Sri Lanka - a country full of fascinating culture, breathtaking nature and warm hospitality. As a sustainable travel company, we would like to introduce you to the rules of conduct, tips and do's and don'ts for your trip to Sri Lanka in this article. Together with our guide from Sri Lanka, we have summarized the most important information that can help you to explore this beautiful country in a respectful and responsible way. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Sri Lanka and let's experience a sustainable journey together. For your next Sri Lanka trip we have summarized the most important rules:
Good to know:
WelcomeWhen greeting, place your hands under your chin and lower your head. You are welcome to say "Ayubowan!". Sri Lankans will often respond with a smiling shake of the head (in the European version, this gesture means "no"). Don't be fooled here, because in Sri Lanka this sign means "yes".
Language: Sri Lanka has two official languages: Sinhala and Tamil. The former is spoken mainly in the south, while Tamil is widely spoken in the northern and eastern parts of the country. But don't worry, English is also common as a lingua franca and is spoken throughout the country, except in rural villages.
Out of respect, you should still know the following phrases:
- In Sinhala, "aa-yu-BO-wan" means "may you live long" and is equivalent to "hello," while "isthu-thee" means "thank you"
- In Tamil, "Vanakkam" means "hello" and "Nanri" means "thank you".
Cultural differences: insight into Sri Lankan traditions
Sri Lanka is a country with a rich cultural diversity, characterized by different ethnicities and religions. Respect the cultural differences and be open to new experiences. A friendly smile and respectful behavior will make you more accessible to the local communities.
Dont's:
- Kissing in public
- Alcohol and cigarettes in public
- Alcohol consumption on the Full-Moon Poya and holidays are prohibited. Alcoholic beverages are not available in hotels or bars on these days. Adhere to this rule and stay sober
Do's:
- Ask permission before photographing someone
- Behave and act respectfully at all times
- Be polite! Sri Lankans will often approach you and ask you personal questions: "Where are you from? Where are you going? Are you married? How old are you?". However, most people do not have bad intentions, but are simply trying to start a conversation or improve their English skills.
Religious Places: Sacred sites and appropriate behavior
Sri Lanka is home to many impressive religious sites, including Buddhist temples, Hindu temple complexes, and Muslim mosques. When visiting such sites, it is important to dress appropriately: cover your shoulders and knees and remove your shoes when entering temples. Show respect by being quiet and taking pictures only where permitted.
Dont's:
- Never turn your back on the Buddha
- Do not point your feet at a person, a temple, or a statue of a god.
- A monk's hand is never shaken
- He is also not offered food after 12 noon
- As a woman, it is not appropriate to sit or stand near a monk
- It is strictly forbidden to sit or even stand on a statue
Do's:
- Remove shoes, hats, and sunglasses before entering a church, mosque, or Buddhist/Hindu temples
- Dresses or skirts must cover the knees. In addition, the shoulders should be covered
- when you walk around the buddha, always walk clockwise
- A monk is offered gifts with both hands
- Always sit or kneel lower than him
Photography: Respect privacy and ask permission
Sri Lanka offers a variety of photo opportunities, but be sensitive and respect people's privacy. Always ask permission before photographing anyone, especially if it is of religious ceremonies or people. Avoid taking photos of sacred symbols or religious rituals unless specifically allowed.
Dont's:
- Photographing military or military installations
- During photo shoots, you should not turn your back to a statue.
Do's:
- Ask Buddhist monks for permission before you photograph them
- Before taking drone pictures, you should get permission from the permissible civil and aviation authority
Attire: Appropriate clothing for different occasions
Sri Lanka has a tropical climate, but remember that appropriate clothing is important in certain situations. For the beach, swimwear and light clothing are appropriate, but if you are visiting religious sites or staying in urban areas, it is advisable to dress more covered.
Dont's:
- Wearing bathing suits in public places
- Topless sunbathing is not allowed as there are no nudist beaches in Sri Lanka
Do's:
- Dress modestly and neatly
- Clothing made of cotton material is good for city visits and a warm sweater for tours in the countryside
- Sunglasses and beach hats are recommended to protect yourself from the sun
- In the evening, in some hotel restaurants it is compulsory to wear shirts and pants.
Interacting with children: Respectful interaction with begging children
It is not uncommon to see children begging in Sri Lanka. It is important to be aware and not just give money to the children. Instead, support local non-profit organizations or schools that work for the welfare of children.
Dont's:
- Give candy or gifts to begging children
This gesture encourages the children in Sri Lanka to continue begging. As a result, they neglect their compulsory education.
Do's:
- support charitable organizations
- If you witness that a child may be in danger, don't be afraid to call your guide or driver. Our guides are trained in these situations and can help with any problems. Alternatively, you can contact the police or the National Child Protection Authority.
- Police: 119
- National Child Protection Authority: 1929
Respect the environment: Preserve Sri Lanka's nature and beaches
Nature in Sri Lanka is of breathtaking beauty, be it the dense jungle, the impressive waterfalls or the picturesque beaches. Help preserve these treasures by acting responsibly. Dispose of your trash properly, avoid plastic and respect the nature reserves by not leaving the marked trails.
Dont's
- Use of plastic shopping bags
- Disposable cutlery and plastic straws
- Run the air conditioner 24/7
- Waste water
Do's
- use reusable drinking bottles
- reusable shopping bags
- for the women: menstrual cups instead of tampons or pads
- Use of air conditioning in moderation
- Turn off lights when not needed
- Do not have towels and bed linen changed daily
Activities in nature
Nature in Sri Lanka is characterized by impressive diversity, from lush rainforests and majestic mountains to breathtaking coastal landscapes and abundant wildlife.
"Look with your eyes, bring back memories, and leave things just the way they are".
Do's:
- Stay on the path during hikes
- Ask your guide how you can support nature conservation during your stay
Don'ts:
- When snorkeling, you should always be careful not to touch corals, as this will affect their growth
Wildlife and nature conservation
We want to protect wildlife and promote conservation. Therefore, we recommend a sensitive approach to all animal attractions such as national parks, elephant camps, primate centers or marine animal attractions.
It is important to find out if these facilities provide species-appropriate conditions, if they are committed to the protection and welfare of animals, and if they support sustainable practices. Support facilities that work to conserve wildlife and educate their visitors about conservation.
Do's:
- Respect the park rules of the national parks
- Wear earthy colors to attract as little attention from the animals as possible
- Stay on safaris for a maximum of 2.5 to 3 hours and return to the hotel before nightfall
Don'ts:
- Leaving the jeep during a safari tour
- Feeding or touching wild animals
- Do not stare or smile at primates
- Do not encourage your guide or jeep driver to chase after the animals
Animals should always have access to food and water and live free from pain, discomfort, fear or stress. If you visit an elephant camp and see an elephant that is prohibited from grazing, walking on concrete, standing under the sun, carrying more than 150 kg, or doing unnatural activities such as painting or playing soccer, refuse and report it to your tour guide immediately!
Beware of souvenir purchases: Support local crafts and avoid illegal souvenirs
Sri Lanka is known for its handcrafted products, from hand-woven fabrics to intricate jewelry. When buying souvenirs, be sure to choose authentic and locally made products. Avoid buying items made from endangered animal or plant species or that violate CITES (Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) regulations.
Dont's
- Purchase of wild animals (parrots, birds, prey animals, scorpions or reptiles).
- Trade with animals
- Removal of plants from their natural habitat
- Souvenirs from wood, shells, corals or other endangered species
- historical artifacts
- Medicines or dishes with leopard bone, bear bone, bile and pangolin
Sex industry
The sex industry in Sri Lanka is a controversial topic. Although prostitution is prohibited by law, there are reports of illegal prostitution and human trafficking in some parts of the country. It is important to emphasize that sexual exploitation is punishable by law and the government as well as various organizations are taking measures to counteract this problem and protect the rights of those affected.
Don'ts:
- Prostitution
- pornographic literature
- Narcotics
- Intoxicants and drugs
With these tips, you can make your trip to Sri Lanka a respectful and enriching experience. By following the local customs and traditions, you will show your appreciation for the culture and nature of this wonderful country. Enjoy your time in Sri Lanka and let the beauty and hospitality of the country enchant you!
Want to learn more about sustainable travel in Sri Lanka? Please have a look at our article "5 tips for sustainable travel in Sri Lanka" an.
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