With a history, culture and tradition going back thousands of years, Sri Lanka has been known by many names from Ceylon to Taprobane. The cultural diversity and etiquette of the people living on this island off south India in the Indian ocean, is as varied as the number of languages spoken in the nation, its ethnic communities, religious communities and the cultural practices of its indigenous population.
While Sinhalese is the first language spoken in Sri Lanka, there are also speakers of Tamil, English, and other languages spread across the island. Sri Lanka’s cultural diversity is as unique and varied as its rich biodiversity.
Languages spoken in Sri Lanka include Sinhala, Tamil and English.
The national diet includes the staple rice and curry (which includes dal or parippu as the locals call it, fish or meat), hoppers, kottu roti, lamprais.
The major religions in Sri Lanka include Buddhism, Hindu, Muslim and Christianity, which make up most of the nation’s population.
Visiting Religious Sites
When it comes to visiting Buddhist and Hindu religious sites where traditional customs and local cultural decorum is strictly adhered to by the local population. It is important to consider wearing clothes that are not too short. This will help you blend in with the local population without drawing unnecessary attention which will help you feel integrated, comfortable and part of the local community. It is important to keep in mind to dress modestly and remove your shoes or sandals when entering Buddhist or Hindu places of worship. This will help demonstrate your deep respect and willingness to be a part of the local community which will contribute to a more positive and better cultural experience.
Here are some key religious attractions in Sri Lanka:
- Some key cultural locations include:
Temple of the Tooth, Gangaramaya temple, Colombo, Colombo, Ruwanwelisaya, Anuradhapura which are all major religious attractions for tourists.
- Hindu tourist attractions:
Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, Jaffna, Munneswaram Temple, Chilaw, and Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam, Colombo. These Hindu religious attractions are mostly visited around vibrant festivals such as Thai Pongal.
- Catholic religious attractions:
St. Lucia’s Cathedral, Colombo, St. Mary’s Church, Negombo, Our Lady of Madhu Church, Mannar, St. Anne’s Church, Thalawila are some Catholic religious attractions you might like to check out during your visit to Sri Lanka.
- Islamic religious attractions:
Some key destinations to keep in mind would be Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque), Colombo, Kechimalai Mosque, Beruwala, Dewatagaha Mosque, Colombo
Greeting a Local
Despite being a tiny island in terms of geography, Sri Lanka has a cultural diversity that is both rich and colourful. Sri Lankans use the term ‘Ayubowan’ to greet visitors and guests. Most Sri Lankans will be impressed and value the fact that you educated yourself about Sri Lankan cultural practices if you reply with Ayubowan when greeted. If you are wondering what this culturally specific term ‘Ayubowan’ means, it means, ‘may you live long.’ Greeting locals in this manner will create a positive impression and signify the fact that you respect the local culture of Sri Lanka.
If you prefer to shake hands, it is important to keep in mind to wait for a lady to extend their hand first if you are shaking hands with them as a gentleman.
Interacting with Elders
Sri Lankan culture is based around respecting elders. This means that if you encounter someone who is presumably older than you, it is important to be mindful and respectful when interacting with them. This is especially true in areas away from the major cities like Colombo, where the old traditional customs of Sri Lanka are adhered to more commonly than in urban areas.
How to Address Elders
It is quite a common practice among Sri Lankans to address elders as uncle and aunty though they might not have a direct relationship with the elder they might be addressing. This is a form of showing respect in Sri Lankan culture. Sri Lankans are quite indirect when making requests, which is quite common when youngsters interact with their elders.
Interacting with Monks
The same principle applies to cultural etiquette when interacting with Buddhist monks. Remember to keep a respectful distance when you interact with Buddhist monks, especially if you are a lady. If you invite a monk to your company, remember to prepare a seat covered in white. This will show your cultural awareness and help create a satisfying and rewarding social experience.
Getting Blessings from a Buddhist Monk
If you wish to receive the blessings of a Buddhist monk, approach them before morning breakfast and respectfully request a blessing. Remember to adhere to the dress code mentioned which involves wearing a suitable dress that covers your shoulders and up to your knee level in length (at the least).
Adhering to Sri Lankan cultural etiquette can help you integrate into the local community, which will give off a positive impression to locals you interact with while travelling in Sri Lanka. Different people and regions in Sri Lanka have different practices when it comes to cultural etiquette but some of these are recognised nationwide.
This article will explore some of the most commonly used cultural practices that are unique to Sri Lankans. Some key factors to keep in mind include :
Common Tips to Keep in Mind:
Being Mindful of Your Dress When Visiting a Temple
Buddhist temples are sacred spaces where Buddhists go to observe their religion. When visiting a Buddhist temple, keep in mind to dress in white clothes that fully cover your arms and legs (including shoulders and up to the knee level at least). Remember to remove your footwear such as shoes.
Greeting Monks Respectfully
It is important to address monks with the word venerable followed by their name, without solely addressing them by their name alone. You can also use the term “Bhante” which means monk or priest.
Consider Eating with Your Hands
Little things count when it comes to blending in with lankan locals. Most Sri Lankans eat with their hands and if you want to socialize with them, you might want to consider doing so, as the saying goes it rings true to mirror Sri Lankan cultural practices to blend in better with the locals.
Learn Some Common Greetings
Some common greetings include Ayubowan in Sinhala and Vanakkam in Tamil. When greeting formally, hands are usually pressed together in a prayer-like manner which is similar to namaste. Handshakes are common in urban areas especially between men (rather than men and women).
Dress Modestly
It is common to dress modestly in Sri Lanka with long skirts and dresses for women and T shirts or shirts with pants for men. One key best practice to follow is to avoid sleeveless tops or short skirts and shorts especially in rural areas and religious destinations.
Elders are treated and greeted with respect. It is common to offer a seat for someone who is elderly to you in public. It is also quite a common practice to worship elders by bowing slightly or touching their feet.
- Memorize a Few Commonly Used Words and Phrases
It is a highly recommended practice to memorize a few local greetings. Some examples include:
- Ayubowan – Ah-yoo-boh-wan – for Hello
- Stuti – Stoo-tee – Thank You
- Ow – Ow (like “cow” without the “c”) -Yes
- Na – Nah – No
- Samawenna – Sah-mah-wen-nah -Sorry
- Keeyada – Kee-yah-dah? – How Much?
Conclusion
By taking the time and effort to understand, acknowledge and adhere to the cultural etiquette practiced by the locals, you will have a sense of belonging and blend in better with the local community and have a richer and fulfilling experience when visiting Sri Lanka. Sri Lankans are known for their great hospitality around the world, which will make blending in with the locals quite a rewarding experience.
You might also consider downloading the Tuktukrental Travel App. It features offline maps, offbeat recommendations and even helps fellow tuktuk-ers on the road connect for information or just a few post drive beers – or the local Sri Lankan arrack if you are feeling adventurous!
