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Currently reported don'ts for 'Sri Lanka': 13

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka
  • Capital

    Capital

    Colombo

  • Local time

    Local time

    5:12

  • Population

    Population

    21.51 m

  • Driving side

    Driving side

    Left

  • Calling code

    Calling code

    +94

  • Currency

    Currency

    Rs LKR (rupee)

Read more facts about Sri Lanka
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Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka
Socket  Socket  Socket
  • Capital

    Capital

    Colombo

  • Local time

    Local time

    5:12

  • Population

    Population

    21.51 m

  • Driving side

    Driving side

    Left

  • Calling code

    Calling code

    +94

  • Currency

    Currency

    Rs LKR (rupee)

  • Average Salary

    Average Salary

    $ 352

  • Petrol price

    Petrol price

    € 1.27 pl

  • Precipitation

    Precipitation

    1 712mm /year

Geography & travel

  • Country Area

    Country Area

    65 610 km2

  • Protected Area

    Protected Area

    23%

  • Forest Area

    Forest Area

    33%

  • Agricultural area

    Agricultural area

    43%

  • Railways

    Railways

    1463km

  • Annual air passengers

    Annual air passengers

    5.28 m

Population

  • Ethnicity

    Ethnicity

    Sinhalese - 73 %
    Sri Lankan Moors - 7 %
    Indian Tamil - 4 %

  • Religion

    Religion

    Buddhist - 70 %
    Islam - 8 %
    Islam - 8 %

  • Literacy rates

    Literacy rates

    91.2%

  • Languages

    Languages

    Sinhala - 74 %
    Tamil - 18 %
    other - 8 %

  • Armed Forces

    Armed Forces

    265 200

  • Alcohol consumption

    Alcohol consumption

    4.5 l/person

  • Smoking

    Smoking

    28.4%

  • Diabetes

    Diabetes

    8%

  • Malaria

    Malaria

    0%

  • Tuberculosis

    Tuberculosis

    65 per 100k

  • HIV

    HIV

    0.1%

Economy

  • Industries

    Industries

    processing of rubber, tea, coconuts, tobacco, telecommunications, insurance, banking, tourism, shipping

  • Agriculture

    Agriculture

    rice, sugarcane, grains, pulses, oilseed, spices, vegetables, fruit, tea

  • Natural Resources

    Natural Resources

    limestone, graphite, mineral sands, gems, phosphates, clay, hydropower

  • Energy Import

    Energy Import

    50%

  • Natural Resources

    Natural Resources

    limestone, graphite, mineral sands, gems, phosphates, clay, hydropower

  • Renewable Energy

    Renewable Energy

    57%

  • CO2 Emissions

    CO2 Emissions

    18 394kt

  • Ease of Business

    Ease of Business

    111 (Best=1, Worst=200)

  • ATMs per 100k people

    ATMs per 100k people

    17

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What not to do when visiting Sri Lanka

1/13
Marker Sri Lanka
Business & Communication

Don’t forget shaking hands is common, but greetings depend on the ethnic group. The older generation will use the "namaste" (palms clasped together chin level with a slight nod of the head). The Sinhalese may say "ayubowan." (may you be blessed with a long life), Tamils would say "vanakkam." (may you be blessed with a long life). Many Sri Lankan women will refrain from physical contact with a man outside their family, so always wait to see if a woman extends her hand or not.

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2/13
Marker Sri Lanka
Street & Behavioral

Don't wear short skirts or anything too tight if woman and not looking for extra attention.

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3/13
Marker Sri Lanka
Street & Behavioral

Don't take photos posing near a Buddha - it can be considered offensive.

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Did you know

Did you know?

Sri Lanka was connected to mainland India by a thin land bridge until 1480, making it one of the world’s youngest islands.

4/13
Marker Sri Lanka
Street & Behavioral

Don't disturb the monks or get their attention when meditating, be respectful.

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5/13
Marker Sri Lanka
Street & Behavioral

Don’t lose your face or cause face loss to anyone in public - maintaining face is essential for all communication.

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6/13
Marker Sri Lanka
Street & Behavioral

Don't forget to cover your tattoos, especially in the Kandy region or before entering sacred sites. Tattoos are frowned upon in Sri Lanka, tattoos of the Buddha are highly offensive.

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7/13
Marker Sri Lanka
Street & Behavioral

Don't take photos at shrines without permission from the Bhikku.

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8/13
Marker Sri Lanka
Street & Behavioral

Don’t ever disrespect Buddha and any objects associated with Buddha or Buddhism

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9/13
Marker Sri Lanka
Business & Communication

Don’t be a victim of mosquito-borne diseases - protect yourself against bites by mosquitoes.

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10/13
Marker Sri Lanka
Business & Communication

Don’t give flowers (they are used in mourning) and don’t give pig products or alcohol if the recipient is Muslim.

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11/13
Marker Sri Lanka
Street & Behavioral

Don't be surprised purchase of alcohol and fresh meat is banned during full moon Poya Days celebration once a month.

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12/13
Marker Sri Lanka
Street & Behavioral

Don't drink alcohol or smoke in public - it's prohibited in most public places.

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Tell us your experience

Tell us your experience

We love to hear from people who have travelled the world and know ‘what not to do’. Why not help other people on their travels?

Submit your story

13/13
Marker Sri Lanka
Business & Communication

Don’t forget the rainy season occurs between December and March in the northeast and from May to October in the southwest.

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