essay on sri lankan culture

The Beauty of the Culture and Traditions in Sri Lanka!

The delightful splendors of Sri Lanka, the ‘pearl of the Indian Ocean’, is not a secret to this whole world. Going beyond, it also lives with a proud culture and traditions, inherited from a centuries-old heritage. Thus, it is not only the natural marvels that make it a significant tourist attraction, but also its highly admirable culture. However, it is true that the culture and traditions in Sri Lanka are now shaped with various shades of colonized impacts, and several other cultures. Yet, this amazing diversity has now forged the identity of Sri Lanka, with a unique charm and value, that is worth discovering.

As you might already know, the Sri Lankan heritage runs back to more than 2500 years. And of course, it is through the legends and majesty woven around this  ancient heritage that these prevailing cultural values have been bestowed upon the society. Indeed, there are a good number of customs and rituals that bind along with the Sri Lankan culture and traditions. Passing from generation to generation, here they are showcasing the rich values and the grandeur of the Sri Lankan heritage.

Simply, Sri Lankan might be just a speck on the world map. Still, its rich cultural diversity is second to none of the so-called powerful empires that ever existed. While traditions happen to be prominently associated with religions, there are several aspects that reflect the most exquisite beauty of Sri Lankan culture. Starting from the Sri Lankan lifestyle, languages, attires, cuisines, festivals, arts, sculptures, and architecture! All these facets remain as significant elements of Sri Lankan culture, and exploring them would surely amaze you. So, if you are ever planning to experience this splendid island, make sure that you never miss the beauty of this culture and traditions in Sri Lanka.

The wonderful journey of Sri Lankan culture

Owing to the fact that Sri Lanka’s written history spans for more than 25 centuries, you can undoubtedly guess what a proud history and civilization it should hold with it. It is the ‘ Mahawamsa ’, or the ‘Great Sri Lankan History’ that unveils the delight of this glorious ancient splendour. However, through its journey, it has been able to nurture its culture in a way that leaves one startled.

There is a belief that the Sri Lankan, rather the Sinhalese civilization began with the settlement of the Indo-Aryan migrants. Specifically, with the arrival of Prince Vijaya, and his 700 followers in 543 BC. Of course, the archeological evidence doubts this fact. However, as per the written history, several parts of the island have flourished with the settlement of those migrants. Accordingly, Pandukabhaya, the third king of the Vijaya dynasty, founded the first powerful Sri Lankan-kingdom, Anuradhapura in 437 BC. 

And it is during the Anuradhapura kingdom, in the 3rd century BC that Sri Lankan embraced Buddhism. Thenceforth, the shades of Buddhist values molded the Sri Lankan culture, in a way that is second to none. The royal dynasty of Sri Lanka continued till the year 1815. Nevertheless, starting from the city of Anuradhapura, the administrative capitals were shifted from point to point, due to various reasons.

One of the main factors that influenced these refinements were the foreign invasions. Of course, they too played a major role in creating the amazing fusion of culture and traditions in Sri Lanka. Thus, their tints are still visible in several aspects of this country. Indeed, it is worth discovering them to embrace the best of this exceptional culture and traditions. So, why not? Let us have a quick glance over the foreign impacts that influenced the Sri Lankan culture so far.

Colonial Impacts on the Culture and Traditions in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s geographical aspects, its location, and the spices grown here, were considered as treasures by many overseas reigns. Thus, there was no wonder that many foreign authorities had a special attention to this magical paradise.  At first, a chola invasion took place during the earlier period of the Royal dynasty. Next, this splendid island was colonized three times to be exact in the course of the royal dynasty of Sri Lanka. From 1517 to 1638 Sri Lankan was under the Portugese rule. Further,Sri Lanka was a colony of Dutch from 1658 to 1796 . After all, the Sri Lankan royal dynasty concluded in 1815 as the British Empire absorbed the island as a protectorate . Finally, after much effort, Sri Lankans were fortunate to establish self-rule for the country, achieving independence from the British Empire in 1948 . 

Sri Lanka was popular for trade among several nationalities, especially during this colonized period. Indians and Arabs were significant among them. Thus, it is obvious, that the foreign influences on Sri Lankan culture, is a collective divergence of all these cultures. Specifically, these shades are clearly visible in the language used, as well as within the fine artistic traditions. 

Going beyond, being a colony and a popular trade center is the main reason behind Sri Lanka, to now house a multi-ethic and multi-religious society. Owing to the Dutch colonization, Sri Lanka is now home for Burghers. During the period of the British rule, Christianity and Catholicism were established. Moreover, the majority of the Hindus and Islam’s, are generations of the trade families who settled on this island. However, the intermittent connections with them have given Sri Lankan culture the present outlook. Nevertheless, the additions made, having Buddhism culture as the prominent and preserving the unique Sri Lanka identity, are simply priceless and appreciable.

Ethnicities and Religious Background of Sri Lanka

Indeed, there is no wonder that the culture of any nation is woven around its ethnicities and religious background. So is the culture and traditions in Sri Lanka. By now, you might already know that Sri Lanka has got four major ethnicities. Moreover, it is their language, and their religion that symbolizes their ethnicity. However, all these factors happen to be remarkable integrants of Sri Lankan culture.

Variations of the Ethnicities, Religions and the Language in Sri Lankans

To have a broader overview, let us have a quick glance about the ethnicities, religions and the language variations of Sri Lankans in the present.   

• Sinhalese : Sinhalese community comes from the Indo-Aryan ethnic group, and are native to this island of Sri Lanka. The majority of the Sri Lankan population consists of Sinhalese people, and it happens to be around 75% of the Sri Lankan citizens. Further, 93% of the Sinhalese happen to be Buddhists . Meanwhile the rest of the Sinhalese follow branches of Catholicism and Christianity. Except for the Northern and Eastern provinces, Sinhalese people are widely spread all around Sri Lanka, and Sinhala language happens to be their mother tongue.
• Tamils : The majority of the Tamils in Sri Lanka are descendants of South-Indian Tamils who settled in Sri Lanka. Nearly 15% of the Sri Lankan population is Tamils, and they are mainly living in the Northern and Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka. Hinduism happens to be their main religion, while minorities follow branches of Christianity. Tamil language is their mother tongue. 
• Muslims : Mainly, Muslims in Sri Lanka are the generations of the Arabic traders who settled in this island centuries back. Around 10% of Sri Lankans are Muslims, and most of them are followers of Islam . Generally, they communicate using a Tamil language , shaped with Sinhalese and Arabic impacts. 
• Burghers : Burghers in Sri Lanka are mainly from the Portuguese, Dutch, and British families settled on this land during their rule. Not even 1% of the Sri Lankan population are burghers, and they mainly use English language , while practicing Catholicism and Christianity .   

Of course, these ethnicities and religions offer the basic element for the cultural diversity on this island. So, next, we are ready to draw your attention to the significant cultural and traditional aspects entwined with these religions.  

 Sri Lankan Buddhist Culture and Traditions

The influence of the Buddhist religion legacy is strong when considering the culture and traditions in Sri Lanka. As you might already know, Theravada Buddhism was established on this island in the 3rd century BC. Thenceforth, the culture of Sri Lanka has simply seasoned having it as the main focus. 

Of course, one of the main features that Sri Lankan culture has embraced from Buddhist culture is its charm and decency. Accordingly, Sri Lankan society practices a lifestyle that is forged from Lord Buddha’s teachings. Moreover, simplicity, mindfulness, and non-materialistic living are some of the significant features adapted. Thus, the lives of Sri Lankans are very simple, and their lives are rich with morals. This simple reason has paved the path of making Sri Lankans, a nation loved by many.  

Going beyond, Buddhist culture has a significant association with astrology. The Sinhala and Tamil New year happens to be one of the main festivals that reveals this bond. Simply, almost all the important activities related to this festival takes place according to the times set by the astrologers. Moreover, this is a glamorous festival of Sinhalese and Hindus, that showcases the attachment between the culture and the morals. Rituals such as worshipping elders, visiting relations, and sharing sweet-meats, highlights the unity and the virtuous characteristics of the Buddhist culture.      

Apart from that, this celebration is also an instance that reveals the tie between the Buddhist and Tamil cultures. Further, certain Buddhists also worship and conduct ceremonies for Hindu deities. And why not? Even some cultural monuments and sculptures related to Buddhism, have got the shades of Hinduism. Thus, the harmonious entanglement between these two cultures are just wonderful, and it remains the same even in the present. 

Tamil Culture and Traditions in Sri Lanka

Of course, Tamil culture, more popular as Hindu culture, is one of the significant and the most delightful cultures of Sri Lanka. Simply, it is something more than a way of life, and a culture with rich artistic values. Unlike in Buddhism, this religion does ot have a specific founder. Thus, the whole Hindu culture revolves around their deities, and the sacred texts. Their beliefs, traditions and rituals are all based upon this central point of attention. Further, the faith they have on their gods and goddesses, and how they respect them with great devoutness is just appreciable beyond words.  

However, in Sri Lanka, the Northern province and the Eastern province houses the majority of the  Tamils. Hence, these regions, having Jaffna as the focus can be known as the paradise of Hindu culture. Indeed, someone who travels to these areas from another part of this island will certainly face a cultural shock. It is true that similarities up to an extent level exist between the typical Sinhalese Sri Lankan and the Hindu cultures. Still, the pure Hindu culture has significant vibes of its own.     

Obviously, language, attire, and  food, remain as special integrants of the Hindu culture. Yet, going beyond their festivals holds a remarkable place within this beautiful culture. Their unique music and dances, coupled with their amazing artistic decorations, make those celebrations unique and attractive.

A noteworthy similarity between the Hindu culture and the Budhdhist culture, is their belief in astrology. This strongly remains with the faith that they have on the deities, and they duly believe that astrology has a power of bringing them good fortune. However, Hindu culture is certainly a significant addition to the Sri Lankan culture, and its charm and character is just amazing beyond doubt.       

Catholic and Christian Culture and Traditions in Sri Lanka

Of course, a considerable group of both Sinhalese and Tamils, follow branches of Catholicism and Christianity. Thus, it is essential that we pay attention to the Cathoic and the Christiand culture and traditions as well.

To be specific, most of the Sri Lankan Christians are either Roman Catholics or Anglicans. In brief, the Catholic and the Chritsian culture is more or likely the same as Sinhalese Buddhist culture. Still, a series of minor changes exist owing to the difference with regard to the religious aspects.

One notable feature of Christians and Catholics is that they weekly attend the holy mass at the churches. Indeed, the majority of this community maintains a close relationship with the church. Thus, the blessing and the guidance of their priests always happen to be with them. Moreover, their customs and rituals that take place at the masses have an untwisted association with music. This too happens to be a fact that further enhances the delightful glamour of this culture.

Apart from that, the architectural styles of their religious places are rich with European shades and valuable Catholic arts. Also, each of their shrines are devoted to a specific character of their religion, and hold a significant value in terms of their religious aspects. One of the remarkable festivals of Catholics and Christians is the Christmas celebration. Of course, its dazzling glamour further enhances the beauty of this culture. Going beyond, it also remains an important aspect of Catholic culture, that helps their people strengthen their bonds between the rest of the communities on this island.

Sri Lankan Islam Culture and Traditions

In brief, the Islam culture and traditions tend to be totally different than the Budhdhist culture and the Hindu culture. Moreover, their origin plays a significant role in deriving their cultures as well. To be specific, Sri Lankan muslims are Moors, Malys, or a mix of these two types. Accordingly, their cultural values and traditions nurture them. However, almost all traditional Sri Lankan muslims tend to be community-oriented, and they come with a business background.

When considering both the Sri Lankan Moors are Malays, the Islamic Law strongly influences the lives of Sri Lankan Moors. Accordingly, their culture mostly influences them to abide by the traditions, dress traditionally, and to follow their customs and rituals at the extreme. Moreover, they are highly devoted to their religion, and they make sure that they perform their religious activities, and live their life with piousness. Further, they use tamil as their main language.

Nevertheless, Malays tend to live a significantly different life, with a more westernized culture. The majority of the Malays do not dress traditionally, or follow the traditional Islam customs. Moreover, they mainly use Malay, Sinhalese, or English as the language of communication. Of course, they are mulsims. Still, their beliefs are quite different from the beliefs of the Sri Lankan Moors.  

Despite the fact that they are Sri Lankan Moors or Malays, the festivals and celebrations tend to be highly tranquil and decent. Comparatively, the attention that the Islamic culture pays on decorations and illuminations are significantly low. Their main focus revolves around morals and devoutness, and these aims lie as the main motives of their festivals. However, the contribution of the Muslim culture and traditions to the cultural divergence of this splendid island is simply wonderful.

Other Aspects that Exhibit the Culture and the Traditions in Sri Lanka

Obviously, it is not only these ethnicities and religions that reveal the world the beauty of this impressive Sri Lankan heritage. There are several other aspects that exhibit the splendour of the culture and the traditions in Sri Lanka. It is true that they too have shades of the rich ethnic diversity on this island. Still, as a result of the wonderful consonance among these cultures, they have now become integral components of the Sri Lankan culture as a whole. Below are such noteworthy elements that take the culture of Sri Lanka into another level.

• Festivals in Sri Lanka
• Traditional dresses in Sri Lanka
• Sri Lankan traditional cuisines
• Architecture, arts, cultural and religious places

So, excited to know what they are? Continue reading, and you will surely get surprised by their uniqueness and exclusivity.

1. Sri Lankan festivals

Certainly, if you have ever witnessed the enchantment of the Sri Lankan festivals, they are the first thing that comes into your mind, once you hear about Sri Lanka. Indeed, how they prove the grandeur of the ancient Sri Lankan heritage, while maintaining their charm is just simply wonderful. A festival might belong to any of the ethnicities or religions in Sri Lanka. Wherever it is, this fact applies to all.

Moreover, one might even feel like this marvellous island is a land of festivals. Of course, it is. There is unquestionably nothing wrong in saying so. This country has got at least one  elegant festival during any of the months of the year. However, you got a chance of getting to know a glimpse about certain festivals through this article earlier. Nevertheless, we are sure that you are willing to know more about them. Therefore, we just thought of taking you through a quick overview of the festivals in Sri Lanka. So, get ready for the delight!

A Quick Overview on the Sri Lankan Festivals

Simply, Sri Lanka is blessed with a number of festivals that are worth experiencing. However, we just thought of choosing the most significant festivals that are unique in styles, and rich with values. Just check below!

• Thai Pongal Festival : This falls in mid-January, and is the first celebration that comes in the Hindu calendar. Further, paying tribute to the sun and cattle, after receiving their first harvest, remains as the motive behind this festival.
• Vesak Festival : Buddhists celebrate Vesak, on the full moon poya day in the month of May. They commemorate Lord Budhdha’s birth, enlightenment, and the Parinibbhana through this charming festival. Also, religious activities, good deeds and decorations are remarkable aspects of this celebration.       
• Ramadan Festival : This is a gleeful celebration that takes place at the end of their Ramadan month, in which they fast daily. Also, praying with devoutness, and distributing Zakat money, are common during this period.
• Esala Perahera Festival : Esala Perahera Festivals is simply a festival that allures hundreds of tourists to this beautiful island. It takes place each year, in the months of July or August, focusing on the city of Kandy. It is a glamorous procession to pay homage for the tooth relic of Lord Bidhdha. Further, it is more a beautiful parade, that exhibits varying performing arts with cultural values.
• Christmas Festival : Catholics and Christians in Sri Lanka commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, celebrating Christmas on a grand scale. The Christmas Mass at the churches is special in the course, and the celebrations, carols, and the decorations, enhances the delight of this festival. 

Of course, this is just a glimpse of the fascination of the Sri Lankan festivals. We are sure that they enthralled you. Just check our article on Festivals in Sri Lanka . It will amaze you more and more!

2. Sri Lankan Traditional Costumes

The costumes of a community reveals a lot about a certain culture. So, does the Sri Lankan traditional dresses. They are unique in style, and take the values of Sri Lanka a step ahead. It is true that slight variations are visible in the dressing styles of Sri Lankans in the present. That is mainly owing to the influence of the Asian and European cultures. Still, the demand for traditional dresses still remains at a good level, passing down from generation to generation. Thus, it is important that we explore the beauty of these Sri Lankan traditional costumes.

Traditional Dress for Men

Of course, the traditional dresses for men remain simple, smart and comfortable. They are as follows.

• National Costume ( Jathika Aduma )

They seem to hold several similarities with other Asian countries as well. However, to get a real overview of them, let us now have a look at them in detail!

1. National Costume : The National Costume, well known as ‘Jathika Aduma’ in Sinhalese, comes in two parts. It consists of a long-sleeved decent shirt and a sarong that is of ankle length. The Sri Lankan custom is to not tuck the shirt. Thus, it remains longs over the sarong, and some even prefer to have the shirt nearly up to the knee length. Generally, the national costume is in plain colors, in white or in light colors to be specific. Besides, the national costume is popular among all Sri Lankans, and they wear it despite their age, occupation, and the occasion.  

2. Sarong : Surely, the sarong might not be something new for you. It is common among most of the South Asian countries. Simply, it is a long piece of clothing that men wrap around their waist. Some prefer printed materials, while others prefer sarongs in plain colour. However, the majority of the men wear sarongs when they are at home even in the present. Moreover, the typical Sri Lankan villagers wear it despite the occasion.     

It is an obvious fact that the attire of an individual depends on his ethnicity, age, social status, economic status, and also preferences. Besides, many Sri Lankans are now dressing up in westernized costumes. Accordingly, trousers and shirts, denims and T-shirts, and coat suits are popular among the new generations. However, still the traditional costumes are alive in Sri Lanka, making a significant addition to the culture and traditions in Sri Lanka.

Traditional Dresses for Women

Some of the traditional dresses for women are not that simple. Still, the charm and the glamour that they add to the Sri Lankan women are just amazing. Here are the mains among them.

• Half-Saree ( Lama Sariya )
• Traditional Saree ( Osariya )   

Above all, let us have a quick glance over the traditional attire for Sri Lankan women. 

• Half-Saree : The Half-Saree known as ‘ Lama Sariya ’ in Sinhalese, is one of the popular traditional dresses among Sri Lankan girls. It comes in two parts. One part is a fitting jacket, with a wide frill around the neck. The other is a drape to wrap around the waist. The drape is of ankle-length, and it also has a wide frill that goes around the waist. Sri Lankan buddhist girls still wear the half-saree when they attend Dhamma schools, and religious activities. Half-sarees are generally in white, or in pale colours. Moreover, colourful and decorated half-sarees are common among flower-girls and little-maids at the Sinhalese wedding functions. 
• Traditional Sri Lankan Saree : The traditional Sri Lankan saree is famous as the ‘ Osariya ’ within this island. As the name suggests, yes, it is a saree. Still, the style of draping that saree is unique, and significantly different from the draping styles of other Asian countries. Instead of the fleets that fit in front, when draping the saree in Indian-style, a wide frill fits around the waist in Osariya. Many Sri Lankans tend to dress in ‘Osariya’, when they attend to work, as well on special occasions.       

Apart from these traditional dresses, Sri Lankan villagers still wear the ’ Redda-Hatta ’, a fitting jacket and a drape around the waist. Tamil ladies wear sarees and salwars in Indian styles, and muslim ladies wear Abayas. Besides, frocks, skirts and blouses, jeans and T-shirts, are now popular among younger generations.   

3. Sri Lankan Traditional Cuisines

Any of us would love to experience a dish of another flavor. Believe us, Sri Lankan cuisines are best at offering you that delight. So, excited to know more about these unique flavors? You can find below a good collection!

• Rice & Curry :  This is the main meal of Sri Lankans, and it is a portion rich with nutrition, taste, and good looks. It is quite arguable whether it is truly a traditional plate. Still, considering the fact that it holds uniqueness in tastes and combinations, we thought of sharing about it with you. You can either choose white rice or red rice for your plate, along with the other curries that would be decoratively added. If you are a vegetarian, you can go ahead picking a vegetarian meal. If not, you can choose to have a sea-food curry, a meat portion, or eggs as per your preference.
• Milk-rice : As the name suggests, milk-rice is simply made of milk and rice. Moreover, it happens to be an indispensable Sri Lankan plate at special occasions and celebrations. Milk-rice couples well with a spicy curry, or ‘ lunu miris ’ (a spicy paste made with chillies and spices).
• Sri Lankan Pol Roti : It just looks a bit like ‘ thosei ’, still smaller and harder in appearance. They are made with flour and grated-coconut, and goes well with a ‘lunu miris ’, or a spicy curry.    
• Pol Sambol : This is a popular Sri Lankan traditional dish, made with grated coconut, spices, and chillies. Pol Sambol is an ideal accompaniment for rice, as well as for hoppers, and string hoppers.

Apart from these Sri Lankan plates, the Sri Lankan sweets hold a significant place among Sri Lankan traditional food as well. So, let’s have a quick glance at the delicious Sri Lankan sweets as well.

Sri Lankan Traditional Sweets

Mostly, Sri Lankan sweets are common during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year period. Further, they are also indispensable at special occasions and celebrations in Sri Lanka. Of course, it is high time that we get to know about them. Here are some of the most familiar Sri Lankan traditional sweets!

• Aluwa : This is a Sri Lankan traditional sweet which is also popular as a desert. It is a combination of toasted flour, sugar syrup, spices, and cashews. The mixture is first made, and then it is sliced in a pan, and cut into pieces. Finally, they come in diamond shape, with an amazing taste.
• Kokis : The majority of the Sri Lankan immensely love ‘Kokis’. There is a belief that it comes with a Dutch origin. However, it is now a popular Sri Lankan traditional sweet. A batter of coconut milk, flour and eggs provide the base for Kokis, and decorative molds help them get a beautiful design. At last it is deep-fried, and it gives kokis lovers a crispy sweet to enjoy. 
• Kavum : Kavum, is yet another traditional Sri Lankan sweet made with flour, kithul treacle and spices. The mixture is first divided into portions, and finally deep fired. Of course, it is a bit oily than Kokis and Aluwa, still it has a unique taste which delights many.

Obviously, these are just a few of the main traditional Sri Lankan sweets. Of course, there is a lot more! By chance, if you visit Sri Lanka, never forget to witness their delighting tastes.

4. Architecture, arts, cultural and religious places

Literally, it is not a secret that the artistic values of a nation plays a significant role in revealing its culture. Thus, it is essential that we explore the artistic values of the cultural and religious attraction of this splendid island.

Simply, all of them reveal the grandeur of the Sri Lankan heritage, along with their architectural styles, as well as arts. Some of them hold the charm of the colonial impacts, while some possess amazing values of unique Sri Lakan heritage. Whatever it is, they signify the elegance of the Sri Lankan culture and they are worth exploring.

Cultural and Religious Attractions in Sri Lanka

When considering these Sri Lankan artistic values, there are several remarkable marvels. For the moment, we just thought about choosing the most noteworthy attractions among them.

• Sigiriya : Sigiriya, is an ancient rock fortress and a paradise of culture, that stands with majesty. Its frescoes hold a remarkable artistic value, and its mirror wall is a platform that reveals a number of secrets. Further, its water garden is a creation that proves the ancient Sri Lankan engineering marvels. Considering all these splendours UNESCO declared Sigiriya as a world heritage site. Moreover, it is considered as the 8th wonder of the world.      
• Dambulla Cave Temple : This is the best preserved cave temple in Sri Lanka and it consists of 5 caves. Each of these caves house a wonderful series of arts and valuable sculptures. Considering its significance, UNESCO declared it as a world heritage site.   
• Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque : This is one of the most remarkable islamic mosques, that exhibits its significant cultural values. It is in red and white colours, and holds unique architectural values.
•   Koneswaram Hindu Shrine : This is one of the most historic Hindu shrines in Sri Lanka, it is devoted to God Shiva. The giant colourful sculpture carved on a living rock at its entrance makes it highly attractive. Moreover, its historic and cultural values attract hundreds of devotees each day.
• St. Anthony’s Church : This is a Roaman Cathoic Shrine, in the heart of Colombo. Yet, Catholics, as well as Non-Catholics consider it as a place of miracles. Moreover, it houses a museum, and holds a unique value among the Catholic religious attractions. 

Obviously, this is just a very few cultural and religious attractions in Sri Lanka. To get a full overview, simply check our article on the Cultural and Religious Attractions in Sri Lanka.  

Variations of the Culture and Traditions across Different Regions in Sri Lanka

Owing to the multi-ethnic legacy that Sri Lanka holds, variations of the culture and traditions in different regions in Sri Lanka is never a wonder. Of course, it is true that the total Sri Lankan culture is molded upon all these varying aspects. Still, subtle differences among several factors are visible in terms of languages, dresses, food, and beliefs.

One of the fine examples of this factor is the saree that the ladies wear. The colors and the styles that Tamil ladies choose tend to be highly vibrant and decorated. Meanwhile, Kandyan Sri Lankans hold pride in dressing themselves in the traditional ‘Osariya’. At the same time, Sinhalese ladies down south, are more interested in draping the saree in Indian style.

Apart from that, slight variations are visible in Sinhala and Tamil languages that people from different areas use. Sinahlese from down south have an elaborate language style, while Sri Lankans from some other parts find it weird. Moreover, Sinahalese and Tamils, from varying regions of Sri Lanka use different terms to introduce the same thing.

Further, the Northern and Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka, houses a high population of Tamils. Therefore, if one visits this area from another part of the island, significant variations in terms of dresses, language, culture, and lifestyles are visible. Likewise, even though Sri Lankan abide by a common set of Cultural values, the presence of such variations can never be avoided. However, it is never a harm for the Sri Lankan culture, but a facet that adds a sense of beauty to the culture and traditions in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan Identity and the Contemporary culture

Sri Lankan identity mainly revolves around ‘Ape Kama’ and ‘Hadiyawa’. This simply means,  ‘Sri Lankan National Identity’ and ‘Good Habits’. Accordingly this is a remarkable segment of Sri Lankan culture, and is a major reason that makes Sri Lankans loved by many.

Of course, the centuries-old Sri Lankan heritage and the religious impacts play a major role in regard. Thus, the influence of these factors is clearly visible in shaping society with identity and good habits. Thanks to the values passed from generation to generation, Sri Lankans are now living with these concepts.

If you ever visit Sri Lanka, you will simply notice what an influence the morals have on everyday lives of Sri Lankans. They always tend to respect the elders and their teachers. Worshipping them is a common practice. Moreover, priority for pregnant women, disabled people, and priests are common in the course of public affairs. Also, whatever the religion they belong to, Sri Lankans maintain a close relationship with their religion.

Apart from that, Sri Lankan society focuses on a family-centric culture. They prefer living in extended families, and going beyond, wherever they are, they always try to maintain close relationships with their families, and relations.

However, due to globalization and the abundance of international media, Sri Lanka is now exposed to the modern world. Hence, its contemporary culture is mainly revolving around the modern and classical aspects along with the influence of westernized cultures. Accordingly, topics such as ‘gender equality’, and ‘Brand-New Political Trends’, are now emerging through Sri Lankan culture as well.

Nevertheless, the culture and traditions in Sri Lanka, still remains with its unique grandeur. And we believe that its unique identity, and its rich cultural values will preserve it even in the future, amidst the variations that take place.  

Indeed, these facts clearly prove that it is not only the enchantment of the golden shores , amazing cascades , wonderful wildlife , and the pleasant climate that makes Sri Lankan a significant tourist attraction . Above all, the culture and traditions in Sri Lanka offer you true joys. So, if you ever feel like capturing the rich values lively, never hesitate to plan your trip to this magical island. This is just a glimpse of it! There are many more stories woven around its grandeur, and even the travel guides would help you more to experience its delight. Even the worldwide visitors who witnessed it themselves, respect its grandeur and appreciate its beauty. It holds that much of a delight, value, charm, and character. Thus, if you are ever planning to backpack any sooner, we suggest that Sri Lanka is the perfect destination for you!

You may be excited for a tranquil beach vacation along a gorgeous stretch of golden sand. If not, you might be thrilled to experience the exhilaration and thrill of the incredible wildlife among the breathtaking scenery. Going further, you can even be anticipating learning about the splendor of the historical tales entwined with the island's customs. Similarly, your dream could be anywhere in these boundaries or outside of them. Nevertheless, we cherish your dream and pledge to turn it into a reality. Indeed, the Customized Tour Packages we provide serve as evidence that we honor our commitments.

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An Urgent Notice for all Sri Lankan Airlines Passengers Flying from Sri Lanka!

At present, the whole world is facing a series of hardships due to the COVID-19 outbreak. When considering its impacts on the major scale industries,…

All that You Need to Know about the Recent Whale Stranding in Sri Lanka!

To be exact this incident took place at the shores of Panadura, on Monday, the 2nd November 2020. Shoals of whales began to beach themselves to this shore on the southwest coast of the island, located around 25 km away from Colombo. On this day, that area was under a curfew with regard to the Coronavirus.

Privacy Overview

• Countries and Their Cultures
• Culture of Sri Lanka

Culture Name

Alternative names.

Ceylonese, Lankan

Orientation

Identification. The official name of the nation is the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. In 1972, the national constitution discarded the name Ceylon and adopted the name of Sri Lanka. In Sinhala, the language of the majority, Sri means "blessed" and Lanka is the name of the island.

The island's history of immigration, trade, and colonial invasion has led to the formation of a variety of ethnic groups, each with its own language and religious traditions. Besides the majority Sinhala Buddhists, the nation also includes Sri Lankan Tamils, Tamils of recent Indian origin, Muslims, semitribal Väddas, and Burghers, descendants of intermarriages between Sri Lankans and Europeans. Although the members of these groups share many cultural practices, beliefs, and values, ethnic differences have become especially marked since the nation's independence in 1948. These differences and the exclusive policies of the Sinhala-dominated central government have led to escalating ethnic conflicts, including the current civil war in which Sri Lankan Tamil rebels are fighting for an independent nation in the northern and eastern regions of the island to be called Eelam.

Location and Geography. Sri Lanka is a small tropical island off the southern tip of India. The island nation covers approximately 25,332 square miles (65,610 square kilometers) and is divided ecologically into a dry zone stretching from the north to the southeast and a wet zone in the south, west, and central regions. This contrast in rainfall combined with topographical differences has fostered the development of regional variation in economy and culture. The north-central plains are dotted by the ruins of ancient kingdoms built around man-made lakes. The northern tip of the island is the traditional home to the Sri Lankan Tamils who consider Jaffna, its principal city, their cultural and political center. The dry lowlands of the eastern coast, site of fishing and rice cultivation, are particularly diverse both ethnically and culturally, with Muslims, Tamils, and Sinhalas composing almost equal portions of the population in some areas. The central highlands are famous for tea plantations and, in the southwestern part, gem mines. Kandy, the principal city of this central "Hill Country," was the seat of the last of the indigenous kingdoms and continues to be an important ritual, administrative, and tourist center. The southern coastal lowlands are the site of coconut, rubber, and cinnamon estates, an active fishing industry, and beautiful beaches. Located on the west coast is the island's largest city, Colombo, a hub of international commerce as well as the seat of government administration located on its outskirts in Sri Jayawardenepura.

Demography. According to the islandwide census in 1981, there were nearly 15 million inhabitants of Sri Lanka. This population was concentrated in the wet zone and around the principal cities, although barely three million people were considered to live in urban areas. At that time, there were approximately eleven million Sinhalas, two million Sri Lankan Tamils, one million Tamils of recent Indian origin, 1.5 million Muslims, and less than seventy thousand people of other ethnicities. Although the civil war in the north and east of the island has thwarted subsequent census plans, it was estimated that the population in 2000 stood near nineteen million.

Symbolism. The official symbols of Sri Lanka are largely drawn from those representing the Sinhala Buddhist majority. Sinhala means "lion's blood" and the lion is the central image on the national flag. Also pictured on the flag and other emblems of national culture are the leaves of the sacred Bo Tree under which the Buddha found enlightenment. Other symbols central to Sri Lankan Buddhism and Sinhala mythology have also become icons of national identity, such as the Tooth Relic of the Buddha, the possession of which has provided legitimacy to Sinhala rulers for thousands of years.

There are also symbols of national culture that reflect a more integrated national identity. For instance, the color blocks on the nation's flag represent each of Sri Lanka's three major ethnic groups. The Sri Lankan elephant is a symbol of national heritage and of prosperity, both for its long association with wealth and royalty and for its association with Ganesh, the elephant-headed Hindu god of wealth. The betel leaf and oil lamp are used to mark special occasions. Images of the island's natural resources, such as palm trees, gems, and beaches, are promoted as part of the tourist industry and other international commercial enterprises. The players and events that are part of the wildly popular national cricket team serve as symbolic foci of national culture. Further, the performance of certain islandwide customs, such as bowing in respect, serve as symbolic enactments of a national cultural identity.

History and Ethnic Relations

Emergence of the Nation. There is archaeological evidence that the island was inhabited as early as 10,000 B.C.E. The present-day Väddas, who live in remote areas of Sri Lanka and use a simple technology, are apparently descended from these early inhabitants mixed with the later arriving Tamils and Sinhalas, who were both well established on the island by the third century B.C.E. It is widely believed that the Sinhala people migrated to the island from north India, bringing their Indo-Aryan language and some version of Brahmanism with them, although Buddhism was introduced in their principal areas of settlement during the third century B.C.E. The Tamils emigrated to the north of the island from southern India, bringing Hinduism and their Dravidian language with them. The Sinhalas, the Tamils, and various south Indian invaders built powerful kingdoms with advanced agricultural projects and elaborate religious institutions, kingdoms that periodically brought the island under the authority of a single regime.

Because of its important ports along the East-West trade routes and desirable goods, traders were drawn to the island. Some of these Arab traders made Sri Lanka their permanent home, adding Islam to the island's religions. In the early sixteenth century Portuguese traders introduced Christianity as they began to make use of the island, eventually gaining control over productive portions of it.

In 1638 the king of Kandy drove out the Portuguese with the help of the Dutch. The Dutch then kept the land for themselves, controlling all but the kingdom of Kandy until they were driven out by the British in 1796. In 1815 the British ousted the last king of Kandy, gaining control over all of Sri Lanka, which remained a British colony until 1948.

On 4 February 1948, Ceylon, as the nation was then known, became politically independent of Great Britain, though it remained part of the Commonwealth.

National Identity. The current Sri Lankan national identity is dominated by the Sinhala majority, although this identity is resisted by the minority ethnic groups. Since independence, national leadership has consistently appealed to the Sinhala majority and the strength of the Buddhist monastic orders, marginalizing the non-Sinhala, non-Buddhists from the Sri Lankan identity and limiting access to state-controlled benefits. Despite the politicization of separate ethnic identities, there is a core of cultural beliefs, practices, and values that are largely shared among the people of Sri Lanka, particularly in the domains of the economy, social stratification, gender, family, and etiquette.

Ethnic Relations. Sri Lanka has always been home to a multiethnic and multireligious society. Because of the historic fluidity in migration and marriage patterns, the physical attributes of the principal ethnic groups are widely distributed. While conflicts between various groups have periodically flared up, beginning in 1956 the ethnic rivalry between the Sinhala-Buddhist majority and the Sri Lankan Tamil minority has intensified to an unprecedented level and led to the eruption of civil war in 1983. Since that time, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, a militant organization of Sri Lankan Tamils, have been fighting for an independent Tamil state in the north and east.

Urbanism, Architecture, and the Use of Space

In the precolonial period, only the ruling elite and religious establishments were permitted to have permanent buildings. As a result, most of the archaeological ruins represent the heritage of elite culture, the ancient states, and the temple complexes, many of which are still in use today. The most elaborate of Sri Lanka's architecture continues to be dedicated to religious purposes, ranging from the imposing domes of the mosques to the graceful spires of the Portuguese churches to the ornate and colorful figures covering the Hindu temples to the white, bell-shaped dagobas that house the relics of the Buddha. The influences from these religious traditions have combined with the influences of the colonists and more modern designs to produce a diverse architectural landscape in the urban areas as well as the rural, where 70–80 percent of the population continues to live.

Residential buildings vary widely according to the socioeconomic status of their inhabitants. Rural peasants live in small temporary wattle and daub (stick and mud), thatched houses whose style has remained unchanged since ancient times. In the urban area of Colombo, half of the residents are estimated to live in "low income" areas characterized by crowded dilapidated buildings and adjoining watte, built of a hodgepodge of thatch, wooden planks, and corrugated metal sheets along railways and roadways, beaches, rivers, and canal banks. In this same city are modern apartment buildings and colonial-era gated compounds with attached servants' quarters.

All over the island, there is a preference for whitewashed cement houses with polished cement floors and windows designed to keep out the heat and light but let in the air through built-in vents. The front of the house with its sitting room, bedrooms, dining area, and veranda is typically separated from the back of the house in which the kitchen and washing areas are located, a division that reflects notions of the danger of pollution by outsiders. Buddhist, Hindu, or even Christian shrines are often located within the house or the garden areas that surround it.

Public spaces provide the setting for a variety of valued activities. Each community, no matter how small, contains a public school, a place of worship, and a shop or two where people can buy daily necessities as well as exchange gossip. Wells, rivers, and other bathing places are also important social gathering places.

Food and Economy

Food in Daily Life. Sri Lanka's staple meal is a large serving of rice accompanied by up to twelve different side dishes of vegetables, egg, meat, or fish stewed together with peppers, spices, and often coconut milk. This rice and curry meal is traditionally eaten at midday, although it may also be served in the evening. The traditional morning and evening meals are usually composed of a traditional starchy staple, such as string hoppers (fresh rice noodles), hoppers (cup-shaped pancakes), roti (coconut flat bread), or thosai (sourdough pancakes), served with a sambol (a mixture of hot peppers and other vegetables, served cool) and one or two curries.

A variety of snacks and beverages are also eaten periodically throughout the day. Strong, sweat tea, usually with milk, is drunk alone or following a small serving of finger food or sweets, especially at mid-morning and late afternoon. Curd, a yogurt made from the milk of water buffaloes or cows, is often served as a dessert with palm syrup or sugar. A rich variety of fruits is available year-round.

Eating outside of the home has not been very common, although it is becoming more so. In almost every town there is at least one Chinese-style restaurant where alcohol is also served, as well as Sinhala, Muslim, and Tamil restaurants and traditional snack booths. In the capital, Western chain restaurants as well as other foreign-style foods are increasingly available.

There is some ethnic variation in foods and customs, as well as food taboos. For instance, Muslims avoid pork while Hindus are often vegetarian. Sinhala and Tamil people tend to take care that the foods served together create a balance of hot and cold energies. They also typically will not accept food prepared by those of relatively lower caste status.

Food Customs at Ceremonial Occasions. Kiribath, rice cooked in coconut milk, is part of nearly every ceremonial occasion in Sri Lanka. Kawum (sweet oil cakes) and other special snacks are also popular at special events. Alcoholic beverages do not play a role in the formal rituals of Sri Lanka, being condemned by Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism alike. Alcohol is, however, a ubiquitous part of men's social gatherings, where beer, toddy (fermented palm nectar), arrack (distilled palm nectar), and kassipu (an illegally distilled beverage), are consumed in great quantities.

Basic Economy. Sri Lanka's economy is shifting away from its traditional agricultural base to include production for an international market, a shift accelerated by a major policy change in the 1977 transition from a socialist-style, state controlled economy to a free market economy lead by the private sector. By the mid-1990s, roughly one-quarter of the population was employed as skilled workers in agriculture, fishing, or animal husbandry; one-quarter in skilled craft or factory production; one-quarter in administration, medicine, law, education, accounting, sales, services, or clerical work; and one-quarter as unskilled laborers. In spite of this shift away from agriculture, Sri Lanka has recently achieved near self-sufficiency in rice production and other staple foods.

Land Tenure and Property. Although private ownership of land has been well established in Sri Lanka since the precolonial period, most of the land is currently owned by the state and leased to private individuals and companies. Religious establishments also own substantial tracts of land. Today as in the past, private property is passed from parents to children, with the bulk of landholdings going to sons. Although the sale of housing lots is a growing industry, the sale of agricultural land is relatively uncommon. This, in combination with the subdivision of property with each generation, has created very small holdings of paddy land, which are inefficient to farm, something that the World Bank has identified as the primary cause of poverty in Sri Lanka.

Commercial Activities. Sri Lanka's towns and villages as well as its urban centers are typically active sites of commercial exchange. Most of the nonplantation agricultural crops that are not consumed in the home are sold at local markets, along with traditional craft products such as brass, pottery, and baskets, which are largely produced by hereditary caste groups. Repair, construction, tailoring, printing, and other services are always in demand, as is private tutoring. Tourists are also the focus of a range of commercial activity.

Major Industries. The major industries in Sri Lanka are involved with agricultural production and manufacturing. Nearly one-third of the agricultural production of the island is from the tea and rubber estates, products that are partially processed locally. The production of textiles and apparel; food, beverages, and tobacco; and wood and wood products together account for a quarter of all manufacturing. Heavy industry is largely confined to government-controlled steel, tire, and cement manufacturing, oil refining, mining, and quarrying. Transportation, construction, and energy production are also important locally oriented industries. In addition, the ongoing war effort, the education system, and the tourism industry comprise significant sectors of the economy.

Division of Labor. Traditionally, the division of labor in Sri Lanka has been largely based on caste, gender, and ethnicity. Although members of all ethnic groups participate to some degree across the range of occupations, particular ethnic groups are thought to predominate in certain occupations, for instance, the Sinhala in rice cultivation and the public sector, and the Muslims, Tamils, and recent immigrants in trade. Different castes are also associated with particular occupations, which is not necessarily reflected in the actual work that people do. Symbolically associated with occupations such as rice farming, the largest and highest status Sinhala castes are typically land holders and recipients of service obligations from the lower castes. The lower status service castes are associated with hereditary crafts such as mat weaving, jewelry making, and clothes washing. Increasingly, these hereditary statuses are being replaced by education and command of English as the most important determinants of employment.

Social Stratification

Classes and Castes. Even though the ideal of social equality is widely diffused in contemporary Sri Lanka, stratification according to caste and class, as well as gender and ethnicity, continues to be very important. Class is determined by attributes such as wealth and education while caste, a traditional part of Hindu and Buddhist society in Sri Lanka, is determined by birth into a predetermined status hierarchy, typically understood as a matter of reward or retribution for one's deeds in previous lives. The traditional correspondence between these statuses was upset by 450 years of colonial rulers who often privileged members of certain, relatively low-status castes, effectively raising their class status and that of their offspring. The importance and legitimacy of caste continues to be undermined by political and economic developments. Class differentiation, on the other hand, is increasing both in day-to-day social interaction and manifestations of disparities.

Symbols of Social Stratification. Traditionally, caste identity was extensively marked by ritual roles and occupations, names of individuals and places, networks of social relations, and regulations of dress and housing. Degrees of difference within the caste hierarchy were also marked by forms of address, seating arrangements, and other practices of deference and superiority. Today, where these hierarchical relations continue, there is a degree of uneasiness or even resentment toward them, particularly among the educated younger generations. Class status, in contrast, is increasingly manifested in speech, dress, employment, education, and housing. In general, elite classes can be identified by their command of English, education in exclusive schools, executive-level employment, possession of valued commodities, and access to international networks, whereas the lower classes are associated with manual labor, minimal comforts, and a lack of social contacts with the elite.

Political Life

Government. Sri Lanka is governed by a democratically elected president and a 225-member parliament. The president serves for a term of six years and has the power to dismiss the parliament, out of which the president selects cabinet members, a prime minister, and a chief justice. Although regular elections at all levels of government have been held since independence, there are increasing allegations of tampering and violence. The current leadership is considering a new constitution in which greater powers would be reserved for the provincial governments, a move calculated to address the ethnic conflicts and end the nation's civil war.

Leadership and Political Officials. Although a spectrum of political parties campaign within Sri Lanka, political leadership is almost exclusively drawn from the traditional, propertied elite. Family lineage and caste affiliation figure prominently in selection of candidates at all levels. Since independence, only two parties have drawn the majority of their leadership from the lower classes and challenged the control of the elite: the ultraleft Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, who staged armed insurrections that posed a significant threat to the stability of the nation in 1971 and again between 1987 and 1989, and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

Since political leaders distribute state-controlled benefits and resources, such as access to employment, quality schools, and even passports, their constituents work to stay in their good graces. These elected leaders, who typically distribute resources preferentially to their supporters, make an effort to be seen as benefactors and are often more personally accessible than many bureaucrats.

Social Problems and Control. Although crime rates are rising, Sri Lanka's citizens are generally respectful of both formal and informal laws, as well as of each other. Throughout the nation's history, however, there have been periodic explosions of violence and lawlessness. Since the 1980s, there have been massive riots, bombings, and insurrections that have effectively challenged the authority of the state and resulted in massive bloodletting. Large portions of the island are not under the control of the state but are in the hands of the LTTE rebels. In response to these challenges, the government has periodically declared states of "emergency rule" that extend its constitutional authority.

The police, the military, and the judiciary system are in place to maintain government control. Imprisonment is the main legal sanction for those who are convicted of violations of the law. The death penalty, suspended for many years, is being considered for re-introduction in response to the perceived rise in crime and violence.

Informal sanctions also provide strong deterrents against socially unacceptable behavior. Rumor and gossip are particularly feared, whether these take the form of village talk, anonymous petitions to the newspapers, or posters mounted in public spaces. Acceptance in the family and other important social groups to which one belongs and how one's behavior reflects on the reputation of these groups are among the most powerful motivators of social compliance. The threat of sorcery or divine retribution on an injured party's behalf, as well as more earthly threats of violence and revenge, also act to ensure good behavior.

Military Activity. There are three branches of the all-volunteer national military: the army, the navy, and the air force. Since independence, Sri Lanka's military, once largely ceremonial, has been called on to counter civil violence and terrorist activities, as well as provide more peaceable services, such as coastal supervision and surveying. Since 1983, they have been fighting a full-scale civil war against the LTTE army which is reportedly well-trained and internationally funded. Between 1990 and 1995, defense spending made up the largest portion of the national budget, comprising over 20 percent of annual expenditures.

Social Welfare and Change Programs

Sri Lanka has often been referred to as the model welfare state. With free and universal education and health care, subsidized transportation, and a wide range of public sector programs to assist the poor, the quality of life is high in comparison with other developing countries. Since the change in economic policies of 1977 which emphasize private sector growth, however, the quality and availability of these government services have been eroding and have been increasingly replaced by private resources accessed by the middle and elite classes. Besides the difficulty posed by reductions in state funding, the civil war has created additional challenges to the welfare system as up to 1.5 million people have been displaced, a group that has been targeted for relief and resettlement by nongovernmental organizations and private donors.

Nongovernmental Organizations and Other Associations

Since 1977, foreign-supported nongovernmental organizations have proliferated, providing welfare services and promoting social agendas such as human rights, fair elections, conflict resolution, and peace initiatives. Other civil organizations that are more locally led and membership-based, such as trade unions and cooperatives, are largely dependant on or part of the political sector of Sri Lankan society. Religious organizations are the primary exception to this, and are independent from political society, which tends to regard them with fear and respect. Another notable exception is the Sarvodaya Movement which has been active since 1958, mobilizing volunteer labor for community service.

Gender Roles and Statuses

Division of Labor by Gender. In Sri Lanka, there is a strong tradition of both men and women working, with men focusing more on income opportunities and women focusing on the household. Currently, women's participation in the paid labor force is significant, although not evenly distributed, concentrated in professions such as nursing, teaching, tea picking, and garment construction. In manufacture and agricultural work, men are typically assigned tasks considered more physically demanding, while women are assigned the more repetitive, detail-oriented work at which they are thought to be better than men. Opportunity for foreign employment for women, while relatively available and well-paying, is restricted to domestic work, whereas opportunities for men are more varied, ranging from manual labor to engineering. Within the home, regardless of their engagement in paid labor, women and girls do all food preparation and most other domestic work.

Although most schools are segregated by gender, education has always been important for both boys and girls in Sri Lanka. The literacy rates for men and women are similarly high; the last census in 1981 found that 87 percent of females over the age of ten years were literate, compared to 91 percent of males.

Leadership roles in Sri Lanka are largely held by men, with some important exceptions. Sri Lanka elected the world's first female prime minister in 1960, Sirimavo Bandaranaike, whose daughter is the current president of the nation. While this is not indicative of the political power of women in general, it is true that Sri Lankan women have held voting rights since they were instituted in 1931 and have long held certain property rights. The large majority of religious leaders and officiants are also male, while women tend to be overrepresented among their followers.

The Relative Status of Women and Men. It is a widely held position among social scientists as well as lay people that the status of women is relatively high in Sri Lanka, especially in comparison to other South Asian nations. There has never been the practice of child marriage or the burning of widows in Sri Lanka. Even though most groups on the island prefer for new brides to move into their husbands' homes, women traditionally retain strong ties with their own natal families. Additionally, although it is expected among most groups for the bride's family to give the groom a dowry, in practice this property commonly remains in the possession of the wife until she passes it on, typically to her daughters.

Despite these traditional practices and the full rights of citizenship that women in Sri Lanka enjoy today, women consistently defer to men across all domains of life, including the workplace and the home. Women also bear the greater weight of social expectations and sanctions for noncompliance. In addition, sexual harassment and assault, while seldom reported to the authorities, are common experiences.

Marriage, Family, and Kinship

Marriage. In all ethnic groups, marriages are traditionally arranged by the families of the couple. "Love marriages" initiated by the couples themselves are, however, increasingly common. Regardless of who initiates the marriage, the bride and groom are expected to be of the same socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and, for Buddhists and Hindus, caste status, although the groom is expected to be slightly older, taller, and educationally and professionally more qualified than the bride. Additionally, there is a preference among Tamil and Sinhala groups for cross-cousin marriage, which is marriage with the child of one's father's sister or one's mother's brother. Among Muslims, the preferred match is between parallel cousins, the children of two brothers. It is also considered best if the couple are of similar ages.

The age at which people marry is on the rise, especially for women. According to the 1981 census, over a quarter of those over twenty have never been married. Divorce, while increasingly common, still occurs in less than 1 percent of marriages. Remarriage following divorce or the death of a spouse is possible for both men and women, although it is uncommon for previously married women to marry never-married men.

Domestic Unit. Ideally, a husband and wife live in their own household with their unmarried children, even if that household is actually a small section of an extended family home. In Sri Lanka, individual households are identified by cooking practices, so that, even within a larger house, a wife will cook for her husband and children independently from others who may live within the structure, perhaps sharing the same kitchen.

While women may have a great deal of power within a family, ultimate authority belongs to the oldest male member of a household, whether that is the father, husband, brother, or son. Sri Lankans express a preference that their first child be a girl, whom they believe will help care for and be a disciplining influence on younger siblings. While overall there is a preference for sons, this is not as strong as in other South Asian countries.

Inheritance. The majority of Sri Lankan families practice bilateral inheritance, giving a portion of the family possessions to all children in the family. In practice, fixed property such as land and the family home go to sons and mobile property such as cash and jewelry go to daughters, usually in the form of her dowry.

Socialization

Infant Care. In Sri Lanka, young children are highly adored, fondled, and indulged by everyone, both male and female. Infants are traditionally kept with their mothers or female relatives. Babies are carried until they can walk and sleep with mothers until they are school-aged, at which time they are encouraged to move into a bed with their siblings. Nearly all mothers breast-feed their children, commonly through the first year.

Child Rearing and Education. Throughout childhood, important rituals are conducted around culturally significant milestones, such as the first feeding of solid food and the introduction of the letters of the alphabet. The coming of age ritual following a girl's first menstruation is an important marker of her entrance into the adult world, although there is no such similar rite of passage for boys.

As children grow, they are expected to develop a sense of lajjawa, a feeling that combines shyness, shame, modesty, and fear. It is cultivated early in childhood and used to teach self-control, beginning with bowel-control training, which starts at one year, then with weaning and nudity, and later with school performance.

Although mothers perform most of the child rearing, they are more responsible for their daughters' discipline and tend to be more indulgent with their sons. Fathers tend to indulge all of their children under five, at which point they take on a stricter disciplinary role, particularly with their sons whom they are responsible for controlling. Corporal punishment is quite common, especially from older males to boys.

Higher Education. All of Sri Lanka's universities are government sponsored and attendance is free. Admission is determined by exam, so that only 2 percent of Sri Lanka's children eventually are enrolled in the universities, although children from affluent families frequently gain admittance to foreign universities. Of those who enter the Sri Lankan university system, the majority go into the arts, which includes humanities and social sciences, a course of study taught in the vernacular languages. Unemployment following graduation is high for these students, reflecting a disjuncture between market needs and university education. Those who attend the technical/professional schools, which are taught in English, tend to be more employable. Opportunities for postgraduate education are quite limited within the country.

Protests against authorities are well established among university students at all levels. New entrants to the university student community are routinely subjected to "ragging," a form of collective harassment by the senior students in an effort to create a sense of common identity and an anti-establishment consciousness.

Many of the most important rules of etiquette serve to mark differences in social rank. Both Sinhala and Tamil contain a range of linguistic markers for status as well as relative social distance and intimacy. In routine social interactions, personal names are avoided in preference to nicknames, relationship terms, or other titles.

Gender is also an important factor in determining appropriate conduct. Among all but the most urbanized, women are expected to defer to men of relatively equal status and to avoid all implication of sexual impropriety by keeping themselves well covered at all times. They are also expected to refuse all alcohol and tobacco and to refrain from direct physical contact with men. Between members of the same gender and with children, however, there is a great deal of physical contact that emphasizes closeness.

At meals, women usually eat last, after they have served the men and the children of the household, although visitors are served first, regardless of gender. While the more Westernized may use silverware, food is commonly eaten with the right hand, a preference that extends to other domains as well.

In public, people tend to speak in hushed tones if at all, although leaders and sellers are expected to shout. Large emotional displays of any type are uncommon in public. Greetings are often unvocalized, with broad smiles exchanged between strangers and a friendly raised eyebrow to frequent acquaintances. When new people are involved in a conversation, the mutual acquaintance is asked questions about the stranger. Seldom does direct self-introduction occur. Unusual behavior of any kind draws unconcealed observation.

Religious Beliefs. Buddhism, the religion of the majority of people in Sri Lanka, is given a place of preference in the national constitution and public life, although Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity are also practiced by significant portions of the population. Except in the case of Christians, who are drawn from a variety of ethnic groups, these religious traditions map directly onto the three major ethnic groups: Sinhala/Buddhist, Tamil/Hindu, and Muslims.

The 1981 census reported that 69 percent of the population considered themselves Buddhists, 15 percent Hindus, 8 percent Muslims, and 8 percent Christians. In practice, however, there is a degree of blending between these practices as well as an incorporation of ancient indigenous and astrological beliefs.

Sri Lankan Buddhists and Hindus, in particular, share a number of foundational beliefs and ritual practices. The moral codes of both of these religious traditions recommend moderation and restraint, Hindus stressing the discipline of one's behavior and Buddhists advocating "the middle path." In both, the concept of karma and rebirth are central, ideas that posit that one's actions in this lifetime determine the kind of life into which one will be reborn through the quantity of merit that one earns. While both Buddhism and Hinduism also propose that one can escape the cycle of rebirth, a goal that is highly elaborated within Buddhism, the acquisition of spiritual merit to gain a better rebirth either for one's self or one's loved ones generates much of the religious activity of the laity. Among the participants in both of these religions, there is also a belief in a broad pantheon of gods, spirits, and demons, into which many local deities have been absorbed. These beings may be male or female, benevolent or malevolent, moral or amoral, but they are all considered subject to the same laws of death and rebirth as other beings. Devotees, including some Muslims and Christians, appeal to these gods to assist them with a variety of (mostly worldly) concerns.

Religious Practitioners. In Sri Lanka, each of the four major religions are served by native religious leaders, although not exclusively; the island is home to training institutions for specialists in each of its organized religions.

The largest and most active group of religious specialists are the members of the Buddhist monkhood, or Sangha, who are ordained for life to follow a path of celibacy committed to the disattachment from worldly life. As temple monks, they provide spiritual guidance to the laity, serve as role models, and act as a source of merit acquisition for those who support them. They do not, however, traditionally play a role in secular matters or life-cycle rituals, except the death rites. Well organized and often in control of fair amounts of property, the Sangha have considerable influence in society, both historically and today.

The priests of the various gods are more independently organized. The ethnicity of the priests depends on their clientele more than the origin of the gods they serve. Tamil Hindu priests are born into their roles, almost traditionally but not exclusively coming from the Brahman caste. Sinhala Buddhist priests, who serve many of the same gods, are drawn from the laity and are increasingly likely to be women.

Members of both the Buddhist and Hindu laity also play a variety of specialized religious roles as mediators, renunciates who withdraw from worldly pursuits, and other kinds of adepts.

Rituals and Holy Places. Sri Lanka is home to many sacred sites visited by foreigners and locals alike. Kandy's Sri Dalada Maligawa, which houses the Tooth Relic of the Buddha, is an active temple complex that is the ritual center of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. During this temple's annual perahera season, the Tooth Relic is paraded through the torch-lit streets, accompanied by dancers, drummers, and elephants. While this is the island's largest perahera, or religious procession, other temples around the island host their own at different times of the year.

Death and the Afterlife. Death ceremonies are quite elaborate in Sri Lanka, usually conducted by the families of the deceased in conjunction with religious officiants. Bodies are first embalmed in a secular, medical process and then returned to the families for funeral rites involving the gathering of extended family and the sharing of food, followed by either burial or cremation. Among Buddhists and Hindus the body is kept in the ancestral home for as long as a week while a variety of rituals are performed to give merit to the deceased in order to ensure a good rebirth. A series of purification rituals are also performed to protect the family members from the pollution from the body. White is the color associated with funerals, except for monks whose death is marked with yellow. Following a death, white banners, flags, and other decorations are put up according to the status of the deceased. Anniversaries of a death are also marked by rituals performed by family members.

Medicine and Health Care

The quality of life in Sri Lanka is among the highest in the developing world based on indicators such as its average life expectancy of seventy years, a relatively low infant mortality rate, and a well-developed infrastructure that provides safe drinking water and latrines to at least two-thirds of its inhabitants, an adequate food supply, and an extensive network of health-care providers.

In Sri Lanka, several different types of health systems are available. The state's free and universal health-care system includes Western allopathic medicine as well as South Asian Ayurvedic treatments. In addition, there are a variety of private clinics offering Western and Ayurvedic services, indigenous herbal specialists, and ritual healers. In general, people do not see these various health systems as mutually exclusive or contradictory, simultaneously accessing different systems for the same or different types of ailments.

Dosha, which loosely translates as "troubles," is the central concept that integrates these various health systems. Within Ayurveda, the concept refers to the physical and emotional problems resulting from imbalances in the body humors of heat, coolness, and wind. But the concept of Dosha is much broader in the folk system, referring to all kinds of problems including financial, academic, and social difficulties. Imbalances may result from food, spirit attack, or contact with some other extreme and may require different treatment approaches available from the different health systems.

Although there is a certain amount of popular knowledge about illness prevention, diagnosis, and treatment derived from these different systems, each is primarily administered by trained practitioners. Doctors, nurses, and other health-care workers are trained in modern Western allopathic medicine through Sri Lanka's university system as well as in foreign institutions. Ayurvedic doctors are trained in university-affiliated colleges in Sri Lanka and India. Indigenous herbal medical training is passed through apprenticeship from father to son. Different types of healing rituals are also conducted by experts—such as exorcists, drummers and other caste-based professionals, and priests and priestess of the gods—sometimes in consultation with astrologers.

Secular Celebrations

All Saturdays and Sundays are public holidays, as is the Poya Day of each month which marks the full moon. Independence Day on 4 February and May Day on 1 May are also public holidays. During April, the island largely shuts down for a week as its Sinhala and Tamil residents celebrate the traditional new year, the exact day of which is determined by astrologers. In addition, the major Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, and Christian days are also reserved as public holidays.

The Arts and Humanities

Support for the Arts. Whether nationally acclaimed or only locally recognized, Sri Lankan artists are primarily supported by the clients who commission or purchase their work. In addition, some larger corporations sponsor particular projects and the government gives some small stipends and positions of honor to notable artists.

Literature. Sri Lanka has a long and prolific history of written as well as oral literature. As early as the fifth century C.E. , both Sinhala and Tamil writers were recording histories and religious stories, as well as writing on more secular topics. This tradition continues today as fiction writers, poets, playwrights, and journalists write in all three of the nation's languages; some of their works have been translated into other languages as well. However, Sri Lanka's university and public libraries, once reputed to be the best in South Asia, are underfunded and poorly maintained as a result of increased budgetary constraints since 1977.

Graphic Arts. Religious topics and institutions heavily influence Sri Lanka's statuary and pictorial art. Local handicrafts, encouraged during the socialist days, have been challenged by less expensive imports since 1977. Some of these traditional handicrafts, such as pottery and basket weaving, are caste-based activities and tend to be more utilitarian than decorative. Others, such as wood carving, are highly ornate and well respected in international as well as local markets.

Performance Arts. Performance is the most vibrant of all art forms in Sri Lanka, particularly drumming and dancing. All fully professional theater productions are performed in a ritual context, although there is also modern, secular theater which is semiprofessional. There are also numerous forms of music produced and appreciated on the island including traditional drumming, religious chanting, work songs, South Asian and Western classical music, as well as contemporary popular music and film songs from national artists and abroad. Although appealing to different sections of the community, performances of all types are typically well-attended in Sri Lanka.

The State of the Physical and Social Sciences

Sri Lanka's medical, engineering, and sociological fields are internationally respected although they are challenged by lack of funding and the loss of many of the best researchers to foreign institutions. Additionally, the switch from English to the vernacular languages in the social science departments of the universities has made it difficult for scholars to participate in an international exchange of ideas.

Bibliography

Alexander, Paul. Sri Lankan Fisherman: Rural Capitalism and Peasant Society, 1982.

Arachchige-Don, Neville S. Patterns of Community Structure in Colombo, Sri Lanka: An Investigation of Contemporary Urban Life in South Asia, 1994.

Baker, Victoria J. A Sinhalese Village in Sri Lanka: Coping with Uncertainty, 1998.

Brow, James. "The Incorporation of a Marginal Community within the Sinhalese Nation." Anthropological Quarterly 63 (1): 7–17, 1990.

Daniel, E. Valentine. Charred Lullabies: Chapters in an Anthropography of Violence, 1996.

David, K. A. "Until Marriage Do Us Part: A Cultural Account of Jaffna Tamil Categories for Kinsmen." Man 8 (4): 521–535, 1973.

de Munck, Victor C. Seasonal Cycles: A Study of Social Change and Continuity in a Sri Lankan Village, 1993.

de Silva, K. M. A History of Sri Lanka, 1981.

Dissanayake, Wimal. "Newspapers as Matchmakers: A Sri Lankan Illustration." Journal of Comparative Family Studies, 13 (1): 97–108, 1982.

Gombrich, Richand F. Precept and Practice: Traditional Buddhism in the Rural Highlands of Ceylon, 1971.

——, and Gananath Obeyesekere. Buddhism Transformed: Religious Change in Sri Lanka, 1988.

Good, Anthony. The Female Bridegroom: A Comparative Study of Life-Crisis Rituals in South India and Sri Lanka, 1991.

Kapferer, Bruce. Legends of People, Myths of State: Violence, Intolerance, and Political Culture in Sri Lanka and Australia, 1988.

Kearney, R. N., and D. B. Miler. "The Spiral of Suicide and Social Change in Sri Lanka." Journal of Asian Studies, 2 (1): 81–101, 1985.

Knox, Robert. An Historical Relation of Ceylon, 1681, reprinted, 1966.

Leach, E. R. "Introduction: What Should We Mean by Caste?" In E. R. Leach, ed., Aspects of Caste in South India, Ceylon, and Northwest Pakistan, 1960.

McGowan, William. Only Man Is Vile: The Tragedy of Sri Lanka, 1992.

Obeyesekere, Gananath. Medusa's Hair: An Essay on Personal Symbols and Religious Experience, 1981.

Rahula, Walpola. What the Buddha Taught, 1974.

Roberts, M. "Filial Devotion in Tamil Culture and the Tiger Cult of Martyrdom." Contributions to Indian Sociology, 31 (2): 245–272, 1996.

Ryan, Bryce F. Caste in Modern Ceylon: The Sinhalese System in Transition, 1953.

Schalk, P. "Women Fighters of Liberation Tigers in Tamil Ilam: The Martial Feminism of Atel Palacinkam." South Asia Research, 14 (2): 163–183, 1994.

Silva, Kalinga Tudor. "Caste Ethnicity and the Problem of National Identity in Sri Lanka." Sociological Bulletin 48 (1 and 2):201–215, 1999.

——, and Karunatissa Athukorala. The Watte-dwellers: A Sociological Study of Selected Urban Low-income Communities in Sri Lanka, 1991.

Spencer, Jonathan. A Sinhala Village in a Time of Trouble: Politics and Change in Rural Sri Lanka, 1990.

——, ed. Sri Lanka: History and Roots of the Conflict, 1990.

Tambiah, S. J. Buddhism Betrayed? Religion, Politics, and Violence in Sri Lanka, 1992.

Yalman, Nur. Under the Bo Tree: Studies in Caste, Kinship, and Marriage in the Interior of Ceylon, 1967.

—B AMBI L. C HAPIN AND K ALINGA T UDOR S ILVA

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Sri Lankan Culture

Core concepts.

• Sensitivity

An island located south of the Indian subcontinent, the nation-state of Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) contains diverse landscapes ranging from beaches, rainforests and tea plantations to ancient Buddhist ruins and buzzing metropolitan cities. Sri Lankan society has also been influenced by varying degrees of colonial impact and modernisation. Diversity is further evident in the cultural landscape, with Sri Lanka accommodating several ethnic, linguistic and religious groups. Sri Lankans tend to identify themselves according to their ethnicity , family, religion or birthplace and will often remain loyal to those a part of those groups. While the country has seen ethnic tensions in the past, the two largest ethnic groups – the Sinhalese (74.9%) and the Tamil (15.4%) – often peacefully interact with one another.

Ethnicity and Personal Identity

One distinctive feature of Sri Lankan culture is the way in which ethnicity , language and religious affiliation correlate with one another, each being key determinants of an individual’s identity. Alongside the two largest ethnic groups – Sinhalese (74.9%) and Tamil (15.4%) – the third largest ethnic group is Sri Lankan Moors (9.2%).1 The remaining 0.5% of Sri Lanka’s population is comprised of Burghers (mixed European descent), Parsis (immigrants from west India) and Veddas (who are identified as the indigenous inhabitants of the land). The Tamils separate further into two groups, Sri Lankan Tamils and Indian Tamils.

Ethnicity and religion are often closely linked in Sri Lanka. In fact, one’s religion is often able to be interpreted from their ethnicity . More specifically, 70.2% of the population identify as Buddhist and are typically of Sinhalese ethnicity , while those who identify as Hindu (12.6%) tend to be ethnically Tamil.2 Although those who identify as Muslim (9.7%) come from various backgrounds (most being Sri Lankan Moors), they are commonly recognised as a single populace in Sri Lankan society.

The prevalence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka tends to reinforce the dominance of the Sinhalese majority. The Sinhalese elites and parts of the Buddhist Sangha who support Sinhala Buddhist nationalism argue that Sri Lanka is the ‘ Dhamma Kingdom ’ – the land of Buddhism. However, such an assertion also has the potential to marginalise other religions and ethnicities in the country (see Buddhism  in Religion ).

There are three official languages of Sri Lanka: Sinhala, Tamil and English. This is evident throughout the country, with most signs written in all three languages. The Sinhalese-Buddhist majority mostly speak Sinhala, while Tamil is spoken widely by Sri Lankan Moors/Muslims and ethnic Tamils/Hindus. English was introduced as a result of the British colonial rule and has become the language used in government administration and commercial activities. However, the Sinhala language is still prevalent in these sectors of society. Language is a contentious issue in Sri Lanka, in part due to the ‘Sinhala Only’ initiatives supported by some politicians. This provoked a push for resistance by some Tamils, which (along with other issues) paved the way for civil conflict.

Civil Conflict (1983 - 2009)

Periods of tension among ethnic groups have occurred since the country’s attainment of independence in 1948 from British colonial rule. Sri Lanka’s post-independence era is notably marked by the rise in Sinhala-Buddhist nationalism and the subsequent civil tensions.

Although the civil conflict officially began in 1983, the tensions underpinning the conflict extend much further into Sri Lankan history. The ‘Sinhalese Only’ movement emerged as a way to define the national identity of Sri Lanka. This marginalised non-Sinhala and non-Buddhists and limited their access to state-controlled opportunities and benefits. Resistance against Sinhala nationalism by a small group known as the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) resulted in the civil conflict. The conflict created widespread displacement and resulted in up to 100,000 deaths. Moreover, as many people fear publicly discussing the civil conflict, expressions of concern and mourning have been somewhat limited to the private sphere. This has meant that, for many Sri Lankan families and households, the civil conflict continues to evoke unreconciled grief and sorrow.

The Sri Lankan government declared victory over the 26-year-long civil conflict in 2009, but relations between the Sinhalese and Tamils in the political and social arenas may sometimes be tense. The aftermath of the civil conflict has seen large numbers of Tamils fleeing the country. According to the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Protection (2014), the majority of Sri Lankan migrants between 2012 and 2013 were of Tamil ethnicity , many of whom were seeking asylum. Although tensions between the Sinhalese and Tamils may erupt sporadically, the two ethnicities generally coexist peacefully and cooperatively.

Despite the fractures in society, many Sri Lankans take great pride in their nationality – particularly in its distinction from India, both in terms of nationality and culture. Remnants of Indian culture are evident in Sri Lanka, largely stemming from shared Buddhist and Hindu traditions. Over time, the cultural traits brought from the Indian subcontinent have independently grown and changed in Sri Lanka, contributing to the formation of a distinctive Sri Lankan culture and identity.

Hierarchy and Social Stratification

Despite ethnic tensions in the past, Sri Lankans tend to interact and befriend those of different ethnicities and religious affiliations. Divisions generally occur more in regards to social class. This is largely due to the hierarchies of the caste system that the society previously operated under. In the context of Sri Lanka, the caste system refers to the ‘kula’ structure. This structure determines the social community into which one is born, often referred to in terms of vocation. Ideas about purity provide the rationale for the division of society into various groups, with the hierarchy of caste being determined by each group’s relative level of perceived impurity. This refers to both physical purity, in terms of one’s body and occupation, as well as one’s spiritual purity.

While Sri Lankans tend to be acutely aware of the social status they hold in relation to their peers, this attitude is more common outside of urban areas, particularly in villages. People in each kula are expected to preserve the distinct social classes with one example being endogamy /inter-caste marriages. However, it is worth noting that the caste hierarchy differs among those of Tamil and those of Sinhalese ethnicity . Since Tamils generally correlate to Hinduism, their model of the caste system resembles the model observed in Indian society (see Social Structure and Stratification in the Indian profile ).

Regarding those of Sinhalese ethnicity , attitudes and ideas related to the caste system still prevail to an extent among the older generation, despite being abolished by law. However, the younger generation of Sinhalese Sri Lankans tend not to consider caste as a relevant factor when interacting with others. Indeed, a lot of the Sinhalese youth are unaware of their caste. Moreover, the caste system plays a minor role in terms of one’s spiritual progress or access to opportunities. Outside of the private sphere, most social interactions occur without reference to the caste system . Members of different kulas can work together and interact freely with one another without feeling uncomfortable about the caste inequalities. However, among those of Tamil ethnicity , the caste system continues to be a large factor in determining one’s position and interactions within society.

'Face' and Social Interactions

The concept of face is evident in the way Sri Lankans behave and interact with one another. Face refers to one’s reputation, dignity and honour. Sri Lankans may act in a deliberate and contemplative manner to prevent outbursts or conflict. They will often try their best to remain calm and attempt to solve any problems that arise. Indeed, a common response when being asked to help a lending hand or to address an issue is to say “no problem”. Since Sri Lanka is a collectivistic society, individuals often perceive themselves to be members of their ethnic, religious or linguistic group rather than individual and autonomous actors. In turn, it is thought that a person’s actions can reflect back upon the groups they identify with.

_____________________

1 Central Intelligence Agency, 20172 Central Intelligence Agency, 2017

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• The Culture Of Sri Lanka

The island country of Sri Lanka is famous for its beautiful beaches, lush, green forests, and also its rich culture that is strongly influenced by Theravada Buddhism. South Indian culture and that of European powers who colonized the country in the past also add to the diversity of the Sri Lankan culture.

Ethnicity, Language, And Religion

Sri Lanka hosts a population of 22,576,592 individuals. 74.9% are Sinhalese. Sri Lankan Tamil, Sri Lankan Moors, and Indian Tamil are the biggest ethnic minority groups in the country. Sinhala and Tamil are both regarded as the national and official languages of Sri Lanka. English is spoken by about 23.8% of the population. 70.2% of the population practice Buddhism. Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and other religions represent the rest of the population.

The cuisine of Sri Lanka has been influenced by several factors like contact with foreign traders from different parts of the globe. The Indian, Indonesian, and Dutch cuisines have most strongly influenced the cuisine of Sri Lanka. Rice and coconut are the staples of the diet. A wide variety of spices is also used. The most common meal involves boiled rice served with vegetable, fish, chicken, or mutton curry. Chutneys, sambol (hot sauce), etc., are served with the meals. Other Sri Lankan dishes are kiribath (rice cooked in salted coconut milk), kottu (a spicy stir-fry of vegetables and shredded roti), hoppers, etc. A wide variety of sweets like the aluwa, kokis, seenakku, etc., also characterize Sri Lankan cuisine. Some popular beverages are faluda (a sweet drink made of sugar syrup, ice cream, basil seeds, and jelly pieces), fruit juices, toddy, arrack (a distilled spirit prepared from coconut), etc.

Literature, Art, And Craft

Sri Lankan literature was primarily written in the Sinhala language but literary works have also been produced in some South Indian languages and English. The country’s writers have produced a rich collection of short stories over the years.

Sri Lankan art is greatly inspired by Buddhist traditions and other religious beliefs. It is represented in the form of sculptures, paintings, and architecture. Cave and temple paintings are found throughout the nation. Some of the most notable of these artworks can be seen in the temples in Dambulla and Temple of the Tooth Relic. Clay pottery, batik, lacework, and wooden handicrafts of Sri Lanka are also well appreciated.

Performance Arts In Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is home to a variety of music and dance styles. The music of the country has been greatly influenced by Buddhism and Portuguese colonization. The latter introduced the ukulele, guitars, and cantiga ballads. The African slaves brought by the Portuguese also added to the music of the country. The slaves introduced dance music called baila. The Kandyan drums are an important instrument of traditional Sri Lankan music and have been extensively used in the country’s Buddhist and Hindu temples for centuries. There are three main styles of Sri Lankan classical dance which are the Sabaragamuwa dances, Kandyan dances, and the low country dances. A variety of folk dances associated with folk culture events like the pot dance, stick dance, etc., are also popular. Kolam is a dance drama where performers wear masks depicting various human or animal characters.

Cricket is the most popular sport in Sri Lanka. However, volleyball has been designated as the country’s national sport by the Sports Ministry. Other popular sports played in the country are rugby, football, basketball, tennis, athletics, badminton, and water sports. The national cricket team of the country has been quite successful since the 1990s. It won the 1996 Cricket World Cup. A number of sports stadiums dot the country. Water sports like surfing, swimming, boating, and scuba diving are extremely popular in Sri Lanka.

Life In Sri Lankan Society

The status of women in the Sri Lankan society is relatively high as compared to that of women in other South Asian nations. A significant part of the workforce is formed by women. Teaching, nursing, tea picking, textile manufacturing, etc., are some of the professions with a large number of women employees. Although Sri Lankan women are expected to move in with the groom’s family after marriage, they maintain close ties with their own natal families. Child marriage is nearly non-existent in the country. In the household, however, women are expected to manage the household chores even if they are employed in jobs outside the home. Education is considered important and both girls and boys are given the opportunity to attain education. Although few women are in leadership roles, the number is increasing.

Marriages in Sri Lanka are either arranged by the families of the couple or are based on individual choice. However, marriages between individuals of the same status, ethnicity, and in some cases, the same caste, are encouraged. Cross-cousin marriages are common among the Tamil and Sinhala groups while parallel cousin marriages are preferred among the Muslims. Divorce rates are low but remarriage following the death of a spouse or divorce is possible for both men and women.

Both nuclear and extended households are common in the country. The cooking practices often determine individual households. For example, in an extended household, there may be separate kitchens for each family of husband, wife, and children. Although women have a significant influence on the family affairs, it is the men who have the ultimate authority in a majority of households. Preference for a male child is less visible in the country than in the neighboring nations. Both sons and daughters inherit the property of their parents.

Sri Lankans adore children. Children are taught cultural values since an early age. The different stages of their development are marked by various ceremonies. Education of children is highly valued in the country. Academic competition is high in the country.

Sri Lankan culture pays great emphasis on birds. Often, sparrows are allowed to build their nests in the house as these birds are believed to bring luck when they build their nest in your home. The peacock is regarded as a sacred bird.

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• 11 Things To Know About...

11 Things to Know About Sri Lanka's Local Culture

Sri Lanka Hub Writer

Sri Lanka, the spice island, is situated south east of India on the Indian Ocean. Increasingly popular with travelers, tourists and nomads, the culture here is rich and full of stories. With a mix of cultures and beliefs, the fusion has created an interesting place to visit. Sri Lanka is not just beach resorts and tea plantations, there is so much more to discover.

They were colonized three times.

Sri Lanka was a colony of three different countries. Between 1517 and 1638, the island was under Portuguese rule. Many words in Sinhalese sound like Portuguese words and some food, like short eats are reminiscent of that time. The Portuguese Kandyan King asked the Dutch for help at the beginning of the 1600s. The Dutch-Portuguese war raged for years, ending in a Dutch victory and subsequent take over of part of the island. The Kandyan King kept his place in Kandy. The descendants of the Dutch settlers are called Burghers and are still a considerable group in Sri Lanka. After the disastrous Dutch take over, it was not difficult for the British to take over the island in 1796. There are many reminiscent British customs still in practice, like high tea. Sri Lanka became independent in 1948. Being colonized by three different cultures has influenced the culture of Sri Lanka to the point that all three are still present in the country today.

They have just got out of a civil war

Sri Lanka was victim to a civil war that lasted almost 30 years. A group of Tamils from the north and east wanted to gain independence from the rest of the country. An insurgency in 1983 by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam was the beginning of the war against the government. Many lives were lost and the country was ravaged to the point of despair. Peace started to appear when a ceasefire was declared in 2002, but it wasn’t until 2009 that the Tamil Tigers were finally defeated by the government. During the war, tourism to the island was scarce. Since the end of the war, the country has opened up to visitors and economic growth.

There are four religions

Of all the people in Sri Lanka, most are Buddhist, others are Hinduist, some are Muslim and another group is Christian. They all live quite comfortably with each other and are usually respectful of each other. Older generations don’t believe in intermixing religions with marriage but that is changing with the younger Sri Lankans. Visitors will find Buddhist temples, Hindu kovils, Muslim mosques and Christian churches throughout the island. Some areas are more concentrated with one religion than another.

There are three official languages

The main language of the island is Sinhalese, close behind comes Tamil and the third language is English. Most people, either Sinhalese or Tamil will know a little bit of English, with more of the younger generation learning at a faster rate. All street signs are in the three languages and if its only in one language then it will be English. Locals appreciate visitors learning the local languages but it really isn’t necessary as English will usually be enough to communicate.

There are almost 30 public holidays throughout the year

All four religions in Sri Lanka have religious celebrations and festivities. Most of these are considered public holidays for the entire country. The most unusual, although memorable holiday is Poya , an island-wide celebration of the full moon. Poya is a public holiday every single month. Sri Lanka is one of the countries with the most public holidays a year for good reason!

The first female Prime Minister in the world was Sri Lankan

On July 21 1960, Sirimavo Bandaranaike became the first elected female Prime Minister in the world. She served for three terms, as matriarch of an important political family. Her party, the Freedom Party was founded by her late husband who was murdered by a monk during his ruling as Prime Minister. Bandaranaike took control of the party and became the first female political leader of the modern world.

The 30-something generation is changing the country for the future

During the long civil war, many Sri Lankans who were able, left the country with their children. After the war, some families came back in their entirety and others with now grown up children returned with international educations and worldly ideas. The 30-somethings have started businesses, opened restaurants, created innovative startups and are improving the economy for the future.

Serendib, Ceylon and now Sri Lanka

The name Sri Lanka was adopted in 1972 after the island was called Ceylon during the British rule. The word lanka is an old Tamil word that makes more sense with the island country. In antiquity, the island was called Serendib by the Arabs and Persian merchants, a word that was regenerated into the word “serendipity.” All reference to Ceylon has been slowly eradicated from national institutions and companies. Although it is unlikely that Ceylon Tea will change its name any time soon.

The island is famous for the mining of sapphires and rubies

The Ratnapura area in Sri Lanka is world famous for the amount of corundum gems found in the watery soil. Sapphires and rubies have been mined in the country since ancient times. A famous star sapphire called “The Star of India” was actually found in Sri Lanka. Sapphire and ruby jewelry is easy to find and not too expensive to buy. Buying gems in quantity is not complicated and the mines in Ratnapura can be visited for special finds.

Rice and Curry

The official meal of Sri Lanka is rice and curry. A complete meal of steamed heirloom or basmati rice surrounded by all sorts of curries. The types of curry vary from meats, poultry and fish curry to vegetable and even fruit curries. These are accompanied by sambols, which are fresher concoctions made either with coconut or leaves to freshen up the palette. An unmissable addition is the papadum, also a tool to eat it all with just your right hand.

The Veddah are the original natives

The original peoples of Sri Lanka are the Veddah. Now more mixed with the colonists and later settlers, there are still some Veddah communities around the island. Mostly inside or around national parks, they live among nature and hunt for a living.

To find out more about Sri Lanka’s culture, why not come and spend some time on the island? There is much more to discover .

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An Introduction to History & Culture of Sri Lanka

2011, History Journal

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Tilman Frasch

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Gamini Wijesuriya

The deliberate destruction of the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Sri Lanka (a World Heritage Site) in 1998 is seen as an attempt to destroy the identity of a group, the Singhalese Buddhist community. It is argued that the assault on group identity helped to justify the decision that was taken immediately to proceed to physical restoration of the shrine and its continuity as a place of worship. The author argues that the ‘cultural content’ of heritage lie in a place’s function, its community connection and its continuity; it is these that give a society identity. He describes the significance of the temple, the role of the local monastic community and its expectations regarding restoration, which led to a negotiated solution that reconciled local aspirations with the principles of international conservation practice.

Ancient Lanka

saman eregama

The Kuragala archaeological site is located in the Balangoda division of the Ratnapura district, southwestern Sri Lanka. This paper summarises archaeological investigations carried out in and around Kuragala indicating that human habitation in the region extended beyond 15,000 years into the past. Chronometric dating of the site and archaeological evidence show that Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene modern humans who followed a hunting and gathering subsistence pattern lived in this region. Archaeological finds and data from the Kuragala excavation include microlithic tools, bone tools, processed animal bones and beads, which indicate behavioural modernity among the inhabitants. This paper also discusses aspects of early historic occupation of the site based on the existence of human-modified drip-ledge caves and stone inscriptions. (Sinhala Article)

wasana sampath

Sri Lanka International Journal of Buddhist Studies

iromi ariyaratne

Abstract With reference to Chinese and Sri Lankan historical records, it is said that the first diplomatic mission from Sri Lanka reached China in the governing period of ancient Sinhalese kind Bhātikābhaya (19 BCE-9 CE). Thereafter, the nature of religious, diplomatic and economic relationships between China and Sri Lanka have been continuing in a friendly manner. Observing the history of Sino-Sri Lankan relationships, it can be pointed out that a major cause for the successful and strong relationship between the two countries has been the sharing of Buddhism. Sri Lanka, as a Theravāda Buddhist country is famous not only for preserving the Buddha’s own discourses, but also it is known as the Buddha being alive in the country due to the presence of sacred relics of his physical body. The sacred Tooth Relic is believed to be the most significant relic among all relics. On the other hand, Chinese Buddhists believe that another Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha is present in China. Moreover, it could be seen that there are many special historical evidences to prove that both countries have attempted to maintain a healthy relationship between each other because of the devotion to the Sacred Tooth Relic. Hence, doing an academic analysis on the historical milestones of Sino-Sri Lanka relationships based on the Sacred Tooth Relic is the prime objective of this article. The Sri Lankan Chronicles, records of Chinese travellers and secondary sources directly related to the topic are meant to promote the massage of this research article. Keywords Sacred Tooth Relic, Sri Lanka, China, Relationships

Jeffrey R Sundberg

A Table of Contents listing the headings and subheadings from the rather long Part 2 of my study of the practice of Esoteric Buddhism in the late-seventh century court of the Lambakannas and the late seventh century Abhayagirivihara, and the playing out of its fortunes on the island. The essay itself may be found in the Indian International Journal of Buddhist Studies 19 (2018), pp. 181-458.

daya dissanayake

Melanie Dean

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Sri Lanka - Culture, Etiquette and Business Practices

What will you learn.

You will gain an understanding of a number of key areas including:

• Religion and beliefs
• Culture and society
• Social etiquette and customs
• Business culture and etiquette

Facts and Statistics

Location: Southern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean, south of India

Capital: Colombo

Climate: tropical monsoon; northeast monsoon (December to March); southwest monsoon (June to October)

Population: 21 million (2019 est.)

Ethnic Make-up: Sinhalese 73.8%, Sri Lankan Moors 7.2%, Indian Tamil 4.6%, Sri Lankan Tamil 3.9%, 10.5%

Religion(s): Buddhist 69.1%, Muslim 7.6%, Hindu 7.1%, Christian 6.2%, other 10%

Government:  Republic

You can't understand Sri Lanka without understanding Buddhism. Photo taken in Kandy by Yves Alarie on Unsplash

Language in Sri Lanka

Sinhala (also called Sinhalese or Singhalese) is the mother tongue of the Sinhalese ethnic group which is the largest in Sri Lanka. It belongs to the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European languages.

• Sinhala is spoken by about 16 million people in Sri Lanka, about 13 million of whom are native speakers.
• It is one of the constitutionally-recognised official languages of Sri Lanka, along with Tamil.
• Tamil is a classical language and the oldest of the Dravidian language family and spoken by the Tamil population of Sri Lanka.
• It is also spoken by Tamils in India, Malaysia and Singapore. As of 1996, it was the eighteenth most spoken language, with over 74 million speakers worldwide.

Sri Lankan Culture and Society

• The main religions of Sri Lanka are Buddhism and Hinduism which both have large influences on political, cultural, and social life.
• Generally speaking Buddhists believe people are reincarnated and have several lives.
• In each they learn lessons and should try to better their conduct in each life until they reach
• what is known as "Nirvana".
• Buddhists make five promises: 1. Not to harm or kill any living things. 2. Not to steal or take anything that is not freely given. 3. To control sexual desire. 4. Not to tell lies. 5. Not to drink alcoholic beverages or take drugs.
• Hinduism has two important beliefs, "samsara" (reincarnation and that actions in this life determine the status of the soul in the next incarnation) and "dharma" (caste or social class).
• Hinduism has many deities including Ganesh, Shiva, Vishnu, and Parvatand Kali all of which are aspects of Brahman (the eternal source of everything).
• Religion has both a direct and indirect impact on business. Most predominant is the shared acceptance of fatalism, i.e. that a higher force is in control.
• As a result people will turn to religion when making decisions, etc.

Tea was and still is of major importance to the Sri Lankan economy. Photo taken in Talawakelle by Asantha Abeysooriya on Unsplash

• The influences of Buddhism and Hinduism as well as the caste system have created a culture that operated within a hierarchical system.
• Sri Lankans are conscious of social order and status.
• All relationships, whether in family life or at the office, to some extent involve hierarchies.
• At home the patriarch (the father or oldest male in the household) is considered the leader of the family. In the office, the boss/owner is seen as the source of ultimate responsibility in business. All relationships within these circles are then based on upon people's positions within the hierarchy.
• Face, which can be described as honour or personal dignity, is extremely important to Sri Lankans.
• Face can be given or lost in social situations and it is important to avoid the latter.
• In business, for example, publicly reprimanding or criticising someone would lead to a loss of face for both parties. As a result Sri Lankans are very conscious of protecting their and others' face at all times.
• This manifests in many ways. For example, many Sri Lankans will not feel comfortable making decisions since this may lead to failure which then leads to loss of face. Similarly, if asked a question to which the answer is "no" many Sri Lankans would prefer not to be so blunt and may give rather vague or uncommitted answers in order to avoid losing face.

Etiquette and Manners in Sri Lanka

Meeting and greeting.

• Typical greetings depend on the ethnic group people belong to but as a foreigner you will not be expected to be aware of such differences.
• However one can sum up the main styles of greeting in Sri Lanka:
• The older generation of Sri Lankans will use the "namaste" (palms clasped together as if in prayer at 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)
• In informal settings you may also hear "kuhomadu" (How do you do?).
• The younger people generally shake hands.
• 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.
• When addressing people you should always use the appropriate title followed by the surname. Always wait for the other party to move to a first name basis.

Gift Giving Etiquette

• In Sri Lanka gifts are usually given at birthdays and religions holidays. As a rule gifts are not usually lavish or expensive but symbolic.
• As with other etiquette pointers about Sri Lanka there will be differences due to the ethnic/religious diversity of the country but here are some general gift giving etiquette rules:
• Avoid flowers - they are used in mourning.
• Only give alcohol if you are sure the recipient drinks.
• White or black are the colours of funerals and mourning.
• If the recipient is Muslim avoid pig products, alcohol or any foodstuffs that contain meat (unless "halal")
• Hindus should not be given gifts made of leather. .
• Give and receive gifts with two hands. To demonstrate graciousness, some Sri Lankans will touch their right forearm with their left hand while offering the gift with their right hand.
• Gifts are generally not opened when received.
• Any gift received should be reciprocated.

A fresh Sri Lankan breakfast. Photo taken in Kabalana (Ahangama) by Dinuka Lankaloka on Unsplash

Dining Etiquette

• Sri Lankans enjoy coming together at meal time as a family or with friends.
• If you are invited somewhere at 7pm to eat it is likely you may wait a few hours before the food arrives, so don't go with an empty belly.
• Wait to be shown your seat. There is often a protocol to be followed.
• You may be asked if you would like to wash your hands before and after sitting down to a meal. You should take up the offer.
• Depending on the situation you may be served food on to your plate or be expected to serve yourself.
• Keep elbows off the table.
• Use your right hands to eat.
• Use bread or small balls of rice to scoop food off your plate.
• You may be offered or served second helpings. If you do not want more and it has already been put on your plate, there is no need to eat it.
• Leaving a small amount of food on your plate indicates that you have eaten you full. Finishing all your food means that you are still hungry.
• Expect to leave within half an hour after the meal ends. Most socializing occurs before the meal.

Business Culture and Etiquette in Sri Lanka

If you're looking for expert help and advice on doing business in Sri Lanka, then this is what we do!

Click here to learn more about our customized cultural training .

Sri Lankan business etiquette can be rather formal. Always remember that as a guest you will be given some leeway in terms of appreciating all the cultural nuances, but it is still best to try and adhere to some of the local customs.

• Shaking hands is the most common form of greeting.
• Handshakes are firm.
• Greetings are given upon meeting and leaving.
• Men may shake hands with other men and women may shake hands with other women.
• Many Sri Lankan women may not want to shake hands with men. Wait for a woman to extend her hand.
• As with most hierarchical cultures, Sri Lankans use titles.
• If someone does not have a professional title, use the honorific title "Sir" or "Madam".
• Titles are used with the person's name or the surname. 
• Wait to be invited before using someone's first name.

Business Card Etiquette

• Business cards are usually exchanged after an initial handshake and greeting.
• Titles and qualifications are important so be sure to add them to your card.
• Having one side of your business card translated into Sinhala or Tamil is a nice touch but not crucial.
• Always present your business card with two hands.
• Treat people's business cards with respect - so keep don't put them into pockets, draw on them or use them in any manner that may be disrespectful.

A shop in the water - a nice insight into the adaptability of Sri Lankan business culture. Photo taken in Colombo by Kon Karampelas on Unsplash

Communication

• Maintaining face is important for all communication.
• Do not put people in awkward positions or under pressure. Never openly criticise people.
• Sri Lankans are very non-confrontational in their communication style and it is important to try and read between the lines. They may say one thing but mean another and it is up to the listener to work out the message.
• Watch for long pauses, avoidance of eye contact or blatant tactics of evasion.

Business Meetings

• As relationships are so important for business it is always wise to invest time in relationship-building conversations at the start of any meetings.
• The Sri Lankans will want to feel at ease with you and at least have a small bit of background about you before they will feel comfortable doing business or discussing business with you.
• In fact a first meeting with a company should be approached as purely a relationship building exercise.
• Prior to a meeting it may be worth while sending some background information on your company, the attendees and an agenda for the meeting.
• Meetings may be interrupted by other business but this should not be interpreted as rude in any way.
• Initial meetings will usually take place with middle ranking personnel who gather information to present to the decision maker. Getting to the decision maker through them is based on establishing good rapport and having a solid proposal.
• Remember only the top level person at a company will usually make decisions so be patient and do your best to meet the person face-to-face.
• Read our guide to Sri Lankan Management Culture for more detailed information on this topic.

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Your Guide to Sri Lankan Culture, Customs, and Traditions

• March 18, 2024

Did you know that in  Sri Lanka , folks consider a smile as something way more meaningful than just being polite? It’s pretty much their way of showing you’re welcome here, anytime. 

Imagine stepping into a place where every smile you get is like a warm hug from an old friend. That’s Sri Lanka for you!

Ancient drums setting the rhythm of the land, quiet moments in front of a giant Buddha statue, and the air filled with the scent of spices that’ll make you hungry in seconds. Sri Lanka isn’t just about the pretty postcard views (though, trust me, it’s got plenty of those). It’s about the stories, the people, and, of course, the food!

So, let’s dive into what makes Sri Lanka tick. From its ancient heart in  Polonnaruwa  to the bustling streets of  Colombo , we’re about to peel back the layers of this incredibly welcoming and utterly fascinating  culture . Let’s get going!

Table of Contents

Cultural Concepts in Sri Lanka

Atithi Devo Bhava

“ Atithi Devo Bhava ” is a  Sanskrit  phrase that translates to “ The guest is god ,” a concept deeply rooted in South Asian hospitality, including in Sri Lanka. While the phrase originates from ancient   Hindu  scriptures, its essence permeates Sri Lankan culture. 

In practice, “Atithi Devo Bhava” influences daily interactions and social customs in Sri Lanka. Visitors, whether from another part of the island or abroad, are often greeted with open arms, a warm smile, and sometimes, a traditional offering like a small token or a meal. It’s not uncommon for Sri Lankans to go out of their way to ensure a guest’s comfort, showcasing their genuine hospitality and the cultural importance of treating visitors with honor and care.

The concept also underlines many traditional hospitality practices in Sri Lanka. For example, it’s customary for hosts to offer the best of what they have to their guests, be it food, accommodations, or care. This can be seen in the elaborate meals prepared for visitors, the insistence on guests eating first, and the reluctance to let guests help with clearing up afterwards. It’s all part of making the guest feel cherished.

The cultural concept of Parapura centers around the deep respect for one’s lineage and the importance of preserving family heritage, traditions, and values over generations. It’s about understanding and honoring where one comes from, recognizing the sacrifices and achievements of ancestors, and carrying forward their legacy into the future.

Parapura is not just about knowing your family tree; it’s about the active transmission of knowledge, skills, and cultural practices from elders to the younger generation. It encompasses the stories told by grandparents, the traditional crafts taught by parents, and the collective memory of a family’s journey through history.

Sanhinda translates to a sense of community among people, where neighbors, friends, and family come together to help each other in times of need. This could be during celebrations, such as weddings and religious festivals, or in facing life’s challenges, such as illness or loss.

Sanhinda is manifested in various ways, from the “ Goviya ” (farming community) working together during planting and harvesting seasons, to “ Atithi Devo Bhava ” hospitality shown to visitors, and in the “ Dana ” (act of giving), where people share what they have with monks and the less fortunate.

In a way, Sanhinda encourages people to contribute their time, resources, and skills to support communal activities, strengthening social ties and ensuring that no one is left to face life’s challenges alone.

What is the Religion in Sri Lanka?

The predominant religion in Sri Lanka is  Buddhism , specifically Theravada Buddhism , which is followed by about 70.2% of the population.

Hinduism is the second most practiced religion, accounting for around 12.6% of the population. It is primarily followed by the Tamil ethnic minority and has a significant presence in the Northern and Eastern provinces of the island.

Islam is practiced by about 9.7% of the population, with Muslims constituting a significant minority group. The Muslim community in Sri Lanka is diverse, including Moors, Malays, and smaller groups of Indian Muslims, and is mainly concentrated in the Eastern Province, along the coastal areas, and in urban centers.

Christianity accounts for approximately 7.4% of the population. The Christian community is divided between  Roman Catholics  and various  Protestant denominations . The presence of Christianity dates back to the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century, followed by the Dutch and the British, each leaving their mark on the religious landscape of the island.

What are the Traditions in Sri Lanka?

In Sri Lanka, tea is more than a drink; it’s a gesture of welcome, a pause in the day to gather, converse, and share moments. The day begins with tea, often a strong brew served with milk and sugar, accompanying the morning’s first light and quiet contemplation.

The act of preparing tea is considered an art form, from selecting the right blend to brewing it to perfection. Each region boasts its unique variations, from the robust flavors of high-grown teas to the milder tones of the low country.

The tea break, typically in the mid-morning and late afternoon, is a cherished pause in the workday or at home, a communal moment shared among friends, family, or colleagues. It’s accompanied by light snacks, sweet or savory, but the focus remains on the tea and the company. 

Ayurveda in Sri Lanka isn’t just a medicinal practice; it’s woven into the very fabric of daily life, offering a path to wellness that has been trodden for thousands of years. 

This ancient system, rooted in the balance of body, mind, and spirit, sees health as a harmonious interplay of individual energies known as Doshas : Vata , Pitta , and Kapha . Understanding one’s unique dosha composition is key to maintaining equilibrium, guiding everything from dietary choices to daily routines.

One of the most cherished practices is the Ayurvedic massage, a ritual that rejuvenates the body and soothes the mind, often using oils infused with local herbs. The  experience  I had in  Habarana  until now remains unbeaten! Alongside, the Panchakarma detoxification, a profound cleansing process, resets the body, purging toxins and restoring vitality.

Moreover, the integration of  yoga  and  meditation  into the Ayurvedic lifestyle enhances physical strength and inner peace.

Grama Sabha

The Grama Sabha is a community assembly that harks back to ancient times when villagers would gather under the shade of a large tree to discuss matters of local importance.

The Grama Sabha meetings are typically held under a  Banyan tree , known locally as the “ Nuga ” tree, which serves not just as a natural shelter but also as a symbol of life and sustainability. The choice of a tree as the meeting point is significant, embodying the community’s connection to nature and the environment. The Nuga tree, with its vast canopy and extensive root system, provides a cool, shaded area for people to come together, reflecting the  interconnectedness   of the community it hosts.

These assemblies are an integral part of rural life in Sri Lanka, serving as a platform for villagers to voice their opinions, share information, resolve disputes, and make decisions on matters affecting their community. From discussions on water management and agricultural practices to initiatives for local development and social welfare, the Grama Sabha encapsulates the democratic ethos of collective decision-making and mutual support.

Angampora , Sri Lanka’s traditional martial art, is an ancient practice, which dates back over thousands of years; it’s a deeply spiritual discipline that combines physical prowess with mental strength and ethical mindfulness. Angampora’s roots are intertwined with Sri Lanka’s history, often associated with the stories of kings and warriors who protected the land from invaders.

At the heart of Angampora are three main components: combat techniques, self-defense, and the cultivation of inner energy. The martial art is known for its distinctive use of strikes, locks, and grips, aimed at neutralizing opponents efficiently. But Angampora is also about discipline, with a strong emphasis on developing spiritual power and healing. Practitioners are taught not only how to inflict damage but also how to heal, using traditional Sri Lankan Ayurvedic practices.

Despite facing suppression during colonial rule, when the practice was banned, Angampora has seen a revival in recent decades. 

Sri Lankan Traditional Dance

Among the various Sri Lankan styles, three main forms stand out: Kandyan, Low Country, and Sabaragamuwa:

• Kandyan Dance , also known as Uda Rata Natum, hails from the central hills around Kandy, the last stronghold of Sri Lankan kings. It’s perhaps the most iconic of Sri Lankan dances, recognized by its dynamic movements, high jumps, and pirouettes. The dancers, adorned in elaborate costumes including headdresses, silver regalia, and vibrant cloths, perform to the rhythm of traditional drums.
• Low Country Dance or Pahatha Rata Natum originates from the southern coastal areas of Sri Lanka. It is closely tied to rituals and exorcism ceremonies, known as “tovil,” aimed at healing illnesses and warding off evil spirits. The dance is characterized by masks, each depicting different characters from Sri Lankan folklore, and by its more subdued and controlled movements compared to Kandyan dance.
• Sabaragamuwa Dance is named after the Sabaragamuwa region and is often performed in devotion to the deity Saman, considered the guardian of the Sri Pada mountain, a sacred pilgrimage site. The dance incorporates slower, graceful movements and is known for its use of vibrant costumes and jewelry.

Sri Lankan Traditional Music

One of the most iconic Sri Lankan instruments is the “Geta Beraya” , a drum that is essential to the Kandyan dance. It’s recognized by its cylindrical shape and is played with the hands. The Geta Beraya is traditionally used to keep the rhythm during dance performances and is considered sacred.

The “Davula” is another significant drum, larger than the Geta Beraya and played with sticks. It has a distinctive sound that commands attention and is often used in combination with the Geta Beraya in traditional performances. The Davula’s sound is believed to evoke the spirit of the island’s ancient kings and warriors.

Aside from drums, the “Horanewa” , a traditional oboe-like instrument, adds melody to the rhythmic foundation laid by the drums. Its piercing, vibrant tone is unmistakable and often leads the musical ensemble.

What to Eat in Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan food is a feast of colors, tastes, and textures, drawing influence from its history, geography, and the various communities that make up the fabric of the nation. Here’s a taste of what to savor in Sri Lanka:

• Appa : These bowl-shaped pancakes are made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often with an egg cooked in the center. Crispy on the edges and soft in the middle, appa (hoppers) are a beloved breakfast dish and street food snack, usually served with spicy sambols or curry.
• Idiyappam : Made from pressed rice flour dough and then steamed, these delicate noodle-like creations are a favorite for breakfast or dinner, often paired with curry and coconut sambol.

• Kottu Roti : A hearty and delicious street food favorite, Kottu Roti is made by stir-frying chopped roti (flatbread) with vegetables, egg, meat, and spices. It’s known for its distinct clanking sound during preparation, as the chefs chop and mix the ingredients on a flat griddle.
• Pol Sambol : This coconut relish is a staple in Sri Lankan cuisine, made from grated coconut, red onions, dried chili flakes, lime juice, and Maldive fish. It adds a burst of flavor to any meal, commonly accompanying rice, hoppers, and bread.
• Fish Ambul Thiyal : A southern Sri Lankan specialty, this dish features fish cut into cubes, then sauteed in a blend of spices and dried goraka, giving it a tangy, sour flavor. The curry is slow-cooked, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Watalappan : A rich dessert of Malay origin, Watalappan is a steamed custard made from coconut milk, jaggery (palm sugar), eggs, and spices like cardamom and nutmeg. It’s a sweet end to a Sri Lankan meal.
• Polos : Young, green jackfruit is cooked with spices and coconut milk to create a curry that’s so meaty, it’s often mistaken for chicken or beef.

What is Sri Lankan Language like?

The main languages spoken in Sri Lanka are Sinhala and Tamil, each with its own distinct script, history, and cultural significance.

Sinhala , an Indo-Aryan language, is spoken by the Sinhalese, who constitute the majority of the population. It’s the language of government and public life in most parts of the island. Sinhala has its own script, derived from the ancient Brahmi script, and boasts a vast literature that ranges from highly ornate classical poetry to modern prose and poetry. The language is rich in  Pali   and  Sanskrit  loanwords, reflecting the influence of  Buddhism  in the region.

Tamil , a Dravidian language, is spoken by the Tamil minority, particularly in the Northern and Eastern provinces, and has equal status with Sinhala in the constitution. Tamil in Sri Lanka has developed its own regional characteristics, differing slightly from the Tamil spoken in Tamil Nadu, India. It’s a language with a rich literary tradition, contributing significantly to the shared cultural heritage of the Tamil-speaking world.

Useful Sinhalese Phrases for Travel

Traditional festivals in sri lanka.

Kandy Esala Perahera

The Kandy Esala Perahera is a spellbinding festival that lights up the historic city of Kandy with its grandeur, devotion, and cultural spectacle. Taking place annually during the Esala full moon Poya day, typically in July or August , this event is a dynamic celebration rooted in the lunar calendar. It honors the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, housed in the Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Tooth.

Originating from rituals dating back to the 3rd century BC, the modern form of the Perahera owes much to the traditions shaped by the Kandyan kings. Over ten nights, the festival escalates from the Kumbal Perahera to the Randoli Perahera, culminating in a magnificent procession on the final night that showcases the pinnacle of Sri Lankan heritage.

Central to the Perahera is the representation of the Sacred Tooth Relic, carried on the back of a richly adorned elephant, known as the Maligawa Tusker, through the streets of Kandy. Accompanying this sacred symbol are dozens of elephants, their vibrant costumes reflecting the flickering lights of traditional torches.

Vesak Poya is one of the most revered and widely celebrated festivals in Sri Lanka, marking the most significant events in the life of Gautama Buddha: his birth,  enlightenment , and Parinirvana (passing away). It falls on the full moon day of the month of Vesak, usually in May , according to the Buddhist lunar calendar. The exact date varies each year but typically falls in late April or early May.

Homes, streets, and public spaces are adorned with lanterns and handcrafted pandals (thoranas) that depict various events from the Buddha’s life through intricate artworks and electric lights. These pandals are often accompanied by recorded narrations of the stories they represent, allowing onlookers to reflect on the teachings of the Buddha.

Vesak is also characterized by the practice of “Dansal,” where people set up stalls on the roadside to give away free food and drinks to anyone passing by, embodying the spirit of generosity and sharing that is central to Buddhism.

Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is celebrated with much fervor and joy across Sri Lanka by the Hindu Tamil community. Known as the Festival of Lights, Deepavali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. This festival usually falls in October or November.

Windows and doors are opened to welcome the goddess of wealth,  Lakshmi , into homes. One of the most iconic sights of Deepavali is the illumination of homes and public spaces with oil lamps and candles. These lights are imbued with deep  spiritual  significance, representing the light of knowledge dispelling the darkness of ignorance.

On the day of Deepavali, rituals commence with an early morning oil bath, signifying purification and renewal. Wearing new clothes symbolizes a fresh start and the shedding of the old. Families gather to perform puja (worship) in their homes, offering prayers to deities such as Lakshmi for prosperity and well-being in the year ahead.

Aluth Avurudda

Aluth Avurudda marks one of the most important and joyous occasions in Sri Lanka, symbolizing the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the new year. Celebrated in April , this festival transcends ethnic boundaries, bringing together the Sinhalese and Tamil communities in a shared celebration.

The New Year is closely tied to astronomical calculations, marking the sun’s movement from the  Pisces  to the  Aries  constellation. The transition, known as the “ Sankranthi ” moment, determines the auspicious times for various New Year rituals. 

One of the most significant moments is the first transaction of the year, or the “ ganu denu .” This ritual involves giving and receiving money within the family, symbolizing prosperity and the continuation of transactions throughout the year.

Customs in Sri Lanka

• The tradition of offering betel leaves, known as “ Bulath Vita ,” is a sign of respect and hospitality. Presenting a sheaf of betel leaves to elders or guests is a ceremonial gesture used in traditional welcome ceremonies, weddings, and when seeking forgiveness. The betel leaf is symbolic of prosperity, health, and longevity.
• A unique custom following a wedding is the “ Gam Maduwa ,” which translates to “village gathering.” It’s essentially a homecoming ceremony conducted when the newlyweds visit the bride’s parental home for the first time after the wedding. 
• While almsgiving is common in many Buddhist cultures, in Sri Lanka, it’s a highly elaborate and frequent practice, especially on significant life milestones like birthdays and death anniversaries. “ Dana ” involves preparing food and offering it to Buddhist monks in a ritual that reaffirms one’s commitment to Buddhist precepts and spreads merit to loved ones and the community.
• The practice of tying a white or saffron-colored thread around one’s wrist, blessed by monks during a “ Pirith ” chanting ceremony, is common in Sri Lanka. This thread, believed to offer protection and blessings, is worn until it naturally falls off.
• A custom observed during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, and also when moving into a new home or starting a new venture, involves boiling milk in a new pot until it overflows. This act is symbolic of prosperity, abundance, and the hope that the home or endeavor will flourish.
• During the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations, there’s a specific auspicious time for anointing oil, a ritual performed for health and longevity. A respected elder or family member will anoint the heads of family members with herbal oil while chanting blessings, followed by a bath using herbal leaves.

Plan Your Trip to Sri Lanka | Best Travel Resources

Book Your Accommodations

• Booking.com  – the world’s leading online booking platform for accomodations around the world, they have an extensive amount of available listings with zero booking fees and best price guarantees.
• Hostelworld  – a backpacker’s best friend, Hostelworld has the largest collection of hostels and guesthouses for affordable prices.

Don’t Forget Insurance

• SafetyWing  – from Nomad Insurance, an insurance by nomads for nomads. They understand our lifestyle well and have really comprehensive and flexible plans that cater to any traveler.

Find Cheap Flights

• Kiwi.com  – my go-to for booking and finding the cheapest flights and it’s helped me save tons of money. They do virtual interlining which is connecting flights from airlines that do not codeshare, so you can find routes that you wouldn’t be able to find normally. 

Join Tours & Activities

• GetYourGuide  – is one of the best places to find unique tours and activities. I found that it’s an excellent way to meet fellow travelers and create fond memories. They are not only limited to tours as they also offer niche services such as skip-the-line tickets or private transfers.

Catch a Ride

• Rentalcars.com  – nothing beats the freedom of the road, Rentalcars.com is the world’s largest online car rental service. They operate across 160 countries so they’re the perfect partner to work with if you find yourself wanting a ride.

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Essay on Sri Lanka

Students are often asked to write an essay on Sri Lanka in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Sri Lanka

Sri lanka: the pearl of the indian ocean.

Sri Lanka, also known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, is a beautiful island nation located south of India. It is a land of rich culture, history, and natural beauty.

Natural Beauty

Sri Lanka is blessed with stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and majestic mountains. The island is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and blue whales.

Culture and History

Sri Lanka has a long and complex history, dating back to the arrival of the first settlers thousands of years ago. The island has been influenced by many different cultures over the centuries, including Indian, Chinese, and European. This diversity is reflected in Sri Lankan art, music, and dance.

People and Economy

Sri Lanka is home to a friendly and welcoming people. The island’s economy is based on tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing. Sri Lanka is a major producer of tea, rubber, and cinnamon.

Sri Lanka is a truly special place. Its natural beauty, rich culture, and friendly people make it a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.

250 Words Essay on Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, a beautiful island nation located in the Indian Ocean, is often referred to as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean”. It is a land of rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty.

History and Culture

Sri Lanka has a long and fascinating history, dating back to ancient times. It was once ruled by powerful kingdoms, and its culture is a blend of various influences, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity.

Sri Lanka is blessed with stunning natural beauty, including lush green hills, cascading waterfalls, golden beaches, and diverse wildlife. The country is home to several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, where visitors can see elephants, leopards, and other exotic animals.

Beaches and Water Sports

Sri Lanka’s coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches, making it a popular destination for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and diving in the crystal-clear waters.

Tea and Spices

Sri Lanka is famous for its tea and spices. The country produces some of the finest teas in the world, and visitors can visit tea plantations and learn about the tea-making process. Sri Lanka is also known for its aromatic spices, such as cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.

Sri Lanka is a truly special place, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a relaxing beach vacation, Sri Lanka has something for everyone.

500 Words Essay on Sri Lanka

Sri lanka: an enchanting island.

Sri Lanka, also known as Ceylon, is a beautiful island country located in the Indian Ocean, south of India. It is known for its diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. The country boasts stunning beaches, lush rainforests, ancient ruins, and a fascinating blend of ethnicities and religions.

A Glimpse into Sri Lanka’s History

Sri Lanka has a long and storied history, dating back to over 2,500 years. The country has been influenced by various cultures, including the Sinhalese, Tamil, Portuguese, Dutch, and British. The ruins of ancient kingdoms and temples, such as Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa, offer a glimpse into the country’s rich past.

Mesmerizing Landscapes and Pristine Beaches

Sri Lanka is blessed with stunning natural beauty. The island is known for its pristine beaches, which are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The southern and eastern coasts are particularly popular among tourists, with towns like Galle and Arugam Bay attracting surfers and beachgoers. The country’s central highlands, known as the Hill Country, offer breathtaking views of lush tea plantations, waterfalls, and misty mountains.

Cultural Tapestry and Vibrant Festivals

Sri Lanka is known for its diverse culture, which is a blend of Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim, and Burgher influences. The country is home to many festivals and celebrations, including the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, Vesak Poya, and Deepavali. Traditional dances, music, and art forms reflect the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka.

Exploring Sri Lanka’s Natural Wonders

Sri Lanka is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The country’s national parks, such as Yala National Park and Udawalawe National Park, offer opportunities to spot elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and a variety of bird species. The island is also famous for its tea plantations, which produce some of the finest tea in the world.

A Culinary Journey

Sri Lankan cuisine is a blend of local and foreign influences, resulting in a unique and flavorful culinary experience. Rice and curry is a staple dish, accompanied by an array of flavorful curries, sambals, and condiments. The country is also known for its delicious street food, such as kotthu rotti and hoppers.

In conclusion, Sri Lanka is a captivating island nation that offers a wealth of experiences to visitors. From its ancient ruins and diverse landscapes to its vibrant culture and delicious cuisine, Sri Lanka is a perfect destination for those seeking a rich and memorable travel experience.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

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Sun & Beach

This entire island gifted by shining blue water. Therefore, Sri Lanka is most popular for beaches among tourists.   Read More

In Sri Lanka, you can discover rich and enormous cultural heritage.  Read More

Adventure & Sports

In Sri Lanka, you can get experience in water base, air base, earth base and many kinds of activities.  Read More

•  Pilgrimage
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Events & Festivals

You can participate to Sri Lanka's cultural festivals and events, and it gives you to chance experience in unique cultural rituals. Read More

within this you can easily find out proper tour itineraries to explore the Sri Lanka. Read More

Mirissa Whale Watching

Blue whales are the biggest animal live on the earth and Mirissa is the one of most suitable spot to watch blue whales and other whales too.  Read More

Yala National Park

This is the second largest national park in Sri Lanka.Yala is home to Asian elephants, leopards and variety of beautiful endemic birds.  Read More

sigiriya popular as eighth wonder of the world among the tourists and it was the one of Asia's oldest landscaped garden.  Read More

•  Gall Fort
•  Hikkaduwa Beach
•  Dambulla Cave Temple
•  Wild Safaris
•  Colombo City Tour
•  See All Attractions

Colombo is the commercial and financial capital of the Sri Lanka. This city filled with luxurious hotels,restaurants and many variety of attractions.   Read More

Sri Lanka have divergent nine provincials.Select what you most prefer provincial in here and travel like your own way.   Read More

Southern Corridor

Many of gorgeous beaches are located in southern province of Sri Lanka and not at all, this city is home to ancient British and Dutch architectural buildings and many of ancient religious sites.  Read More

•  Northwest Province
•  Sabaragamuwa Province

Explore Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is the treasure of island for all tourists. You can discover variety of natural, cultural and historical heritages within few hours.  Read More

Sri Lanka at a Glance

As a pearl of the Indian ocean Sri Lanka have unique cultural, geological features. Those things will help you to find out new experience to your life.  Read More

Weather in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has different weather conditions. Center of the country weather are balmy and other sides being hot. You can feel this different in a one day.  Read More

Public Holidays in Sri Lanka

Full moon Poya days and other religious festivals make the majority of the holidays in Sri Lanka. This will help you to plan a wonderful journey.  Read More

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Hello Again Sri Lanka

Heritage Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka with its nearly 3000 years of history holds some of world’s ancient cities including Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Digamadulla. Remnants of these once glorious cities, their palaces, temples, monasteries, hospitals and theaters intricately carved and modeled out of stone lay abandoned amidst the soaring mountains.

Of all the ancient sites the most famed and most exquisite is the Kingdom of Anuradhapura. Sri Lanka’s third and the longest serving capital and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world is also one of the most sacred cities of World Buddhists. It was the capital of Sri Lanka from the Fourth Century BC up to the turn of the eleventh Century and was one of the most stable and durable centers of political power and urban life in South Asia. However the city itself is much older than the Kingdom of Anuradhapura and according to archeological evidence could have originated as far as tenth century BC. Anuradhapura was abandoned due to the due to repeated South Indian Invasions and was eventually forgotten with time until it was rediscovered in the early 19 th century.

Polonnaruwa, the second most ancient kingdom of the country was first made the political center of the country in the ninth century BC. Irrigation systems that are far superior to those of the Anuradhapura Age were constructed in Polonnaruwa kingdom, and still provide irrigation water to the farmers in and around Polonnaruwa. Yet the kingdom’s glory was short-lived and a South Indian invasion pushed the political centre towards the centre of the country by the eleventh century. Today the ancient city of Polonnaruwa remains one of the best planned archaeological relic sites in the country, a testimony to the discipline and greatness of the Kingdom's first rulers.

Digamadulla, the Eastern kingdom of Sri Lanka was the agricultural and spiritual capital of the country during the Anuradhapura kingdom. Ruled by a viceroy of the Anuradhapura king Digamadulla was a prosperous province with grand palace, monasteries and temples at every juncture. Having received lesser attention of archaeologists compared to Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa many a great creations of ancient Digamadulla had been lost to time, war and plunder while many more silently awaits in the midst of the forests covering the lands of Eastern Sri Lanka.

Some of the Sri Lankan Heritage Sites

On the Path of the Kings

Route: BIA/ Kandy/ Kandalama/ Dambulla/ Sigiriya/ Anuradhapura/ Polonnaruwa/ Colombo/ BIA

Highlights: Bird watching, Elephant Safari, Pinnewela Elephant Orphanage, Temple of the Tooth Relic, PeradeniyaBotonical Gardens, cultural show, Dambulla temple, Sigiriya Rock fortress, Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, Ancient City of Anuradhapura, Parakrama Samudraya boat ride.

Route : Bandaranaike International Airport-Kandy

Head to the mountain capital of Sri Lanka visiting the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage on the way. See the elephants frolicking at the nearby river and orphaned baby elephants been bottle fed. Spend the evening within the mesmerizing interiors of Temple of the Tooth Relic followed by a concert showcasing traditional Sri Lankan music and dance.

Route : Kandy/ Peradeniya Botonical Gardens/ Kandy/ Dambulla/ Kandalama

Spend a morning strolling amidst the exotic flora of Peradeniya Botanical Gardens and head to Dambulla temple, an ancient cave temple with intricate frescoes and magnificent Buddha statues. Spend the night in Kandalama on the banks of the Kandalama Reservoir.

Route : Kandalama/ Sigiriya/ Anuradhapura

Spend the early morning on the banks of the KandalamaWewa enjoying the rich bird life through a bird watching trip. Try conquering Sigiriya a rock fortress and a pleasure garden, adorned with murals of beautiful damsels after breakfast and head to Anuradhapura, the greatest city of Lanka after lunch.

Route : Anuradhapura City Tour

Tour the ancient city of Anuradhapura including the visit to the Ruwanwelimaha Seya, the great stupa of Lanka and the Jaya Sri MahaBodhiya, the sacred fig tree, one of the oldest trees in the world. Behold the serene beauty of Samadhi Buddha Statue and spend the evening riding the waters of Kala Wawa.

Route : Anuradhapura/ Polonnaruwa

Commence exploring one of the better kept ruins of ancient Ceylon - the UNESCO World Heritage City of Polonnaruwa and end the day with a boat ride in Parakrama Samudraya.

Continue exploring the city of Polonnaruwa and head to Minneriya Wildlife reserve neighbouring Kavdullah National Park, a vast sanctuary home to about 250 wild elephants, wild buffaloes, spotted deer, sloth bear and more in the afternoon.

Route : Polonnaruwa/ Colombo

Tour the city of Colombo including a visit to the National Museum and to the Antiquities replica sales Centre at Museum premises.

Route : Colombo/ BIA

Land of the Arhants

Route : BIA/ Colombo/ Potuvil/ Ampara/ Kudumbigala/ Okanda/ Kumana/ Yala/ Kataragama/ Galle/ Colombo/ BIA

Highlights: Elephant safari, Lahugala archaeological sites, Ampara Archaeological sites and beach, Buddangala, Kudumbigala, Samangala, Okanda temple and beach, Kumana Bird Sanctuary, Yala Wildlife Sanctuary, KataragamaDevalaya and KiriWehera, Galle fort and city tour, Colombo City tour.

Route : Bandaranaike International Airport/ Colombo

Spend the rest of the day following your arrival in touring the city of Colombo and enjoying the diverse colours and sounds of Sri Lanka’s capital.

Route : Colombo/ Potuvil

Head to the Eastern Sri Lanka, stopping at the Lahugala Elephant Sanctuary and the MagulMahaViharaya in Lahugala, an ancient monastery complex spreading over the jungle. Spend the evening at the beautiful Potuvil beach.

Route : Potuvil/ Deegawapiya/ Potuvil/ Kudumbigala/ Okanda/ Pottuvil.

Spend the morning marvelling Deegawapiya, an ancient monastery complex and head to Kudumbigala, a forest hermitage practicing 2500 year old monastic tradition, situated amidst the Kudumbigala Wildlife Sanctuary.From Kudumbigala proceed to OkandaDevalaya, a Hindhu temple situated closer to the famous Okanda Beach

Route : Pottuvil/ Kumana/ Yala

Visit the Kumana Bird Sanctuary for an exceptional experience in Sri Lanka’s bird life and the archaeological sites scattered over the sanctuary. Proceed to a luxury camping experience at Yala for the night.

Route : Yala/ Kataragama

Spend the day within the Yala Wildlife Reserve in pursuit of Elephants and illusive leopard and head to Kataragama sacred city for the night.

Route : Kataragama/ Galle

Visit the sacred Kataragama temple dedicated to Lord Skanda and join the morning prayers with thousand others devotees. Head to Galle, a per-colonial trading town and a trading and military base of the Dutch and British During their rule over Sri Lanka. Investigating the Dutch Galle fort under the setting sun, a memory to be treasure forever.

Route : Galle/ Colombo

Spend the day visiting the Colombo museum followed by shopping at Colombo town.

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Cultural dynamics and the beauty of multi-ethnic society in Sri Lanka

Tuesday, 21 January 2020 00:00 -     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

 Ethnic divisions continue to be expressed in Sri Lanka. These divisions, as we have said, have been influenced by politics and intellectual elites who often dig into the material of history to draw the poison of hatred – Pic by Chamila Karunarathne 

• “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf” – Jon Kabat-Zinn 

Multiculturalism and Interculturalism

There are many definitions of multiculturalism and interculturalism. Devilish mentalities often misinterpret this multiculturalism and interculturalism in a very negative, harmful and dangerous sense manipulated by politicians with an ethnic agenda.  This is also evidenced by the long-standing practice in Sri Lanka, where whenever political elites fail to meet citizens’ expectations for economic well-being, they create problems of an inter-ethnic nature and thus, distract citizens’ attention from the existential problems. The political authorities, when at times distressed by the various affairs, they play with this dangerous fire and they caused the emergence and role of racial conflict and its stifling impact on national development in Sri Lanka, which represents an extreme case of a society plagued by racial division. They usually, have also been supported by dominant intellectual elites and politically controlled media, in spreading inter-ethnic fear and intolerance. In our beautiful land, there are decades of talk about creating a multi-ethnic society but in practice there are these political elites that have influenced ethnic segregation.  Sri Lanka functions as a kind of multicultural society, but not an intercultural one. Multiculturalism, according to many authors, is the existence of many cultures in a given space, which are not necessarily in contact with each other. It is a kind of passive coexistence of different cultures in a given space that are somewhat accepted and tolerated among themselves. Interculturalism is a situation where different cultures are not only tolerant to each other and are in touch but they interact, creating common cultural values. Interculturalism involves understanding, mutual respect, dialogue, opposing any discrimination and the co-participation of different cultures in the creation of shared cultural values. Ethnic divisions continue to be expressed in Sri Lanka. These divisions, as we have said, have been influenced by politics and intellectual elites who often dig into the material of history to draw the poison of hatred. However, history provides numerous examples of interethnic solidarity. 

Particularly in multicultural societies like ours, which are by definition heterogeneous, dynamic, unstable and costly. When dialogue, communication and democratic relations between different ethnic groups are lacking, society is at risk of conflict. Maintaining internal stability in the ethnic context is conditioned not only by the quality of laws, but also by their implementation in practice. Laws should guarantee the ethnic and cultural rights of all nations living there, without violating the individual rights. In multicultural societies a permanent investment is required in respecting cultural, national or religious differences. Such differences should be recognised as wealth of a nation. Ethnocentric tendencies affect inter-ethnic cohesion and create cracks in the pillars that guard the stability of society. These pillars are strong when individual, cultural and national rights are guaranteed to every citizen; when a free space is created for affirming collective and individual identities; when cultural, national or religious differences are characterised as advantage and not as a risk.

The key to our future

The key to our future is the attainment of political unity, stability, and continuity, despite our ethnic diversity. Success of this awesome task can only be achieved through political integration, mutual trust, and enlightened leadership. Multiculturalism, as a political solution, should aim to avoid conflicts between different cultures. Multiculturalism, as a corpus of political, strategic, practical and moral values, should aim to create the same space for all cultures and where any of the cultures is being discriminated. Economic competition precipitates ethnic tension because state leaders and political parties use and abuse ethnic identity and racial and religious difference as a means to mobilise support. Ethnic conflicts also emerge due to forms of economic development determined mainly by government policies advanced by politicians whose ultimate agenda is not necessarily the promotion of the national interest. This is a brief analysis of comparative politics in multi-ethnic societies. As a consequence of their differences in historical experiences, social cohesion, political, economic, and psychological development, are at different stages in our internal political integration and our domestic level of mutual trust. These differences are the most distinguishing characteristics and should profoundly influence the development of our political integration and the sense of trust among the diverse ethnicities in our populations. Political integration and mutual trust are so intimately interwoven as to constitute the singular, most ambitious goal of any political community. Yet, the most difficult domestic problem that that we have had to face results from our ethnic diversity.  Because trust is the most essential ingredient in human relationships between individuals, religions, communities and the state.  The unspoken question is, “Can I trust you not to betray me?”

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Culture - Sri Lanka

Culture of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is one of the few countries with a very vast and rich cultural diversity. The culture is itself very unique and thereby contributes to the Sri Lankan identity. Sri Lankan culture includes a lot of customs and rituals, whish date to more than 2000 years which were handed down from generation to generation. The most prominent feature of the Sri Lankan is its colourful festivals , which is one of the main tourist attractions. Religion plays an important role in molding the Sri Lankan culture and traditions.

Let us Organize Your Holiday Tour in Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan culture if often reflected by the use of art, architecture, sculptures ,and even food. Some people would say that Sri Lanka has a more conventional culture which is obviously influenced by the prominent religions prevailing the country such as buddhism, hinduism, islam , etc. The Sri Lankan way of life is very simple and filled with humility and happiness , this is one of the reasons why the Sri Lankans have a very great sense in appreciating the simple things in life such as nature.

One of the main features of the culture is its Indian and Europen influence. Since most of the time Sri Lankan kings married Indian princesses they incorporated Indian culture into ours but still preserving the unique Sri Lankan identity. The European influence was a result of invasion from the Dutch and Portugese and finally the British. Hospitality is also one of the prominent characteristics of the culture, making Sri Lankans one of the friendly nations in the world.

Indigenous medicine ( ayuruvedic )

Indigenous medicine is also a huge part of the culture which even has said to be able to cure terminal diseases such as cancer. These days in Sri Lanka a lot of ayuruvedic spas and clinics are open for tourists who visit the country , which is also considered as one of the major tourist ( recreational ) attractions.

Sri Lankan Cuisine

The most vital part ( for all the food –lovers ) that dominates our culture is our mouth-watering , exotic food. The recipes might have abit of Indian influence upon it but still it is very unique in its own way. Most of vegetable and fruits dat are used for cooking are sometimes only found in Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan food culminates a variety of spices which integrates the exotic taste of the food. Besides the fact that the food is delicious it is widely believed that the food is made in such a way that provides for a very heathly life style. The best part of the cuisine is that its very versatile, where there are a lot of ways to cook one particular dish, which is great for avoiding monotony.

Visual and Performance Arts

Art, music, drama and even architectire also is a part of the cultural fusion. Art plays an integral part in the history of Sri Lanka providing a figurative gold mine to archeologists and anthropologists since art speaks a lot about the Sri Lankan way of life. From castles to frescoes art itself chronicles the history and culture leaving people filled with wonder , reverence and respect.

Sri Lanka is one of the biggest and best tea producers of tea. Tea is an integral part of the culture since it goes hand in hand with hospitality, every household offers tea to guests everytime, no exceptions. It has been said thet the British Royal Family drinks Sri Lankan Tea.

Sri Lanka is one of the handful of countries that offers free education to children even upto higher education such as doctorates. Because of this reason Sri Lanka has a boasting literacy rate of 97%, a suprisingly high rate for a South-East Asian Country.

The national sport is volleyball however Sri Lanka has done extremely well in cricket bagging the ICC World Cup in 1996. Rugby , aquatic and motor sports follow next in popularity after the former two sports.

Sri Lankan Martial Arts

There are two styles of martial arts native to Sri Lanka, these are Cheena di and Angampora. Chenna Di is more popular of the two whereas Angampora shows a decline in students each year due to the fact of the length of time to master the art.

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An Introduction to Sri Lankan Literature

Sri Lanka, which boasts a 92% rate of literacy—the highest in South Asia and among the highest in Asia—has a long storytelling tradition. What is perhaps special about literature in this country is the extent to which the oral tradition has complemented a vast body of literature spanning many genres in written form. Given the powerful impetus that Buddhism had and has on scholarship and literature in Sri Lanka, both prose and verse in the country have drawn heavily from Buddhist parables. Even in the oral tradition, complex philosophical concepts and ideas are illustrated using stories from the Buddha’s life as well as the jathaka stories, i.e. narratives of the past lives of Siddhartha Gauthama.

For these reasons, perhaps, Sri Lanka is blessed with a rich repository of narratives and narrative styles in the written and oral traditions as well as a population that is culturally ready to receive such narratives; it was not the preserve of “writers” and “scholars.” There are numerous examples where “literature” (especially in verse form), is depicted as an integral part of communication and debate, embedded in rituals where the focus was on dance or exorcism, with all vocations, particularly agriculture, and even used to comment on social, cultural, religious, ideological, economic, and political issues.

Naturally, earlier works in the Sri Lankan canon have been significantly influenced by the styles prevalent in the rest of the Indian subcontinent, but alongside these there has developed a considerable volume of authentically “local” literary works reflecting on kings and significant historical events as well as the lives of ordinary folk. This archive of work holds innumerable potential for a very personal encounter with Sri Lankan literature.

Tamil literature is similarly inspired by works from centuries past, but has the added advantage of being able to draw from the literary traditions of the South of India where the language is spoken too. The literary history of Tamil writers in Sri Lanka is far less voluminous than that of their Sinhala counterparts, due partly to a fractured historical presence on the island and the absence of an equivalent temple-based system of education, but the oral traditions cannot be said to be any less rich.

In more recent times, events and processes whose human impact has been more immediate, including the three-decade-long armed conflict that rent the island, have found expression in literary works in both languages. The post-Independence period has been marked in literature and civic life by nationalistic despair, euphoria, cataclysmic political and social upheaval, and by resilience. Nonetheless, insurrections, armed conflict, devastation by tsunami, floods and drought, diseases like Dengue that verge on epidemics, the constitutional denial of democracy, and other governance ills have not stopped writing and reading in Sri Lanka. Indeed, both have thrived as a response to these issues. Tens of thousands of book-lovers flock to the annual International Book Fair in Colombo, arriving in the commercial capital from all parts of the country. And, in recent years, there has been a resurgence of small publishing companies.

Consider the fact that a tiny English-speaking population submits over fifty manuscripts every year for the prestigious Gratiaen Award (for English literature) and one can get some idea of the volume of writing in the indigenous languages of Sinhala and Tamil. The fact that there is a thriving market for translations (from English into those languages) is also indicative of the thirst for literature in Sri Lanka. Books sell, in short, and so writers write. What is perhaps lamentable is the often poor quality of translations from Sinhala and Tamil into English and other languages and of course the small number of good translations, when they do occur.

The authors featured as well as the translators are well-known writers among the post-Independence literary voices of the nation; their contribution to the literary canon is widely recognized within the country. Through their work we offer here a slice that gives a hint of the flavor of Sri Lankan writing, rather than represent the full flush of its depth and substance.

Simon Navagaththegama’s The Hunter is a book that has been read in Marxian, Freudian, and Buddhist terms and its amenability to multiple interpretations speaks of its intricate crafting. It is a simple plot, focusing on the relationship between a hunter and the Buddhist monk or bikkhu whom he attends in a jungle retreat. The sparse dialogue is compensated for by the subtle descriptions of the hunter’s engagement with the surrounding jungle and its creatures.

Ariyawansa Ranaweera has an eye for the simple, those things we see but rarely let our eyes dwell upon or find interesting enough to merit further reflection. His forte is an ability to pick the ordinary and spin simple reflection into it in a way that conjures images and invites meditation. In “ At the Supermarket ,” the poet observes both the ingredients used in the most humble of Sri Lankan cuisine— the flower of the plantain tree and the seed of the jak tree—and the rich who purchase these items; it is a sleight of hand that celebrates village life while making a comment on the wealthy for whom the elements of that life are mere acquisitions.

The context for Kalaivaathy Kaleel’s story, “ Rizana ,” is socio-economic. Rizana was an underage girl whose birth certificate was altered to “qualify” her for a job in Saudi Arabia as a domestic worker, and who was accused of murdering an infant. The case was controversial and, despite international outrage, she was sentenced to death and executed. Rizana’s case spawned much debate on a number of social and political issues pertaining to poverty, foreign employment, corruption, and the efficiency or lack thereof of diplomatic missions. There was also much discussion on the “religious” prerogatives of Saudi/Islamic laws.

These selections, though short, provide a brief but wide-ranging glimpse into the complexity of the religious and social underpinnings of Sri Lankan literature.

Ru Freeman Malinda Seneviratne

© Ru Freeman and Malinda Seneviratne 

Ru Freeman is a Sri Lankan and American novelist,…

Malinda Seneviratne

Malinda Seneviratne is  a sociologist by training…

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Essays on Sri Lanka’s Cultural Heritage

A Celebration of Collaboration: The Launch of Ama H. Vanniarachchy’s ‘Essays on Sri Lanka’s Cultural Heritage’

On March 26, the Colombo National Museum was the site of an inspiring collaborative event and book launch celebrating Ama H. Vanniarachchy's latest work, ‘Essays on Sri Lanka’s Cultural Heritage.’ The event, co-hosted by the Institute of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, brought together esteemed scholars, professionals, and enthusiasts, all united by their passion for preserving and understanding Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage.

Book Launch and Collaborative Event: Ama H. Vanniarachchy’s ‘Essays on Sri Lanka’s Cultural Heritage’

We are excited to announce a special collaborative event featuring the book launch of Ama H. Vanniarachchy’s ‘Essays on Sri Lanka’s Cultural Heritage.’ Our institute is honored to be working alongside esteemed international scholars Professor Sahar Saleem and Professor Brent E. Huffman, to host an engaging afternoon of learning and discussion about heritage preservation and management. Join us on March 26th, 2023, at 2:30 pm at the Colombo National Museum for this enlightening event. The program includes screening the acclaimed documentary film Saving Mes Aynak by Professor Brent E. Huffman of Northwestern University, US, and a thought-provoking talk titled ‘Image the Past, See the Future’ by [...]

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Sri Lanka: An Island Blessed with Cultural Diversity

• July 30, 2021
• 7 minute read

Sri Lanka is among the few countries with rich and vast cultural heritage. The culture is a mix of modern as well as traditional elements. This teardrop-shaped island near the Indian Ocean is an oasis of culture and natural treasures.

Formerly known as Ceylon, Sri Lanka is one country where the British, Dutch, Portuguese and Indians have left their mark. It is also a multi-religious country. With Buddhism being practiced predominantly, other religions include Hinduism, Christianity and Islam.

A delightful mix of religions, cultures and traditions makes the island truly paradise on earth. Ancient cities, colonial architecture, art and monuments are something in abundance you can expect to find.

In Sri Lanka, Sinhalese is the major ethnic group that comprises 74% of the population. Tamils are the next community in the population comprising 12.6%. The remaining 13.4% comprises of Sri Lankan Moors, Burghers, Malays and the aborigines of Sri Lanka often referred to as the Veddas.

Family Life in Sri Lanka

For most Sri Lankans, life revolves around their family. In the country, a collectivist culture prevails. This means most people are group-centric and share interests, characteristics, and traits based on religion, ethnicity, gender, age, and education.

In such a culture, the family is the first group a person becomes a member of at birth. Therefore, the interests of the family are expected to come before those of an individual. Further, the actions of an individual can have an impact on the perception of the family by others in the community. Thus, family life in Sri Lanka is all about preserving the culture within the family and teaching the children and generations to come only good things.

Also Read:  Sri Lankan Wedding Culture, Customs & Traditions

A typical family in Sri Lanka comprises of a husband, wife and their children. Though most Sri Lankans follow the concept of living in a nuclear family, the concept of living in an extended family is popular too.

An individual is required to value their connections with their nuclear family as well as their extended family.

In the extended family concept, three or four generations live together, usually from the male side. In most Sri Lankan families, the mother or the woman of the household has authority and is respected by all the children. On the other hand, the father or the eldest son is the patriarch. Age is also seen as a source of hierarchy. As a token of respect, elders in the family have to be addressed by children as ‘uncle’ or ‘aunty’.

Status of women in Sri Lanka

Though men and women are considered equal in Sri Lanka, it is usually the man of the house who is the earning member and breadwinner. While a man goes out of the house to work, women focus on the domestic sphere. Taking care of the house, preparing meals and raising children are considered their duties. Although with changing times, women too are allowed to go out and work.

Despite women participating in the paid workforce, their contribution is not evenly distributed. A high concentration of women is found in professions such as plucking tea, teaching and garment manufacturing.

An individual household in Sri Lanka is identified as by a wife cooking for a husband and children. Once the meal has been prepared, the man of the house and the children eat it first. Only when they are done, the wife is allowed to eat.

On the other hand, if guests are present at home, they are served first and then the husband and children.

Within local Sri Lankan family life , the woman of the house holds a great deal of authority, but ultimately, all the major decisions are taken by the oldest male member of the family.

Did you know? Sri Lanka was the first country in the world to elect a female prime minister in 1960. Also, women in Sri Lanka are given full citizenship rights.

Dating & Marriage

In Sri Lanka, most ethnic marriages are arranged by the families of the bride and groom. For the marriage to take place between two individuals, they are required to be of the same ethnic background and socioeconomic status.

The sexual purity of a woman also plays a crucial role in the marriage contract. For people who practice Buddhism in Sri Lanka, the groom should be slightly taller and older than the woman. He should also be educationally and professionally more qualified than the bride.

However, in Tamil and Sinhalese groups, marriages are slightly different. Cross-cousins marriages are popular. In such marriages, the child marries either the paternal first cousin or the material first cousin.

Raising children

Family life in Sri Lanka is only complete when a couple has a child of their own. It is mandatory for a couple to have a child within one year of marriage. Upon having a child, the infant stays with the mother. Most Sri Lankan families express a preference for the pregnant mother to have a girl child who can take care of the family and be a strong influence on younger siblings.

A newborn infant is nursed by his mother for one year. The child is also required to sleep with the mother till he/she is school-aged.

In the child’s early childhood, they are taught to develop feelings of modesty, shyness, fear and shame. The mother is responsible for their daughter’s discipline while the father takes care of the son’s upbringing.

In Sri Lanka, there are different types of homes, depending on the socio-economic status of the family. The people who belong to the low-income group live in small, stick and mud-thatched houses. Other materials used to make the homes include wooden planks and corrugated metal sheets.

There are also a whole lot of residential buildings along roadways, railways and beaches where the middle class and elite live.

Every community in Sri Lanka has their own public school, place of worship and a few shops to buy daily necessities. The wells, rivers and bathing places are considered important for social gatherings.

Also Read:  Sri Lanka Travel-An experience like none

Cultural Diversity & Heritage in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s conventional culture is strongly influenced by the prominent religions present in the country. The everyday family life of a Sri Lankan is filled with humility and happiness.

The rich culture and heritage of the country makes it one of the top travel and tourism destinations in South Asia. Every year, people from around the world, visit the island to witness the sheer beauty, hospitality and lip-smacking cuisine.

We have highlighted a few points below which make Sri Lanka culturally diverse and unique:

Ayurveda : Ayurveda is not only a form of medication. It is a way of life for most families in Sri Lanka for over 3000 years. 75% of the island’s population rely on Ayurveda to cure ailments and terminal diseases since it is made from natural herbs, plants and oils. Owing to the strong influence of Ayurveda in the country, a lot of spas and clinics have opened up for tourists who visit the country.

Sri Lankan cuisine : A staple meal in Sri Lanka would be a large serving of rice accompanied by twelve side dishes including eggs, meat, vegetable and fish stewed with spices and coconut milk. Sri Lanka is often referred to as the land of spices since a large number of spices are grown, predominantly pepper. Owing to the use of spices, the food has a unique and exotic flavour. The people belonging to the Sinhalese and Tamil communities do not accept food prepared by the lower class.

Tea : Sri Lanka is one of the biggest producers of tea. Besides being an important part of the culture, tea is served to the guests as a sign of hospitality. Nuwara Eliya is home to some of the most beautiful tea gardens. Tea is also a major source of revenue for families in Sri Lanka . Women in Sri Lanka are involved in tea picking and processing.

Martial arts : 5000 years ago when the British ruled this wonderful land, martial arts was quite popular. Even today, men and women are trained in martial arts that combine combat techniques and self-defence. Two styles of martial arts native to Sri Lanka are Cheena di and Angampora.

Architecture & Crafts : Art, music, drama and architecture hold a special place in Sri Lanka. From castles and frescoes to monuments and sculptures, Sri Lanka is a gold mine for archaeologists and anthropologists. Besides architecture, art and crafts is also an integral part of their heritage. Mask making, handloom, lace making, traditional drums, lacquer work, wood carving and pottery are few things famous in the country.

What makes Sri Lanka a beautiful country is its rich blend of diverse cultural patterns that are derived from religion as well as western colonisation. The people of various backgrounds have left an indelible impression on the cultural heritage of the country.

In many books, Sri Lanka is described as the country with the most unique cultural traditions in South-East Asia.

If you really want to set out on a journey to experience splendid heritage, religions, culture, values and art forms, Sri Lanka has you covered.

Found this blog useful? Like, comment and share!

If you’ve visited Sri Lanka and witnessed something unique and culturally diverse, let us know in the comment section below.

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Explore Colombo, the Capital City of Sri Lanka

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• July 15, 2019
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Essays on Sri Lanka’s Cultural Heritage

Volume 1 (September 2020 – May 2022) By Ama H.Vanniarachchy

A Word from the Author

Essays on Sri Lanka’s Cultural Heritage, Volume 1 (September 2020 – May 2022) is a collection of 40 newspaper articles written by me for Ceylon Today Newspaper, between the time of September 2020 – May 2022.

Being a professional journalist and coming from an archaeology background, my interest was naturally directed toward the country’s cultural heritage and its protection. Until the year 2020, I did not have the right platform to voice my concern; in other words, an influential and credible professional platform to speak up on behalf of the country’s cultural heritage. Ceylon Today became my platform.

Journalism has always been a powerful tool for those who have a strong opinion and for those who are vocal about unjust happening around them. It is also the most fitting profession for those who want to be the voice of the voiceless. For me, journalism was the platform to be the voice of my heritage.

Before joining the wonderful family of Ceylon Today, I worked at the Central Cultural Fund, where I witnessed the miserable downfall of Dr.Roland Silva’s dream and vision with my own eyes.

13th Amendment is not a home-grown solution

Tuesday, 22 Jan 2019 --> Last Updated : 2024-05-18 18:08:00

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Sat, 18 May 2024 Today's Paper

Arrest of four persons over War Dead Commemoration: Sri Lankan authorities in Canada in dilemma

18 May 2024 09:51 am - 10     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Canada is home to around 240,000 Tamils of Sri Lankan origin, lobbying against the alleged human rights violations during wartime.

An informed source said the latest incident in the Eastern Province is raised in Canada by Tamil rights activists, and the Sri Lankan government authorities are in a fix even beingunable to issue a rebuttal.

Besides, Sri Lanka is alert whether Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will renew genocide allegations against Sri Lanka when the country marks victory day today. Sri Lanka ended the civil war on May 18, 2009.

However, Canada’s Parliament has voted to recognize May 18 as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day in 2022 though the Federal Government of Canada has confirmed that whathappened during the war in Sri Lanka does not amount to genocide, a concept with a deeper and broader legal meaning.

When the Canadian Prime Minister made allegations last year, the Sri Lankan government protested strongly. Foreign Minister Ali Sabry summoned Canadian High Commissioner Eric Walsh and stated that Mr. Trudeau’s “politically motivated statement was divisive and issued for domestic political consumption”.“sri Lanka vehemently rejects this unsubstantiated allegation of ‘genocide’ relating to the country’s almost three decades of terrorist conflictperpetuated by the LTTE,” the statement issued last year said.

  Comments - 10

Kamala Herath Banda - Rathupaswala Saturday, 18 May 2024 11:32 AM

REMEMBERANCE...

Reply 0       0 0       0 -->

Jude Saturday, 18 May 2024 12:32 PM

90% of Tamil refugees visited SL soon after they received travel documents. That's clear violation of 1951 refugees convention where refugees not allowed to go back to home country. And Canadian government didn't do anything, as majority of them bogus asylum seekers, yeah!!

Sokrates Saturday, 18 May 2024 01:37 PM

Why are you so jealous? Everyone who leaves this country will have their reasons for doing so. What is wrong with that if this are economic reasons? Apart from that, there were times in this country when all Tamils ​​were oppressed and humiliated. Canada is a liberal country, in contrast to Sri Lanka.

Reply : 0       0 -->

Mandayan Saturday, 18 May 2024 02:53 PM

Hey Jude, CBK who fled to UK and claimed asylum came back and became President twice and now back in the UK, holidaying here. What about that?

Patriot Saturday, 18 May 2024 01:04 PM

Tamil commemorations were halted and people were arrested every year since 2009. Tamils were lobbying HR cases against SL every year as well. Why DM is making a fuss out of it? Who cares what Canada parliament says? Government has already responded to their genocide allegations. This is a sovereign nation. No other country can interfere with our matters. justin trudeau is going to lose in the next election and that's why he's desperate in getting more votes. Votes of tamil community in canada is vital for him.

Ratnayaka Saturday, 18 May 2024 01:58 PM

Sovereign nation? Go to the airport to see the messages in Hindi and Chinese and say that again. We are to lose all, wait and see. The country and the sovereignty was pawned to India, China and the West already and we are dancing to their terms. We are just okay because we don't pay any capital or the interest the Rajapakses borrowed.

Mare Saturday, 18 May 2024 01:25 PM

expell them back to island

Doctor Kasun Saturday, 18 May 2024 01:48 PM

This is another crazy PM Justin. He s not different from south asian politicians, just acting. Not a serious personality to bother actually

Mandayan Saturday, 18 May 2024 02:59 PM

We elected a non crazy Gota and then chase him out and with around 300,000 of our country people in Ontario with nearly just 40% are younger generation who don’t have votes yet, we are happy to say Canadian PM is for these 180,000 votes in a country of 30million!!

Buddha's Teachings Saturday, 18 May 2024 02:33 PM

If someone has lost someone why not allow them to release their despair and sorrow? 4 or 10 if they want to get together and release their sorrow why arrest? Show some sympathy, is it not the teachings of Buddha? A great soul that attained Self Realization to escape the birth-death cycle. Do not aggravate the situation by pouring fuel, think humanly.

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