Dos and Don'ts

Crime and Security

When entering holy areas, it is customary to remove your shoes and walk barefoot within the designated area. (This may also be the case in people's homes.) Women should wear long skirts or loose trousers and a modest blouse, or a loose cotton dress. Men should wear long trousers. Even ancient temples are considered sacred, and should be treated as such.

If you encounter a Buddhist monk or a Hindu swami and would like to greet him in the traditional way, hold your hands together as if in prayer and raise them to your forehead. Do not shake hands. If you wish to offer a gift to a monk, do so with both hands to show that it is given freely. (Gifts of money should be placed directly in the temple box.) When sitting with a Buddhist monk, try and sit at a lower level to him and avoid pointing your toes towards him, as this is seen as a lack of respect.

The questions Sri Lankans ask in conversation can be different from those asked by Westerners and may be considered as quite personal or rude by the foreigner. For instance, it is not unusual for people to ask you your age, marital status and the number of children and siblings you have in their first conversation. These are ordinary questions and simply reflect the emphasis Sri Lankans place on family life. People may also enquire about your religious beliefs, due to the emphasis on religion within their own culture.

As in many parts of the world, shaking the head from side to side indicates a negative, while a nod indicates a positive response. However, the "waggle", a cross between a nod and a shake with the chin pointed outwards indicates a simple "yes" or "okay".

Food should be handled with the right hand only, as the left is considered unclean. When handing objects to another person, either the right hand or both hands should be used.

In the intense heat of the low country regions, cottons and light natural fabrics such as linen are ideal. However, remember that in a conservative culture like this, skimpy skirts and brief shorts are not the norm or considered respectable. For women, loose cotton skirts or trousers and tops, and a long dress or skirt and long-sleeved blouse for visiting temples are ideal. Men will feel comfortable in cotton trousers or shorts and a T-shirt, or even the traditional sarong.

As a general rule tipping is not expected unless you feel a service has been special, although chauffeur guides (but not trishaw drivers) expect one. Hotel and restaurant bills include a 10 percent service charge as well as a 12.5 percent government tax (GST).

Homosexual activity is officially illegal in Sri Lanka and there have been some convictions. Discreet gay travellers, however, are unlikely to encounter any harassment although public displays of affection are best avoided.

Sri Lanka is not well equipped for those with physical disabilities. Only a few of the five-star hotels have access and facilities for people in wheelchairs - public transport has none, so a car and driver is essential. Consult your travel agent for more information.