22nd June, 1989

K.MATSUI , ID : MHA02645

TITLE : SRI LANKA 10

CUSTOMS AND COURTESIES

Common courtesy is as important in Sri Lanka as it is worldwide.

Thre are a few general points and customs that should be especially

mentioned. Sri Lanka has a long history and is home to four of the

world's main religions-Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity and Islam.

In many instances superstition, religion and tradition have merged

to create important customs. When entering timples and highly

venerated holy areas, shoes and hats must be removed. Remember, in

Sri Lanka, "once a temple always a temple." Even if it has been

reduced to rubble, it is still sacred and calls for respect. When

you encounter Buddist monks and wish to show respect, raise both

hands in a prayer fashion to just below your chin. Do not shake

hands. A monk shouldn't be touched. If you wish to present a gift to

a monk it should be offered with both hands, showing that it was

given freely and without obligation. However, a monk is not allowed

to touch money. When giving money it should be placed in the temple

offering box and never handed to anyone. Buddhists wear white for

religious observances. White is also considered the color of death.

When a funeral is taking place, the road or drive is lined with

white flags and strings of knotted palm fronds (gokkola) are hung

across the street. Gokkola are also used in other processions and

ceremonies. In many parts of the world, shaking the head from side

to side implies "no," while nodding the head up and down means

"yes." Sri Lankans have another head movement as well, the "wobble"

or "waggle," which is sort of a cross between a nod and a shake.

While amusing and confusing to foreigners, it indicates agreement or

approval or a simple "yes." Throughout South Asia people have

traditionally use water and their left hands to clean themselves

after a bowel movement. Therefore, the left hand is considered

unclean and should never be used for eating-even if you always use

toilet paper and wash your hands with soap. Since most Sri Lankans

eat with the fingers of their right hands only, this custom is to be

strictly observed even when using cutlery. Also,when handing objects

to another person, it should never be done with the left hand. Use

of both hands or the right hand alone is proper. If you are

left-handed, it mihgt be wise to practise eating with your right

hand for a while and think of it as a cultural experience. One of

the most awkward situations for foreigners to handle is when they

are approached by beggars. Begging has always been a part of life in

Asia and is generally accepted. Buddhist monks must denounce all

possessions and beg for a living. Lay people "earn merit" by

providing for the monks as well as by giving to the needy, and this

has made begging a tradition. It has also become an unholy

profession, one of the most irksome aspects that hassle foreigners

in Sri Lanka. Professional beggars haunt places of interest, busy

streets and favorite tourist stops. Hoards of children chant "rupee,

school pen, bon-bon(candy)" and the endless "you give me." The

government provides a variety of social services such as free

medical care, schooling, etc. and begging is discouraged except near

temples. but as long as people continue to give away money, candy

and pens, the problem grows. It may seem harsh, but it is

recommended that you do not give to beggars. You can certainly

refuse with a clear conscience, because you are indirectly already

giving money to the beggars. The government charges foreigners high

admissions to zoos, gardens, archaeological sites and such as well

as a whopping hotel tax , to help pay for social services.