- Sri Lanka Languages and Greetings
- Indigenous Cultures in Sri Lanka
- Religion in Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka Festivals and Holidays
- Bargaining and Haggling in Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka Etiquette for Travelers
- How to Dress in Sri Lanka
- Sports in Sri Lanka
- Other Essential Tips
- Prepare for Your Sri Lanka Trip
Sri Lanka Languages and Greetings
Sri Lanka has two official languages: Sinhala and Tamil, the languages of the Sinhalese ethnic group and the Sri Lankan Tamils, respectively. Tamil is mostly spoken in the north and eastern parts of the country, while Sinhala is most prevalent in the southern, western, and central areas.
Many Sri Lankans know or at least understand English, especially in major cities and urban areas. However, it’s still a good idea to learn some basic words and phrases in the national languages. Not only does this aid with communication and being understood, but it’s also respectful to local Sri Lankans.
As Sinhala is the most widely spoken language, here are some beginner phrases you can use:
- Hello – Ayubowan
- Please – Karunakarala
- Thank you – Stutiyi
- Yes – Ov
- No – Naeta
- How are you? – Itin kohomada?
- My name is… – Magē nama
- How much is this? – Eya kiyada?
- Where is the bathroom? – Wasikiliya koheda thiyenne?
Greetings
In Sri Lankan culture, you formally greet others by pressing the palms of your hands together under your chin and in front of your chest, accompanied by a slight bow of the head. Along with this gesture, you also say “vanakkam” (in Tamil) or “ayubowan” (in Sinhalese). Both phrases mean “may you be blessed with a long life.”
In informal settings, you can say hello by shaking hands and saying “kohomada” (how do you do). Note that some locals may not feel comfortable touching people of the opposite sex, particularly women. In this case, men would wait for Sri Lankan women to extend their hand first.
Addressing Others
Elder respect is very important in Sri Lankan culture, so the oldest person in a group should be greeted first. The formal hand and head gesture is an acceptable greeting, or some Sri Lankans may touch the elder’s feet out of respect.
Formal titles are also very important in Sri Lanka culture. You should address others by honorific titles, such as doctor or mister, followed by their last name.
Indigenous Cultures in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s only Indigenous group with a significant presence is the Veddas, a forest-dwelling tribe who have lived on the island since the 6th century BCE. Colonization has significantly altered their way of life, and many of their traditions and customs are dying out, but one of the few places you can still see a traditional Vedda village is in Gal Oya National Park. At Gal Oya Lodge, the chief escorts tourists around the village to explore and discover Vedda culture.
Religion in Sri Lanka
Buddhism is the biggest religion in Sri Lanka, followed by Hinduism and Islam. But with 70 percent of the population practicing Theravada Buddhism, it’s by far the most influential religion on the island. Dating from the 3rd century BCE, Buddhism’s widespread influence transformed Sri Lankan culture, having key effects on Sri Lankan architecture, Sri Lankan identity, Sri Lankan art, and many other aspects of life.
You’ll find both Buddhist temples throughout the country, especially in cities like Anuradhapura and Kataragama. There are several sites throughout Sri Lanka where people go on pilgrimage, including the Temple of Tooth in Kandy which holds a relic of the Buddha’s tooth. Another renowned pilgrimage site is Adam’s Peak, a sacred mountain in central Sri Lanka that has a rock formation near the summit that is shaped like the imprint of Buddha’s foot.
Provided you are respectful and follow any rules at religious sites, visitors are welcome to visit religious sites like temples, as well as take part in pilgrimage rites such as climbing Adam’s Peak.
Sri Lanka Festivals and Holidays
Visiting Sri Lanka during important festivals is one of the best ways to meet locals, learn about cultural traditions and customs, and have a good time. Due to the country’s big Buddhist and Hindu populations, religious holidays make up a big part of annual celebrations and festivities. Here are some of the biggest and best-known cultural and religious festivals and holidays that take place in Sri Lanka.
Sinhala and Tamil New Year
Celebrated throughout the country during mid-April, both the Sri Lankan Tamil and Sinhalese groups jointly celebrated the Lunar New Year with firecrackers, fun games, and traditional foods.
Pongal
Held in January, Pongal (also called Thai Pongal) is an important Tamil holiday that gives thanks to the Sun God for a successful and bountiful harvest. Along with traditional Sri Lankan music, dances, and creating beautiful rangoli (a decorative art in which patterns are created with materials like rice flour or rice paste), celebrants will also make the typical Sri Lankan meal of pongal, mixing rice with boiling milk.
Bargaining and Haggling in Sri Lanka
As in many South Asian countries, bargaining and haggling are a big part of Sri Lankan society. You’ll find it widely practiced at markets and when negotiating services, like taking an auto rickshaw. However, there are some protocols to keep in mind to be considered respectful and polite when haggling in Sri Lankan culture:
● If you learned any Sinhala or Tamil phrases for your visit, use them to begin a conversation.
● Expect that prices quoted to foreigners are likely inflated.
● If you want to get a sense of the going rate for different items, ask around or explore the market to compare prices at different stalls.
● After the seller quotes you a price, reducing by 50% is appropriate.
● Approach the whole process with a good attitude and sense of humor; you may not get the best rate, but you’ll have gotten a chance to interact with locals and experience local culture.
Sri Lanka Etiquette for Travelers
From how to behave at temples to the proper way to eat, these etiquette rules and guidelines will help you better understand the culture of Sri Lanka.
Temple and Religious Sites Etiquette in Sri Lanka
When visiting religious sites, like temples, around the country, be respectful of the rules and follow these basic points of etiquette. Rules may vary by which type of temple you’re visiting (e.g. Buddhist temples versus Hindu temples).
● Look for posted signage highlighting any rules and regulations.
● Dress modestly and respectfully with clothes that cover your shoulders, knees, and chest. Some temples may also require that women wear head coverings.
● Remove your shoes and hat in Buddhist temples.
● Avoid turning your back on or standing directly next to a statue of Buddha.
● Always ask permission before taking photos, and never try to sneak pictures where it isn’t allowed.
● Speak softly and avoid making loud noises to be respectful of others using the space.
● Do not touch objects unless it is expressly allowed.
● Lotus flowers are a good offering in Buddhist temples.
● Make a small donation in thanks.
Dining Etiquette in Sri Lanka
Drawing on culinary influences from across Southeast Asia, Sri Lankan cuisine focuses heavily on curries, rice dishes, seafood, and coconut. Spices also play a key part.
Although the cuisine can vary by region based on local ingredients and demographics—you won’t likely find any beef dishes in areas with big Hindu and Buddhist populations, for example—some signature Sri Lankan dishes include boiled or steamed rice, kottu (a stir-fry made with vegetables, meat, eggs, and roti bread), and hoppers, a thin pancake made with fermented rice batter (a popular on-the-go street food).
Before diving into Sri Lanka’s delicious dining scene, there is some dining etiquette you should know:
● It’s common to eat with your hands.
● Always eat with your right hand, as the left is considered unclean.
● Tipping is expected in restaurants, with 10% being the general amount.
● Avoid drinking alcohol at dinner due to religious traditions.
● As this is a country with big Buddhist and Hindu populations and cows are considered safe in Hinduism, it’s best to steer clear of eating beef.
● Eating all the food on your plate means you’re still hungry, so it’s ok to leave a small amount to show you’re full and don’t want a new serving.
How to Dress in Sri Lanka
In this predominantly Buddhist country, it’s best to dress modestly and more on the conservative side. This is especially true when visiting religious sites, where you may also need to remove hats and shoes. Avoid revealing clothing as well.
However, you’ll still want to dress comfortably to stay cool in the Sri Lankan tropical heat. Light, breathable fabrics, like linens, are a good way to go, provided they offer ample coverage. If you’re visiting during the northeast Maha (October to January) or southwest Yala (April to August) monsoon months, rain gear is also a good idea.
Sports in Sri Lanka
Cricket is hugely popular in Sri Lanka, and watching matches is a great way to connect with local culture. Along with foreign sports, traditional games like ankeliya (tug-of-war over a pair of horns attached to a tree), batta (hopscotch), and elle (similar to slow-pitch softball) are still widely played, especially during the Sinhalese and Tamil New Years celebrations.
Other Essential Tips
Here are some other important things to keep in mind during your Sri Lanka travels.
- Public displays of affection: It’s best to avoid PDA, including hugging and kissing, when out in public.
- Elder respect: Elder respect is very important in Sri Lankan culture. Always address an elderly person first using formal greetings.
- Punctuality: While Sri Lankans aren’t very strict about punctuality, it’s a sign of respect to be punctual and on time.
- Gift-giving: Presents are normally reserved for special events, so it’s generally not necessary to bring gifts when visiting someone’s home. Avoid bringing flowers, as they’re typically reserved for weddings or funerals.
- Head-touching: Avoid touching the top of your or other people’s heads, as it’s considered insensitive.
- Visiting someone’s home: Take off your shoes when entering someone’s house, and accept any offered refreshments or drinks.