How to behave in Sri Lanka: customs and traditions you should know

Wait and enter quietly with peace and respect for the holy places. Always be respectful and avoid any disrespect or insult to God or religious symbols.

If you are unfamiliar with the religion in Sri Lanka, do not hesitate to ask locals or your guide about proper behavior and rituals when visiting religious sites. The locals are willing to help you and tell you interesting facts about their religious traditions.

How to dress in Sri Lanka

When visiting Sri Lanka, it is important to follow local cultural norms and wear appropriate clothing that conveys respect and adheres to the island’s dress code. Sri Lankan culture is conservative and therefore it is advisable to cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples and shrines. Here are the basic rules for dressing in Sri Lanka:

• For women: It is advisable to wear loose skirts or pants that cover the knees. It is also advisable to wear long-sleeved shirts or a scarf that can be used to cover the shoulders. It is important to make sure that clothing is decent and not too tight or revealing.

• For men: It is advisable to wear long trousers and short or long sleeved shirts. As with women, dress should be respectful and respect cultural norms.

It is also important to adapt your clothing to the local environment. For example, when visiting beaches and resorts, swimwear and light clothing are allowed, but it is still advisable to be polite and respectful of the culture.

How to say hello in Sri Lanka

Sri Lankans are friendly and polite people, but they place a lot of emphasis on greetings and salutations. There are specific customs and rules in Sri Lankan culture that are important to follow when meeting local people.

The traditional Sri Lankan greeting is a nod of the head and folding of the hands on the chest. This way of greeting is an expression of respect and courtesy. When you come into contact with local people, it is advisable to greet them in this way. It will be perceived as a pleasant gesture and show your respect for Sri Lankan culture.

When meeting people of the same age or younger, it is common to shake hands and exchange greetings. A gentle handshake and polite introductions are part of the Sri Lankan greeting. It is important to be friendly and polite to all people you meet in Sri Lanka.

How to eat and drink in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is famous for its traditional cuisine, which is known for its spiciness and delicious flavours. The main ingredients of Sri Lankan cuisine include rice, fish, seafood, spices and exotic fruits and vegetables. If you’re a lover of spicy food, Sri Lankan cuisine is sure to excite you.

Traditional Sri Lankan dishes and delicacies include Rice and Curry, Kottu Roti, Hoppers and more. These dishes are full of unique flavours and aromas that will leave you mesmerised. Try a variety of Sri Lankan specialties and discover new taste experiences.

The traditional way of eating in Sri Lanka is to use the right hand to eat the food. The left hand is considered unclean and therefore it is important not to use it when eating.

Drinking with the right hand is equally important. In Sri Lankan culture, the right hand is considered clean and suitable for drinking. Conversely, the left hand is perceived as unclean because of its use in hygienic tasks. When drinking, follow the custom of drinking with the right hand, which is seen as a sign of respect and purity. Conversely, using the left hand when drinking could be perceived as an insult.

Give with the right hand or both hands

In Sri Lanka, giving is part of the local culture and traditions. It is customary to donate with the right hand or both hands to show respect and consideration for the other person. Used gifts are considered rude or inappropriate in Sri Lanka, so it is recommended to give only new and unused items. This is seen as a sign of care and respect for the person being gifted. It is also important to pay attention to the meaning of the gift, and certain gifts may have different symbolic meanings. Before travelling to Sri Lanka, it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with local customs and traditions regarding gift giving.

For example, if you are planning to give money, it is advisable to give it from the right hand to the right hand of the recipient, or let the recipient take it himself.

The meaning of right hand or two-handed giving

Right hand or two-handed giving in Sri Lanka has deep meaning and symbolism. Here are some of the reasons why right handed gifting is considered important:

1. Respect and consideration: Giving with the right hand or both hands conveys respect and consideration for the person being gifted. In this way, you show that you care about the person and that the gift carries meaning with you.
2. Traditional Values: Giving with the right hand is rooted in the traditional values of Sri Lankan culture and traditions. It is a way to express oneself and respect local customs.
3. Significant Ritual: Giving in Sri Lanka is considered a significant ritual. Giving with the right hand or both hands in this way gives the gift more meaning and symbolism.

When giving in Sri Lanka it is important to be considerate, choose an appropriate gift and respect local customs and traditions. By doing so, you can show respect and sincerity to the local people and have an authentic Sri Lankan experience.

Ask for consent before photographing

It is important to ask for their consent before photographing local people in Sri Lanka. Especially in religious places such as temples and shrines, respect for privacy is especially important. Local people have a right to privacy and their preference regarding photography should be respected. It is therefore always advisable to ask for people’s consent before taking photographs and to be respectful of their wishes. In this way you show respect for local customs and maintain good relations with the local people.

Photography in Sri Lanka is popular and it is important to observe certain etiquette and respect people’s personal space and privacy.

Smoking in public and taking photographs of government buildings is prohibited

No smoking in public places

Sri Lanka has strict rules regarding smoking in public places and public buildings. Smoking in public is prohibited and is a criminal offence. It is important to comply with all legal restrictions and respect the rules regarding Sri Lanka’s smoking ban. Do not violate the ban on smoking in public areas and buildings such as restaurants, hotels, bars, hospitals and other public institutions.

Prohibition of photography of government buildings, airports and military installations

It is prohibited to take photographs of government buildings, airports and military installations in Sri Lanka. These sites are considered sensitive and photographing them can jeopardise the country’s security and diplomatic relations. It is important to respect this prohibition. In addition, it is advisable to respect the privacy and wishes of local residents regarding photography in general.

Learn up-to-date information on Sri Lankan customs and traditions

Sri Lanka is a country with a rich culture and traditions that can change and evolve. If you are planning to visit this beautiful country, it is important to get the most up-to-date information on Sri Lankan customs and traditions. This way you will be better prepared to meet the locals and be able to show respect and reverence for their culture and traditions.

Local guides are a great source of information about Sri Lankan culture and traditions. Visit information centres or search for trusted online sources that can provide you with relevant information.

When travelling in Sri Lanka, try to be open-minded and respect local customs and traditions. Local people can provide useful guidance and advice to help you better understand Sri Lankan culture. Enjoy authentic cultural experiences and enter Sri Lankan life with an open mind.