What essential social etiquette and customs should be observed in Sri Lanka?

Hello! So you're off to Sri Lanka, what a wonderful place! Most locals there are incredibly warm and genuine. Understanding some basic etiquette and customs will make your trip more comfortable and help you earn their respect. Here are some tips I've gathered from experience, hoping they'll be helpful:

1. Ways to Greet

Learning the local phrase "Ayubowan" (pronounced "A-yoo-bo-wan") will definitely help you connect with locals quickly. This phrase means "May you live long" and is their most common greeting. When you say it, you can accompany it with a gesture of pressing your palms together and a slight bow of the head; they will find you very friendly and polite. Of course, in cities and among younger people, a simple smile, nod, or handshake is also common.

2. The "Iron Rules" for Visiting Temples (This is the most important!)

Sri Lanka is a Buddhist country, and temples are everywhere, so you'll surely visit some. The rules here are quite strict, and you must follow them:

Dress appropriately: For both men and women, clothes must cover your shoulders and knees. Shorts, short skirts, and tank tops are absolutely not allowed. Many temples have places where you can buy or rent a sarong to temporarily wrap around yourself. Bringing a large shawl or scarf yourself will be more convenient.
Remove shoes and hats: Before entering any temple or sacred site, you must remove your shoes and hats. There's usually a place at the entrance to store shoes, which might cost a small fee. The ground can be quite hot, so you might want to wear a pair of thick socks.
Respect Buddha images: This is paramount! Never turn your back to a Buddha image for a selfie or photo, as this is considered extremely disrespectful. Also, do not point at Buddha images with your finger. Show respect to monks; women, in particular, should be careful not to touch monks.
Maintain silence: Do not speak loudly in temples; maintain quiet and solemnity.

3. "Head Shake" Doesn't Mean "No"

Sri Lankans have a unique head movement that looks a bit like our head shake, but the side-to-side motion is smaller and softer. This gesture usually does not mean "no"; instead, it's more like "yes," "I understand," or "okay." You might be confused at first, but just take it as an affirmative sign.

4. The "Right Hand" is the All-Purpose Hand

In Sri Lanka, the right hand is considered clean, while the left hand is considered unclean. So, remember:

Eat (especially when eating with your hands) with your right hand.
Pass things to others, receive things, pay, and receive change, all with your right hand.
Try to avoid touching others with your left hand.

5. About the Head and Feet

The head is sacred: Do not casually touch anyone's head, including children. This is considered very impolite in local culture.
The feet are "lowly": Do not point at anything or anyone with your feet. When sitting, try not to point the soles of your feet towards others, especially not towards Buddha images or monks.

6. Dress Code

Aside from temples, everyday attire can be more casual. However, outside of beach resort areas, it's advisable to dress a bit more conservatively, especially in smaller towns or rural areas. This shows respect for the local culture and can help you avoid unnecessary attention.

7. Eating and Tipping

Many locals are accustomed to eating with their hands. If you're invited to eat at a local's home, you can try to follow suit, remembering to use your right hand! Of course, using cutlery is perfectly fine too.
When dining at restaurants, a 10% service charge is usually already included in the bill. However, if you feel the service was exceptional, an additional small tip will be greatly appreciated by the staff. Tipping hotel porters, drivers, etc., is also a common courtesy.

8. About Photography

Taking photos of scenery is generally fine. But if you want to photograph locals, especially the elderly and children, it's best to smile, raise your camera, and ask for their permission first. Most will happily let you take their picture. Be more cautious when photographing monks and ideally seek their permission first.

In short, smile often and maintain respect. Sri Lankans are very friendly, and if you pay a little attention to these details, they will treat you like a friend, and your journey will surely be even more enjoyable! Have a great trip!