Understanding Local Customs and Etiquette in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with rich culture and strong traditions. While traveling, respecting local customs can go a long way in helping you connect with the people. Here’s what you need to know about how to behave in different settings.
Greetings and Show of Respect
Sri Lankans are generally warm and welcoming. A simple handshake is fine when meeting someone, but there are other important gestures to know. In many settings, especially in temples or rural areas, greeting with palms together in a prayer-like gesture (known as the ‘Ayubowan’) is seen as more respectful. This is a common greeting to say “hello,” “goodbye,” or “may you live long.”
When addressing someone older or a person in a formal setting, titles are important. If someone has a professional title (like “Mr.,” “Dr.,” or “Professor”), don’t drop it.
Always smile. Sri Lankans value politeness, and a friendly face makes everything easier.
Dress Code and Modesty
Sri Lanka is a conservative country, so dressing appropriately is important. In tourist areas, you’ll see travelers wearing casual clothes like shorts and tank tops. But outside these places, it’s best to cover up a bit more.
For women, modest clothing means covering shoulders and knees. When visiting temples, both men and women must wear clothing that covers the legs. Bring a light scarf or shawl to cover your shoulders when visiting religious sites. Barefoot is usually required inside temples.
Men should avoid going shirtless or wearing tank tops in non-beach settings. Long shorts or trousers and short-sleeved shirts are more appropriate in towns and villages.
Temple Etiquette
Sri Lanka’s temples are sacred. If you plan to visit, follow these simple rules to show respect.
First, always remove your shoes and hats before entering temple grounds. Some temples provide a rack for shoes, while others might allow you to carry them in a bag.
Dress modestly as mentioned earlier. Avoid wearing bright and flashy clothing inside sacred spaces.
Never point your feet toward a Buddha statue. This is considered extremely disrespectful. If sitting inside the temple, try to keep your feet tucked under you or to the side.
When it comes to photos, ask for permission before taking pictures of people or monks. Some devout Buddhists may not appreciate being photographed while praying, so be mindful of the situation.
Eating and Table Manners
When eating out in Sri Lanka, people typically eat with their right hand. Don’t worry if you’re not used to it; most places, especially tourist-friendly ones, offer cutlery. But if you decide to try it the local way, make sure you only use your right hand for eating or passing food. The left hand is considered unclean and should not be used in these situations.
Expect large servings. Sri Lankans love to share meals, and hospitality is a big part of their culture. You can show your thanks by accepting food when offered, even if it’s just a small portion. Refusing food can be considered rude in some situations, especially when you’re a guest in someone’s home.
Tipping is generally welcomed but not expected. When dining in a restaurant, a 10% tip is standard if service was good.
Public Behavior
In Sri Lanka, public displays of affection are considered impolite. Holding hands is generally acceptable for married couples, but kissing or more intimate gestures should be avoided in public.
Although Sri Lankans are very warm and sociable, sensitive topics include politics and the country’s civil conflict. Avoid getting into discussions about these topics unless a local brings it up. If they do, listen more and respond with care.
Smoking in public is frowned upon and may even be restricted in some areas, so always look for designated smoking zones.
Showing Respect to Elders
Elders are held in high regard in Sri Lankan culture. If you’re interacting with someone significantly older than you, always show deference. Address them politely, and offer a light bow if possible. If you’re offered a seat, it’s polite to give it to an elderly person if there are no other seats available.
If you’re in a home or setting where elders are present, greeting them with the “Ayubowan” gesture shows great respect. It’s common for younger people to serve elders first during meals.
Bargaining and Shopping Etiquette
Bargaining is common in local markets and when dealing with small vendors. But keep it friendly. Sri Lankans generally appreciate polite and respectful bargaining. Don’t push too hard for a lower price as it can offend. If the seller seems firm, it’s often best to move on or accept the price.
In larger, more commercial stores or malls, prices are usually fixed. When buying souvenirs, handicrafts, or clothes, it’s customary to ask for a final price after some polite bargaining.
Respect for Animals and Nature
Sri Lankans have a close connection to nature, and animals are often considered sacred. Cows, for instance, roam freely even in busy cities, as they are respected animals in this Buddhist-majority country. Always treat animals kindly and avoid disturbing them.
Many national parks offer opportunities to see Sri Lanka’s wildlife, such as elephants and leopards. Be respectful by following the park rules and not disturbing the animals. When visiting wildlife sanctuaries, keep your distance and avoid feeding or handling animals.
Traditional Religious Customs
Sri Lanka is primarily a Buddhist country, but it also has large Hindu, Muslim, and Christian communities. You’ll likely encounter many religious customs during your travels, and being aware of these is crucial.
During Poya days (full moon days), Buddhists observe important religious practices. Many people visit temples for prayers, and you may notice more shops and places serving vegetarian meals.
If you’re visiting a mosque, modest dress is required, and women may need to cover their hair. As in temples, remove your shoes before entering.
For Hindu temples, follow the same principles of modest dress. Additionally, some parts of the temple may be off-limits to non-Hindus, so respect these rules by keeping a distance or asking permission before exploring sacred areas.
Public Transport Etiquette
Public transport in Sri Lanka is often packed. Whether you’re on a bus, train, or tuk-tuk, it helps to follow some simple rules.
First, give up your seat for elders, pregnant women, or anyone who looks like they need it more than you. It’s seen as a respectful gesture and can brighten someone’s day.
Second, keep noise levels to a minimum. Locals rarely play loud music or talk loudly on public transport. It’s best to avoid talking on the phone unless absolutely necessary, and always set your phone to silent.
When negotiating a fare with tuk-tuk drivers, it’s better to settle on a price upfront. Most locals do, and it prevents issues when it’s time to pay.
Gift-Giving in Sri Lanka
Gift-giving is a lovely tradition in Sri Lanka. If you’re invited to someone’s home, bringing a small gift is thoughtful. Popular gifts include sweets, flowers, or something from your home country. Make sure you give your gift with both hands as a sign of respect.
Avoid gifting anything sharp like knives or scissors since these can symbolize severing the relationship. Also, don’t expect your gift to be opened right away. Sri Lankans usually open their gifts privately.
If someone gives you a gift, always be gracious. Even if you’re not fond of the item, accept it with a smile as refusing a gift can be considered rude.
Final Thoughts
In Sri Lanka, you’ll find that a little politeness and respect go a long way. The people are friendly, and welcoming travelers who make the effort to understand their customs. By being mindful of the local culture, you’ll have a much deeper, more rewarding experience during your time in Sri Lanka.
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