The secrets of Sri Lankan culture and rural village life

Sri Lanka is a dream destination, especially if you love country living. Packed with adventure, wildlife, spicy food, ornate Buddhist temples, as well as coastal and city attractions, it offers a rich cultural diversity. But for an authentic experience of Sri Lankan culture, the best option is to immerse yourself in the rural life in Sri Lanka—perhaps with a stay at a Sri Lankan village.

Often referred to as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” the cultural identity of this country in South Asia lies in its rural villages, where age-old customs and lifestyles continue to thrive. Let’s delve into the multifaceted aspects of Sri Lankan identity, focusing on village life in the rural areas, cuisine, language, religion, and various traditions that shape this vibrant nation.

Key things to know about Sri Lankan culture and traditions

Beyond its major cities and pristine beaches, the culture of Sri Lanka predominantly relies on its people, cultural practices, and prominent religions. Here are some key facts to know before you go:

History

Characterized by ancient kingdoms, European influence, and the struggle for independence to become the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, the nation’s history spans millennia.

The island’s strategic location made it a hub for ancient trade routes, attracting merchants and colonizers. These interactions have woven a complex blend of cultures in Sri Lanka, from the introduction of Buddhism and the influences from India to when the Portuguese arrived in 1505.

This was followed by Dutch presence from 1658 until the British took over in 1796. These colonial periods have left marks on the nation’s architecture, religion, and societal norms.

This encouraged European influence, but Sri Lankans resisted colonial rule through revolts and nonviolent struggles. Once they left, civil war erupted, fueled by ethnic tensions and the rise of a separatist group, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, who sought an independent Tamil state.

Official languages and ethnic groups

So, what languages do they speak in Sri Lanka? Well, the country is a melting pot of ethnicities and languages. Major ethnic groups include the Sinhalese, who predominantly speak Sinhala, and the Tamils, who speak Tamil. These are generally considered to be the official languages of Sri Lanka.

Other ethnic groups in Sri Lanka, such as Moors, Malays, Burghers, and the indigenous Vedda people, contribute to the island’s rich cultural diversity. English is widely spoken, especially in urban areas and for official purposes, serving as a unifying medium in this multilingual society.

Social etiquette

Understanding Sri Lanka’s etiquette is essential for respectful interactions in the country:​

• Greetings: A friendly smile and a slight nod are common. The traditional greeting involves placing the palms together in a gesture known as the ayubowan, meaning “may you live long”.​
• Dress code: Modesty is valued. When visiting religious sites, your attire should always cover the shoulders and knees, and your shoes should be removed before entering temples.​
• Public behavior: Public displays of affection are discouraged. It’s customary to use the right hand for giving and receiving items, as the left hand is considered impolite for such actions.​
• Photographs: Always ask for permission before taking photos of people or objects.
• Respect for religion: When visiting religious sites, it’s important to show respect by not taking pictures inside temples, speaking softly, and not turning your back to statues of deities or the Buddha.

Religion

Religion is deeply ingrained in the Sri Lankan way of life, influencing daily life, festivals, and cultural practices. Buddhism is the predominant faith, particularly among the Sinhalese majority.

Hinduism is primarily practiced by the Tamil population, while Islam and Christianity also have significant followings. This religious diversity is evident in the coexistence of temples, mosques, and churches throughout the country, each contributing to the vibrant spiritual landscape.

National and public holidays in Sri Lanka

The calendar is dotted with numerous public and national holidays that are a reflection of the prominent religions prevailing in Sri Lanka. Some of the key days of celebrations include:​

• Maha Shivaratri: Known as the festival of Shiva, it is celebrated between February and March with devotees praying, fasting, and visiting Hindu temples.
• Sinhala and Tamil New Year (Aluth Avurudhu in Sinhala and Puthandu in Tamil): Celebrated in April, it’s when the sun moves from Pisces to Aries, marking the end of the harvest season. This festival is characterized by traditional games, rituals, and feasting.​
• Vesak Poya: Commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Buddha, it is observed on the full moon in May with vibrant lanterns and religious activities.​
• Deepavali (Diwali): Known as the festival of lights, it is celebrated by Hindus in October or November, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.​
• Christmas: Observed on December 25th by Sri Lanka’s Christian community, it features festive decorations and services.​

Additionally, each full moon, known as Poya Day (or Moon Poya Day), is a holiday dedicated to various events in Buddhist history, underscoring the nation’s deep-rooted spiritual traditions.​

Sri Lankan cuisine

Understanding Sri Lankan culture includes indulging in the food. The cuisine is a flavorful fusion of local ingredients and culinary techniques influenced by centuries of trade and colonization.

A staple diet for Sri Lankans revolves around rice cooked with a variety of curries made from vegetables, meats, and seafood. Coconut milk is a prevalent ingredient, adding richness to meals. Some must-try dishes include:

• Rice and curry: A quintessential meal featuring steamed rice served with an array of curries, sambols (condiments), and pickles.​
• Hoppers (appa): Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour, often enjoyed with spicy sambols or curries.​
• Kottu roti: A street food favorite consisting of chopped roti stir-fried with vegetables, eggs, and a choice of meat seasoned with aromatic spices.​
• Lamprais: A Dutch-influenced dish where rice, meat, and sambol are wrapped in a banana leaf and baked, allowing the flavors to meld.

If you’re curious to learn more about the country’s fantastic variety of flavors, why not opt to follow the Sri Lankan spice trails or join some immersive cooking classes on a tailor-made tour?

Traditional attire

Clothing in Sri Lanka is influenced by various groups of ethnicities, regions, and occasions:​

• For women: The sari is a popular attire, consisting of a long piece of cloth elegantly draped around the body. The osariya, a Kandyan-style sari, is particularly distinctive.​
• For men: The sarong, a long piece of fabric wrapped around the waist, is commonly worn, especially in remote areas. For formal occasions, men may wear a national suit, comprising a long-sleeved shirt and sarong.

Social life and family structure

Sri Lankan culture is deeply rooted in family values, with extended families often living together or maintaining close relationships. Respect for elders is a core aspect of social structure, and decisions, whether personal or communal, are typically influenced by senior family members.

Women play a significant role in society, so much so that Sri Lanka had the world’s first female prime minister in 1960 when it was still named Ceylon.

The community also plays a vital role in the Sri Lankan way of life, particularly in rural areas or villages, where neighbors share strong bonds and often support one another in times of need.

Hospitality is a cornerstone of Sri Lankan culture, with visitors warmly welcomed and often offered tea or home-cooked meals. Bringing a gift is a customary and appreciated gesture.

Festivals

Apart from religious holidays, Sri Lanka’s vibrant mix of festivals reflects its multicultural society. These are typically marked by grand processions, intricate rituals, and communal celebrations.

Some of the most celebrated festivals include:

• New Rice Festival (Aluth Sahal Mangallaya): Celebrated by Sinhalese Buddhists, it marks the first harvest of the year and is dedicated to the gods and deities who are believed to have blessed the crops. The fresh rice is ceremonially offered at temples before being consumed by the people.
• Thai Pongal: A Tamil Hindu festival of gratitude for the harvest, Thai Pongal is celebrated in January over three or four days. Families prepare pongal, a dish made from newly harvested rice, milk, and jaggery, which is offered to the sun god as a thanksgiving ritual.
• Kataragama Festival: This Hindu-Buddhist festival is dedicated to Lord Kataragama, a revered warrior deity. It features elaborate processions, fire-walking, kavadi (burden-carrying rituals), and drumming. Pilgrims from all religions participate in this festival, making it a symbol of Sri Lanka’s multicultural heritage.

Things to do to experience traditional life in Sri Lanka

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s rural culture, there are several unique experiences that provide an authentic glimpse into village life. Here are some suggestions:

1. Go on rural village culture tours in Sri Lanka

Guided village tours offer an interactive way to understand the traditional Sri Lankan way of life. You can take bullock cart rides, engage in paddy field farming, and learn age-old crafts such as pottery-making and weaving. Pair that with a local culture tour for a more immersive experience.

2. Take a slow train from Kandy to Ella

This scenic journey through Sri Lanka’s hill country is one of the most breathtaking train rides in the world. The route passes through lush tea plantations, misty mountains, and charming villages, providing a window into the everyday lives of Sri Lankans in rural communities.

3. Meet cave dwellers in Gal Oya National Park

One of Sri Lanka’s best-kept secrets, Gal Oya National Park is home to the indigenous Vedda people, the country’s last remaining forest-dwelling community. A visit offers you insight into their traditional hunting, gathering, and spiritual practices—a truly off-the-beaten-track escape.

4. Tune into absolute nature at a tea plantation

A trip to Sri Lanka’s tea estates in Nuwara Eliya or Ella allows you to witness the meticulous process of tea-making. Take a fragrant tea tour or stay on a plantation for opportunities to interact with tea pickers and even try hand-picking tea leaves yourself.

5. Uncover Sri Lanka’s Dutch influences

Sri Lanka’s colonial past has left a lasting imprint, particularly in its architecture and cuisine. The Galle Fort, on the west coast, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an exceptional example of Dutch colonial architecture. Walk through its cobbled streets lined with colonial-era buildings and enjoy Dutch-Sri Lankan fusion dishes like lamprais to appreciate this rich cultural diversity.

6. Ditch the hotel and book a homestay

For a truly immersive experience, staying in a Sri Lankan homestay provides a chance to interact with local families, partake in daily chores, and enjoy authentic home-cooked meals.

Many homestays also offer cultural workshops, such as Sri Lankan cooking classes and traditional dance lessons. Opt for a stay on agricultural land, often shy of other tourists.

7. Explore Kandy, the heart of Sri Lanka

As the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy is home to the Temple of the Tooth, one of the most revered Buddhist sites in the world. It’s also one of the best cities in Sri Lanka, allowing you to explore local markets, watch a Kandyan dance performance, or take a boat ride on Kandy Lake.

FAQs about the Sri Lanka countryside

Here are a few commonly asked questions if you are still unsure about Sri Lankan culture.

Are Sri Lankans friendly?

Absolutely! Sri Lankans are known for their warm hospitality and genuine friendliness. Whether in cities or rural villages, locals are often eager to assist tourists, share stories, and invite visitors into their homes for a cup of tea. This welcoming attitude fuels Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.

What are Sri Lankans known for?

Sri Lankan people are known for their deep-rooted cultural traditions, love for cricket, world-famous tea, and vibrant festivals. The country is also renowned for its stunning landscapes, from golden beaches to lush tea plantations. Meeting the locals is one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka.

What are some key dos and don’ts in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lankan culture includes being respectful of people’s religions, customs, and norms, so while they are friendly and welcoming, it’s best not to offend anyone. Here are a few dos and don’ts:

Do:

• Respect religious customs by dressing modestly at temples.
• Use your right hand when giving or receiving something.
• Remove your shoes before entering someone’s home.

Don’t:

• Touch someone’s head, as it is considered sacred.
• Show public displays of affection, which are frowned upon.
• Take selfies with your back facing religious statues.

Make it happen

Keen to explore the beauty and traditions of Sri Lankan culture and rural life for yourself? Whether it’s a cultural tour, a scenic train ride, visiting sites of prominent religions, or a homestay experience, there’s no shortage of ways to immerse yourself in this enchanting island. Simply reach out to our local experts to get the ball rolling.