Surviving Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a multi-ethnic and a multi-religious country having different mannerisms and socio-cultural practices. The Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim, Burgher and Malay races live all over the country, in varied proportions. Religions that are practiced here are Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. It is good to be sensitive to these differences and experience the diversity of each religion & race. Things are done differently in Asia, and Sri Lanka is no exception. Please make sure in your dealings with local people you accept these differences and not try to change them for your own benefit or comfort. The traveller who wishes to have a happy and successful trip in Sri Lanka should keep as calm, cheerful and friendly as humanly possible. Patience and courtesy are virtues that open many doors. Demanding tourists do not get smiles, service or respect.

 

1. Do not use your left hand to eat. It is considered unhygienic.

2. Do not wear shoes inside holy areas and temples.

3. Do not shake hands with a monk.

4. While sitting in front of a monk, do not point your toes at the monk and do not sit at a higher or same level. Sitting at a little lower level is the acceptable norm.

5. In a conservative culture like Sri Lanka’s, skimpy skirts and brief shorts are not the norm or considered respectable. Please refrain from wearing the same.

6. Refrain from public displays of affection.

7. The law protects certain endangered species of flora & fauna. Export or possession of these species as well as of wild animals, birds, reptiles etc., is illegal.

8. The production and sale of items made from wild animals and reptiles, e.g.: Leopard skins, crocodile skins, elephant tusks etc., is also illegal.

9. Never break coral, or brush against it. Coral is basically a colony of living organisms and damaging them, might kill them.

10. Never buy coral if it's offered for sale.

11. Don't buy sea shells or turtle shells (or eggs). All of Sri Lanka's five species of Turtle are endangered.

12. Do not encourage beggars and touts.

13. Do not walk around Pettah in the night.

14. Don’t light up your cigarettes in certain open spaces as the laws concerning smokers and smoking are rather draconian and you could end up being fined.

15. Don’t drink and drive. The authorities don’t take it easy when folks get caught DUI.