Cultural Etiquette
Respectful travel tips for a meaningful Sri Lankan experience
Temple & Religious Site Etiquette
Buddhism is central to Sri Lankan culture. Show respect at all religious sites.
Do
- ✓Cover shoulders and knees (sarongs often available to rent)
- ✓Remove shoes and hats before entering
- ✓Walk clockwise around stupas and Bo trees
- ✓Sit with feet pointing away from Buddha statues
- ✓Ask permission before taking photos inside
- ✓Speak softly and switch phone to silent
Don't
- ✗Turn your back to Buddha statues for photos
- ✗Point at Buddha statues or monks with fingers
- ✗Wear clothing with Buddha images (this is illegal)
- ✗Touch Buddha statues or climb on them
- ✗Wear revealing or beachwear
- ✗Enter during ceremonies without invitation
Greetings & Social Customs
The Traditional Greeting
Palms together at chest level with a slight bow. Say 'Ayubowan' (Sinhala) or 'Vanakkam' (Tamil), meaning 'may you live long'.
Handshakes
Common in business settings. Wait for the other person to extend their hand first, especially with women.
Physical Contact
Public displays of affection are frowned upon. Same-sex friends often hold hands, which is normal.
Head & Feet
The head is considered sacred; avoid touching others' heads. Feet are considered impure; don't point them at people or religious objects.
Addressing Elders
Use 'Uncle' and 'Aunty' for older people you don't know. It's respectful and widely accepted.
Dining Etiquette
- Right hand only for eating (left hand is considered unclean)
- Accept food or drinks with both hands or right hand
- Wait for the host to start eating first
- Finish everything on your plate - leaving food is wasteful
- It's polite to refuse offers initially before accepting
- Tea or water is usually offered to guests - accept graciously
- Burping after a meal can be a sign of satisfaction
- Remove shoes when entering a home
Photography Etiquette
- Ask permission before photographing people
- Never pose disrespectfully with Buddha statues
- Photography may be banned inside some temples
- Be respectful at funerals, ceremonies, and festivals
- Don't photograph military installations or government buildings
- Monks can be photographed but ask first
- Avoid photographing beggars or people in distress
Gift-Giving Customs
Good Gift Ideas
- 🎁Flowers (except frangipani - used for funerals)
- 🎁Chocolates or sweets
- 🎁Fruit baskets
- 🎁Tea or coffee
- 🎁Items from your home country
- 🎁Books or educational materials
Gifts to Avoid
- ⚠️Alcohol (unless you know they drink)
- ⚠️Leather products (offensive to Hindus/Buddhists)
- ⚠️Frangipani flowers (associated with death)
- ⚠️White flowers (often for funerals)
- ⚠️Sharp objects like knives
Dress Code & Appearance
Swimwear OK at tourist beaches; cover up when leaving the beach
Smart casual; shorts are fine for men, modest dress for women
Cover shoulders and knees; white preferred for ceremonies
Conservative dress shows respect; avoid very short shorts
Formal Western attire; suits for men, modest dresses for women
Cultural Taboos to Avoid
Important cultural sensitivities to be aware of
Buddha Tattoos & Images
Having Buddha tattoos or wearing Buddha image clothing is ILLEGAL and can result in deportation
Disrespecting Religion
All religions are deeply respected. Avoid negative comments about Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, or Christianity
Public Intoxication
Being drunk in public is frowned upon. Poya (full moon) days are dry days - no alcohol sales
Political Discussions
Avoid discussing the civil war, ethnic tensions, or criticizing the government with strangers
Same-Sex Relationships
While technically illegal, enforcement is rare. However, discretion is advised for LGBTQ+ travelers
Quick Do's & Don'ts — Flip Cards
Tap any card to reveal the answer
Cultural Etiquette Quiz
Test your knowledge — can you score 100%?
You arrive at a Buddhist temple wearing a tank top and shorts. What should you do?