Culture and Etiquette in Sri Lanka: Main Dos and Don’ts for Tourists

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Sri Lanka is a unique country with a rich cultural heritage. The influence of colonial period is still very strong there, many legal norms and documents were created based on Dutch and English. Local laws are more like customs and traditions.

Check this ultimate travel guide on the most important do’s and don’ts for tourists in Sri Lanka. Knowledge of cultural norms and etiquette will help to avoid any risks of getting into trouble with the law or the locals.

What not to do as a tourist in Sri Lanka

Prohibited and restricted items for import and export

In order not to overshadow your trip to Sri Lanka, it is better to familiarize yourself with some rules in advance. There are not so many customs rules in Sri Lanka, but a fine and even arrest threatens for violation.

What can not be imported to Sri Lanka:

  • Narcotic substances. All medicines must have a prescription.
  • Weapons and ammunition (including edged weapons).
  • Plants, fruits and meat of birds.
  • Pornographic materials and materials that constitute “propaganda of atheism”.

You can carry alcohol and cigarettes, but with restrictions (1 liter of strong alcohol, 2 liters of wine, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars). Money and gold worth over $5,000 must be declared. Indian and Pakistani currency in large quantities are prohibited.

If you are traveling with a pet, make sure you have a permission to enter. This document must be obtained before departure. To get more details, please contact the Embassy of Sri Lanka. Otherwise, your pet will not be allowed.

What can not be imported to Sri Lanka
Indian rupees are banned in large quantities in Sri Lanka

What can not be exported from Sri Lanka

  • Antiques without the permission of a special commission or documents from the auction.
  • Any item of cultural value. Therefore, keep a receipt for each Sri Lankan souvenir with Buddha.
  • Plants and animals.

All products are subject to a weight limit, but the data changes all the time. You should not buy too much coffee and tea as a gift from your visit to tea plantations in Sri Lanka – they can be confiscated.

What can not be exported from Sri Lanka

Main Don’ts in Sri Lanka

Do not take photos in religious places or government offices without official permission. You can take pictures in tourist places, but you can’t take a selfie with Buddha, hug the monument or try to kiss him for a photo. Failure to comply with these measures can lead to fine, deportation, or, even, arrest.

Remember about religious freedom. In Sri Lanka, you can profess any religion at the legislative level. It doesn’t matter if you are a Muslim or a Christian. But it’s better to avoid talking about atheism.

Sri Lanka is a country that is not LGBT-friendly. If you represent LGBT community it’s better not to publicize this fact for your own safety. For the use of a rainbow flag or other LGBT symbols, there is a risk to be arrested.

Topless sunbathing is prohibited, you’ll have to pay a fine for violation of this rule.

If even the lightest drugs are found, then you may face a life sentence in a prison in Sri Lanka.

Rules of conduct in Sri Lanka

All these rules also apply to hotel areas, but there their implementation (except for the drug clause) is not monitored so carefully.

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