who may have had a high paying job and are wanting to make the move for a life style change. This being to invest in the country. There are opportunities to get an investor residence visa here, which will allow you to stay in the country as a resident if you are willing to invest at least $250,000 USD. By investing that much money and with the low cost of living here, living purely off the interest shouldn't be too difficult (provided there are no significant crashes of course!)
Work For A Local Business
The last option is to really just get a job like anyone else that lives here. Not being a citizen you obviously cannot just walk up to a shop, hand in a resume and be working there that very same week, however the opportunity is still there if you want it. To do this the company wanting to hire you will need to sponsor you and handle getting your work visa sorted and such. The best bet here is to come over on a tourist visa, then once here speak to the owner of the business you are wanting to be employed by and see if they are willing to hire you and do the leg work to make it all legal. Once of the most common forms of employments for foreigners is to teach English at local schools.