SLTDA
Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority

Responsible Tourism – Traveler

  1. We know you will realise your dream holiday when in Sri Lanka. We invite you to enjoy the places you visit and the interactions you will have with the people you meet. This booklet is intended to be your guide to giving you a better understanding of the economic, social and cultural fabric of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankans. It will serve as a Do's and Don'ts guide when in Sri Lanka to make you feel more comfortable and relaxed while you’re travelling here.
  2. You already know that 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.
  3. The greeting of " Ayuobowan"', the greeting of the Sinhalese means 'May all living beings have long life'; not just you or me, making it an ecologically relevant statement. You will also find that most Sri Lankans will greet you with a 'Good Morning' type of greeting. The greeting of the Tamil community is "Vannakam" meaning welcome and the Muslim community is "Assalam Alaikum" the meaning being may God be with you.
  4. Like in many other countries, people in urban areas behave very differently to those in the rural settings. People in the cities speak more English and are perhaps more exposed to the outside world. But newspapers, television and the radio have widespread coverage in Sri Lanka, also exposing the rural folk to the world, in contrast to some other places. Sri Lanka has an over 90% literacy rate, a widespread school education system with access to social welfare.
  5. Like in many other countries, people in urban areas behave very differently to those in the rural settings. People in the cities speak more English and are perhaps more exposed to the world. But newspapers, television and radio have widespread coverage in Sri Lanka, also exposing rural folk to the world, in contrast to some other places. Sri Lanka has an over 90% literacy rate, a widespread school education system with access to social welfare.
  6. Sri Lankans have a relaxed lifestyle. The climate of eternal summer allows them to be content and have a relaxed and happy lifestyle. There is greenery all over, the soil fertile and rich, with constant sunshine and adequate rain.
  7. Most Sri Lankans have a pride and love to talk about their glorious ancient past. Dating back nearly 3,000 years, is an ancient irrigation, farming and religious based civilisation, the ruins of which you will see in most parts of Sri Lanka. It is good to appreciate these marvels.
  8. Sri Lankans are of a curious nature and the children more so too. Talk to them, learn of their culture and encourage them to learn of your culture and even do business with them. If they try to sell goods that you may feel are not value for money, then bargain with them. Never give things free to them. That will make them dependent on hand outs and will mean that they will lose the self –respect that they have.
  9. Sri Lanka's tourism is in the main managed and operated by the formal business sector. A number of community based tourism operations too have emerged. Responsible travellers are encouraged to seek those that contribute to community development. A good tourism that brings more benefits to the communities is what is desired by tourism policy makers and the people of Sri Lanka.
  10. Visits to temples and other religious places must be done with much care and respect. You are expected to remove your shoes and hats when entering places of religious worship and be dressed in long dresses that cover most of your body. White is the widely used colour of clothing. Other not so bright tones of colour-dresses are ok, too. The best is to observe the behaviour of the local people or get a briefing from your interpreter/guide on what the best practices to do are.
  11. Some places of religious importance and /or cultural sites do not allow photography or videography. Best is to ask or refer the signage before deciding to take pictures at these places and/or sites.
  12. Items made of ivory, turtle, local coral based products, antique items and other bio-diversity associated produce should not be bought or sold. Please be aware of the items that you can take away from Sri Lanka before you buy them, for you may have problems at the Airport at the time of your departure from here.
  13. Ayurvedha or traditional herbal-based methods of medical treatment, meditation and mind-body relaxation methods are in practice by Sri Lankans. Please ensure that you meet and work with qualified practitioners.
  14. Nudism is not an accepted form of practice here in Sri Lanka. Nude bathing in public places is a NO, NO. Rural Sri Lankan men wear a loin cloth or a sarong when bathing while the women also wear a sarong or a cloth covering the body from chest to the knees.
  15. Kissing, hugging and public demonstration of intimate behaviour is considered impolite here. If you must demonstrate your love for your partner, please be respectful and mindful of the social environment that you are in.
  16. Like at any other destination, there are touts, thieves and unscrupulous persons among the Sri Lankans. Although, they are a few, you are warned not to be duped by them. Do not confront them but politely say “No; thank you". If they insist on bothering you further, please walk away from them without getting angry and try to get close to another visitor or group.
  17. Alcoholism, drug usage (illegal as well) and smoking (banned in public places) cause poverty, ill health and other negative social issues. Please try to make and be a good role model and be an example to the local people through your own behaviour.
  18. There is a fair amount of ecological sense among the Sri Lankan people. There are also those that make a fast buck by destroying the nature and the environment. You can be a catalyst by patronising and encouraging those with good environmental practices and turning away from those indulging in, environmentally unfriendly practices. RTP implements a tree planting programme "Trees for Life" in which you can participate too. Make inquiries from your hotel reception or from the RTP.
  19. Hiring of local guides will help the communities in each of the areas. It will also encourage them to be better day by day. Be patient with them and work with them. Do not forget that the local person's knowledge of the area is far more superior to that of an outsider.
  20. When staying in an accommodation facility make sure to turn the lights and the air-conditioning of, when you leave your room and use water sparingly. Also check if the accommodation facility is using solar power to generate electricity and /or to heat water. If they are not, encourage them to think about installing it.
  21. When at a accommodation facility, ask if the vegetables and fruits used to prepare the food are grown organically and if the water they serve is boiled. It is good to encourage them to have these practices and show them the merits of doing this.
  22. Eating Sri Lankan food at clean, family run roadside restaurants and drinking beverages like king coconut (Tambily) or young coconut (Kurumba), hot tea and other fresh fruit juices, will help the local people to generate income. Please be sure that the glasses and plates are cleaned with hot water and swept, dried with clean tissues. It is a natural custom for Sri Lankans to eat food without the use of cutlery.
  23. If in any doubt, about the water you are drinking, you can try drinking bottled water. But remember that the quality of the bottled water may not be the same with all the manufacturers of bottled water. Look for the SLS (Sri Lanka Standards Institute) logo on the bottle you purchase.
  24. Village homes in Sri Lanka may not look posh, but are clean and neat. Visits to rural homes by responsible travellers, is encouraged as that will bring a sense of pride and appreciation to the inhabitants living. But the visitor must be culturally sensitive and treat the villagers with dignity and care. It is ok to give them a gift (even money) but it must be done tastefully without an impact on the self-respect of the person.
  25. Festival times are great times to be visiting village homes. Sri Lanka has many festivals and if you visit homes with their prior permission they will also let you participate at the ceremonies. This can be an unforgettable learning experience and an cultural interaction.
  26. 'Poya Days' (Full Moon day of each month) is a Buddhist holiday in Sri Lanka. There are all day religious observances on these days and you can have a day of cultural immersion if you visit any Buddhist temple on a Poya Day.
  27. Similarly there are many Hindu, Muslim and Christian festivals in Sri Lanka that make opportunities for cultural immersion and experience. Please learn more about the event, beforehand and seek to participate appropriately.
  28. At temples, kovils, churches, mosques as well as tourism sites there are beggars seeking small change. Please do not encourage begging and do not give them money. There is no reason why these people- should be begging as there are opportunities for most of them to make a living or take advantage of the social welfare programmers. Be mindful that there is also an organised network of beggars in Sri Lanka led by unscrupulous people.
  29. Never' give medicines or drugs to people who may claim that they are sick and in need of help. If you must help, only arrange to take them to a qualified medical practitioner. You may be doing an injustice by prescribing or giving them medicines as they would not know how to use them or may have allergic reactions after taking them.
  30. Visits to homes for destitute children, homes for the aged and schools for the blind, the deaf etc. (by appointment) are great ways to contribute to society. You may not need to give donations; your visit alone will be an encouragement. Please understand that the standards of care may differ from those that are there in your own country and do not be appalled by it. Remember each situation and standard is a reflection of its own environment.
  31. Outraging the modesty of a child, abusing children and all paedophile activity is punishable by local and international law. More so, it causes irreparable damage in the minds and to the life of a child which is a crime beyond expression. We urge you to be proactive and assertive in preventing such crimes from taking place as well.
  32. Sri Lankan’s do not hunt or kill animals as game. Since the first ever wildlife sanctuary was declared open by the Sri Lankan King Devanampiyathissa at Mihinthale, in the 3rd Century B.C., Sri Lankan’s have been sensitised to the need to preserve the wildlife and nature. There are of course expectations to the rule and responsible travellers are expected not to encourage practices such as hunting or the consumption of the wild games products in any way.
  33. Visiting wildlife parks must be done according to guidelines provided by the wildlife conservation authorities. When inside the parks extreme care must be exercised to protect the wildlife, the environment and yourself. Do not litter inside the parks, throw anything that may cause forest fires or to make loud noises that will cause to disturb the natural environment.
  34. Buying local handicrafts and making visits to learn craft skills is a great way of encouraging the local people. Your appreciation for the local crafts will help revive the dying and disappearing arts and crafts industry. Buying of local souvenirs helps the local economy and to support the livelihoods of the people.
  35. Using the local transport such as hand tractor trailers, vans and tuk tuks (three wheelers) is another way to support the generating incomes of the local people. You will have to undergo a little discomfort, but the experience you will have will be worth that. Make sure of your safety at all times.
  36. Giving tips for services that are rendered is ok. But tip only if you have got a good service. Remember tour tips to a local person will go a long way to support many others in his or her family.
  37. Do not ask anyone whom you may think is poor, if that person is “poor” all these people have self- respect and may only be poor in terms of money but “rich” in that, they are good people. So never ask a person if he or she is poor or discuss poverty with them. Only talk with them about the opportunities around them that they may have not seen, so that they can use it to gain more additional income. Your advice that is given to them with respect will be admired and welcome.
  38. Seeking the services of prostitutes is not expected of a responsible good traveller or any other tourist. This is a form of exploitation of the poor and an encouragement of a negative social practice that may cause the spread of disease and illness. Please refrain from seeking such services of any kind.
  39. Sri Lanka has established a tourist police service in some resort areas to assist you at all times to solve any problem or issue you may face. In the event you need help, the phone numbers you can contact are :
    1. Police Emergency - 119
    2. Colombo Police Emergency - 0112433333
    3. Ministry of Tourism - 0112399274
  40. Sri Lanka Tourist Board - 0112426900
  41. We request you to be vigilant and careful at all times. Adequate facilities for the disabled and the seniors may not be available in many places you may visit. Please understand that Sri Lanka is an emerging country that is sensitive to the issues. The authorities should have plans to provide better and adequate facilities in the future. Till then, we request you to be cautious and careful and seek wherever needed.
  42. It is ok to give donations to religious and social organisations that serve the communities. Before you do that, please check the credentials of the organisation or the place that you are donating to, with the relevant authorities concerned.
  43. The best remedy for creating joyful situations is to be fun and happy. Sri Lankans of all races and religions love to have good, clean, fun and you are encouraged to join in and enjoy yourself too.
  44. Please remember that the social, cultural and environmental practices differ from one place to the other. What may seem like unacceptable practices to you may be permissible in another culture. Cultural sensitivity is an important ingredient in creating a balanced approach in appreciating the other cultures and practices.
  45. As we discussed at the beginning, Sri Lanka is a diverse country where several religions are practiced and several ethnic groups live in. Also is the backdrop of a mix of several cultural influences.eg. the various Indian influences both (Buddhist and Hindu), Muslim and Persian traders, the Malays, the Portuguese, the Dutch, the English and the dominant western cultural influences in recent times. What we seek is a unity within this diversity. As a responsible traveller you need to be sensitive to this need and understand that each group of people has their own customs, cultures and belief in systems.
  46. Peace is essential to the development of tourism. Tourism can serve as a vehicle to foster understanding between people, and you as a tourist can play a major role in talking about tolerance of each other and peaceful co-existence. This must be done in a sensible way upon understanding some of the key issues that concerns peace.
  47. Sri Lanka is a wonderful destination that seeks to practice a responsible and good tourism that brings in benefits to the local people while encouraging healthy interactions between the traveller and the local community. Mutual respect is the key to the success of such a tourism operation. We seek your help and support at all times in this regard.