Do and Don't in Sri Lanka
It is prohibited and punishable to smoke or consume liquor in public spaces such as roads, streets, malls, or beaches. Alcohol is not sold on full-moon days; these so-called Poya days are Buddhist bank holidays. Do not litter. Sri Lanka invests more efforts than most parts of India in cleaning streets. Dustbins can usually be found at entrances of shops. Otherwise kindly use a garbage bag. For taking pictures of locals kindly ask for their permission. If they ask for a copy, as a courtesy ask for their address and keep your promises and send it to them. Never turn your back to a religious statue within short distance. Do not touch the head of Buddhist monks or novices. The dresscode is similar to that of Indians. Adults do not wear shorts in public. Public nudity is illegal in Sri Lanka. Visitors of religious sites should be modestly attired and wear an at least knee-length dress. Before entering sacred edifices or compounds you have to remove headgear and shoes. It is also local custom to remove shoes before entering a home, but foreign guests are usually invited to enter with their footwear to avoid any kind of inconvenience for them. It is customary to tip drivers and guides and waiters. The average tip is 10% on bills. Better use your right hand when handing money or small objects. Use both hands when presenting gifts or donations to monks or priests. Photo Rules in Sri Lanka
Paying extra fees for taking photos is required only at certain sites, e.g. Dambulla cave temples.
Taking pictures of military or governmental buildings is strictly prohibited. It is forbidden to pose in front of religious statues or murals for being photographed. Never use flash photography when taking pictures of murals or paintings. |
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