Do you need to show a printed Sri Lanka ETA visa approval when departing or arriving?

A typo in your name on the ETA application doesn't stop you from checking in or flying — travelers pass fine, and immigration doesn't even ask for a paper copy.

The ETA is mainly required to board the flight, and even then it's not always checked. If asked at check-in, showing the approval confirmation email is enough — you don't need the final visa document.

If asked about the ETA at departure and the approval hasn't come through yet, just show the email confirming your application was submitted — that's enough. Upon arrival in Sri Lanka, nobody checks whether you have the ETA or not.