Local Etiquette & Cultural Dos & Don’ts in Sri Lanka

A respectful traveler’s guide to Sri Lankan manners, temple etiquette, photography rules, tipping, greetings, and everyday conduct — for smooth, safe, and meaningful journeys.

Why Etiquette Matters

Sri Lanka’s warmth is legendary. A little cultural awareness helps you connect better with locals, avoid misunderstandings, and protect sacred spaces. Use this quick guide to match your actions to local expectations in homes, temples, shops, and streets.

Core DOs

• Greet politely: A friendly “Hello” or “Ayubowan” with a slight head nod is welcome.
• Dress modestly in towns & villages: Shoulders and knees covered are appreciated, especially near places of worship and markets.
• Remove shoes & hats before entering temples and some homes/guesthouses.
• Use right hand for giving/receiving money or items (or both hands); the left hand is considered less clean.
• Ask before photographing people (especially clergy, vendors, and children). A smile and gesture help.
• Queue patiently at counters, ticket offices, and food stalls; let elders board first.
• Support registered services: Choose SLTDA-registered guides, drivers, and hotels for quality and accountability.

Core DON’Ts

• Don’t touch sacred statues or pose with your back to a Buddha image.
• Don’t wear revealing clothing at temples or government buildings (crop tops, short shorts, sheer fabrics).
• Don’t take alcohol or cigarettes into temple premises; avoid public intoxication.
• Don’t litter — beaches, parks, and villages are shared spaces; use bins or take waste with you.
• Don’t feed wildlife (monkeys, strays, elephants); it’s unsafe and illegal in many zones.
• Don’t bargain aggressively; polite negotiation is fine at markets, but respect fair pricing and craftsmanship.

Temple Etiquette — Buddhist, Hindu, Christian & Muslim Sites

• Dress code: shoulders and knees covered; avoid tight/transparent clothes. Carry a light scarf/sarong.
• Footwear: remove shoes/flip-flops and hats before entering sacred areas; socks help on hot stone floors.
• Photography: always ask; many sanctums prohibit flash or photos. Never take selfies facing away from a Buddha statue.
• Behavior: keep voices low, move clockwise in Buddhist shrines, and avoid stepping over offerings.
• Donations: use official boxes; avoid solicitors who approach outside gates.

Everyday Situations — Streets, Shops & Homes

• At shops & markets: Prices may be marked or negotiable; ask with a smile. Keep small notes for tuk-tuks and snacks.
• Dining: Wash hands before meals; using the right hand to eat is common. Accept tea if offered — it’s a gesture of hospitality.
• In homes: Remove shoes if requested. Bring a small gift (tea, sweets) when invited.
• Public displays of affection: Keep low in rural areas and temples; city areas are more relaxed but be considerate.
• Music & drones: Respect quiet hours in villages and rules around wildlife zones and heritage sites.

Tipping & Service

• Restaurants: if 10% service is not included, 5–10% is appreciated.
• Hotel porters: LKR 200–500 per bag depending on property class.
• Guides/drivers: tip per day according to service and itinerary length.
• Round up for short tuk-tuk rides if the meter is fair and service is friendly.

Women, Families & Solo Travelers — Helpful Notes

• Women: Modest clothing helps reduce attention; use registered cabs/ride-hailing at night.
• Families: Locals are child-friendly; request mild spice and cutlery at eateries if needed.
• Solo travelers: Share itineraries with your hotel, avoid isolated beaches at night, and keep valuables discreet.

Responsible & Ethical Travel

• Choose wildlife experiences that do not allow riding/handling; observe from safe distances.
• Buy local crafts directly from artisans; confirm wood/stone sources are legal and sustainable.
• Respect community spaces: keep beaches clean, reduce plastic, and conserve water/energy at hotels.

Useful Words (Sinhala/Tamil)

Hello: Ayubowan (Sinhala) • Vanakkam (Tamil)

Thank you: Bohoma sthuthi (Sinhala) • Nandri (Tamil)

Please: Karunakarala (Sinhala) • Dayavusei (Tamil)

How much? Keeyada? (Sinhala) • Evvalavu? (Tamil)

DATA SOURCES — OFFICIAL

• Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (guides & registered services): sltda.gov.lk
• Official Tourism Portal (cultural insights): srilanka.travel
• Central Cultural Fund (heritage etiquette): ccf.gov.lk

Tourist Emergency Contacts — Sri Lanka

• Police Emergency: 118 / 119
• Ambulance (Suwa Seriya, free island-wide): 1990
• Fire & Rescue: 110
• Tourist Police (Colombo HQ): +94 11 242 1052
• Sri Lanka Tourism Hotline: 1912
• Government Information Centre: 1919