1.Greetings
A common way to greet people in Sri Lanka is with the Añjali Mudrā—placing both hands together in front of the face—while saying “Ayubowan,” which means “May you live long” or conveys good wishes.
Influenced by Western culture, handshakes have also become increasingly popular in Sri Lanka.
2.Smoking Regulations
Bringing cigarettes into Sri Lanka is prohibited, but they can be purchased at local supermarkets.
Smoking is banned in public places, tourist attractions, and indoor areas. Please pay attention to no-smoking signs and use designated smoking areas if you wish to smoke.
3.Etiquette at Religious Sites
When visiting temples, stupas, and other religious sites, it is customary to remove your hat and shoes. Wearing long sleeves and long pants is recommended, avoiding bare shoulders, backs, or legs to show respect.
If you wish to take photos inside, always ask for permission first. Do not turn your back to Buddha statues when photographing (some sites do not allow photos with the statue), and never touch, climb, or sit on Buddha statues for photos.
When encountering monks, greet them with hands pressed together in a slight bow and allow them to pass first. While speaking with monks, avoid touching their heads or handing items with your left hand.
4.Environmental Protection
Sri Lanka places great importance on protecting wildlife and public spaces. While visiting, please keep in mind:
· Do not capture insects or birds, and do not harm small animals.
· Do not feed birds, monkeys, or other animals.
· Do not pick flowers or plants indiscriminately.
5.Public Transportation
Some seats on buses and in airport waiting areas are reserved for monks. Ordinary passengers should not occupy them.
6.Accommodation
Most hotels in Sri Lanka, in support of environmental initiatives, provide toiletries such as shampoo and body wash but do not offer disposable items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, or slippers. It is recommended to bring these items yourself if needed.
When leaving your room, make sure to close doors and windows tightly to prevent mosquitoes and monkeys from entering.
