Social and Life Style

The social life style of Sri Lanka has been influenced by many factors but has managed to retain much of its ancient aspects. Mostly it has been influenced by its long history and its Buddhist heritage.

The country has a rich artistic tradition, embracing the fine arts, including music, dance, and visual arts. Sri Lankan lifestyle is reflected in the cuisine, festivals, and sports. South Indian influences are visible in many aspects. There are some influences from colonization by the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British.

Sri Lankan life activities is best known abroad for its cricket, food, holistic medicine, religious icons like the Buddhist flag, and cultural exports such as tea, cinnamon and gems. Sri Lankan culture is diverse, as it varies from region to region.

Architecture

The architecture of Sri Lanka displays a rich variety of architectural forms and styles. Buddhism had a significant influence on Sri Lankan architecture. However techniques and styles developed in Europe and Asia have also played a major role in the architecture of Sri Lanka.

Arts and Crafts

In most instances Sri Lankan art originates from religious beliefs, and are represented in many forms such as painting, sculpture, and architecture. One of the most notable aspects of Sri Lankan art are caves and temple paintings, such as the frescoes found in Sigiriya and religious paintings found in temples in Dambulla and Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy. Other popular forms of art have been influenced by both natives as well as outside settlers. For example, traditional wooden handicrafts and clay pottery are found around the hill country while Portuguese-inspired lacework and Indonesian-inspired Batik have become notable.

Music

The two single biggest influences on Sri Lankan music are from Buddhism and Portuguese colonizers. Buddhism arrived in Sri Lanka after the Buddha visit in 300 BC, while the Portuguese arrived in the 15th century, bringing with them cantiga ballads, the ukulele, and guitars, along with African slaves, who further diversified the musical roots of the island. These slaves were called kaffrinha, and their dance music was called baila. Traditional Sri Lankan music includes the hypnotic Kandyan drums – drumming was and is very much a part and parcel of music in both Buddhist and Hindu temples in Sri Lanka. Most western parts of Sri Lanka follow western dancing and music.

Cinema

The cinematic style is similar to the Bollywood movies. In 1979, movie attendance rose to an all-time high, but recorded a gradual downfall since then. Undoubtedly, the most influential and evolutionary filmmaker in the history of Sri Lankan cinema is Lester James Peiris, who has directed a number of movies which led to global acclaim, including Rekava (Line of destiny, 1956), Gamperaliya (The changing village, 1964), Nidhanaya (The treasure, 1970), and Golu Hadawatha (Cold Heart, 1968).There are many cinemas around Sri Lanka in city areas.

Cuisine

The cuisine of Sri Lanka draws influence from that of India, especially from Kerala, as well as colonists and foreign traders. Rice, which is usually consumed daily, can be found at any special occasion, while spicy curries are favourite dishes for lunch and dinner. A very popular alcoholic drink is toddy or arrack, both made from palm tree sap. Rice and curry refers to a range of Sri Lankan dishes. Sri Lankans also eat hoppers (Aappa, Aappam), which can be found anywhere in Sri Lanka.

Much of Sri Lanka’s cuisine consists of boiled or steamed rice served with spicy curry. Another well-known rice dish is kiribath, meaning milk rice. Curries in Sri Lanka are not just limited to meat or fish- based dishes; there are also vegetable and even fruit curries.

Many of Sri Lanka’s urban areas are host to American fast food corporations and many of the younger generation have started to take a liking to this new style of cuisine although it is rejected by many, particularly the more traditional elder members of the community.

Spices

Sri Lanka has long been renowned for its spices. The best known is Cinnamon which is native to Sri Lanka. In the 15th and 16th centuries, spice and ivory traders from all over the world who came to Sri Lanka brought their native cuisines to the island, resulting in a rich diversity of cooking styles and techniques. Lamprais rice boiled in stock with a special curry, accompanied by frikkadels (meatballs), all of which is then wrapped in a banana leaf and baked as a Dutch-influenced Sri Lankan dish. Dutch and Portuguese sweets also continue to be popular. British influences include roast beef and roast chicken. The influence of Indian cooking methods and food has played a major role in what Sri Lankans eat.

Tea

Culture Being one of the largest producers of tea in the world, Sri Lankans drink a lot of tea. There are many tea factories around mountainous areas. Many Sri Lankans drink at least three cups a day. Sri Lanka is also one of the best tea-producing countries in the world and the Royal Family of the United Kingdom has been known to drink Ceylon tea. Tea is served whenever a guest comes to a house; it is served at festivals and gatherings or just for breakfast.

Festivals and Holidays

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year (“Aluth Avurudhu”; in Sinhala, “Puthiyathandu”; in Tamil) is a very large cultural event on the island. The festival falls in April (also known as the month of Bak). Apart from that, every full moon day is declared as “Poya Day”, a religious holiday for the entire nations, this is when a practicing Sri Lankan Buddhist visits a temple for religious observances.

Sports

Sport plays a very big part in Sri Lankan culture. Every child in Sri Lanka knows how to play cricket, and there are many cricket fields scattered across the island for children and adults to play the sport. The biggest pastime of the Sri Lankan population, after cricket, is watching the Sri Lankan national team play cricket. It is common for businesses to shut down, when very big matches are televised. This was the case in 1996, when the Sri Lankan team beat Australia in the finals to win the Cricket World Cup. The whole country was shut down, although there was a curfew imposed upon the whole island.

Languages of 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 who are native speakers. It is one of the constitutionally-recognized official languages of Sri Lanka, along with Tamil, which has its origins in South India.

Most Sri Lankans can speak English, though of course, their brand of English may sound a bit strange at first. Some struggle with English and that is sometimes due to a lack of confidence. Just enjoy the experience, if you can learn a little of Sinhala. The Sinhalese will go out of their way to help you because you have gone out of your way to learn their language, their most cherished possession and symbol of identity.

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Eco Tourism & Agri tourism

Eco tourism Eco Tourism in Sri Lanka is a huge trend right now, where most people want to experience their surroundings of the purest form, such as pristine seas and unexplored wilderness. A lot of rain forests are among the list of places to visit in eco-tourism. Pearly beaches and small islands are also famous among tourists. When it comes to wildlife, camping at night, getting a closer look at animals are the main features of it. Hiking, Mountain climbing, canoeing, kayaking are a part of eco-tourism that ensures maximum exposure to nature with a minimal infrastructure. Eco-tourism is the next best thing when visiting Sri Lanka, it gives you the opportunity to be as close to nature as you can ever get. Agri-tourism Agritourism is leisurely activities in the rural areas that help a person understand and appreciate the land and the people who live on it. In recent years, travel has become much more than just ticking through the mandatory list of local ...

Food

The Teardrop of India or Pearl of the Indian Ocean are among many nicknames for Sri Lanka. But a more accurate description of the gorgeous nation might be the Island of Rice and Curry. Making liberal use of local fruit, such as coconut and jackfruit, seafood and an arsenal of spices, Sri Lankan cooking delivers an abundance of incredible dishes. Here are some you shouldn't miss. Kiribath with Lunu miris Kiribath is a traditional Sri Lankan dish made from rice. It is prepared by cooking rice with coconut milk, hence this name, and can be considered a form of rice cake or rice pudding. Kiribath is an essential dish in Sri Lankan cuisine. It is very commonly served for breakfast on the first day of each month and also has added significance of being eaten for any auspicious moment throughout one's lifetime which are marking times of transition. It is one of the more renowned traditional dishes in Sri Lanka. Manioc with Coconut or Lunu miris Commonly called cassava. Cassa...

Ancient cities and architecture

Sri Lanka's history dates back to more than 3,000 years. These ancient cities and their glorious remains that are temples, fortresses, statues and irrigation feats still have the ability to make people gaze at them with reverence. Ancient sites are considered to be archeological gold mines because they are evidence to a very rich civilization. Most of the places are declared as World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO. The oldest and the largest ancient city is Anuradhapura. Anuradhapura Ancient City Anuradhapura is one of the ancient cities in Sri Lanka, well known for its ruins depicting early Sri Lankan civilization. It is very famous among Buddhists pilgrims. Anuradhapura was earlier the capital of the Island (in ancient times) and most of the Kings who ruled Sri Lanka resided in this vast city. The city is now named as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Sigiriya Ancient City Sigiriya also known as the Lion's Rock is a rock fortress and a palace located in the Matale dist...

Beaches

Hikkaduwa Beach Majority of beach parties in Sri Lanka are held here. Known for its great resorts lining the coast and sandy beaches situated 98 kilometers south of Colombo. Scuba diving is much in demand in Hikkaduwa because of its legendary coral gardens and turtles. Negombo Beach The famous fishing town located 35 km north of Colombo, very popular among locals for buying fresh sea food. Delicacies such as squid and lobsters are made in nearby hotels and restaurants , you can literally taste the ocean. It is one of the beaches with a long history where during the Dutch colonization churches and forts were built, most of these structures are still seen today. Arugam Bay Beach 116 km from Colombo is another fishing village known as Arugam Bay. Identified as the best surfing beach in Sri Lanka and the 4th best beach in South-East Asia and is also among the 10 best surfing beaches in the world. The Bird Sanctuary is also at close proximity to it so bird-wa...

Climate

Sri Lanka's climate can be described as tropical, and quite hot. The average temperature ranges from a low of 16 °C (60.8 °F) in Nuwara Eliya in the Central Highlands (where frost may occur for several days in the winter) to a high of 32 °C (89.6 °F) in Trincomalee on the northeast coast (where temperatures may reach 38 °C or 100.4 °F). The average yearly temperature for the country as a whole ranges from 28 to 30 °C (82.4 to 86.0 °F) Day and night temperatures may vary by 4 to 7 °C (7.2 to 12.6 °F). January is the coolest month, especially in the highlands, where overnight temperatures may fall to 5 °C (41 °F). May, is the hottest period, precedes the summer monsoon rains. Humidity is typically higher in the southwest and mountainous areas and depends on the seasonal patterns of rainfall. At Colombo, for example, daytime humidity stays above 70% all year, rising to over 90% percent during the monsoon season. The mountains and the southwestern part of the country,...

Transportation

Buses It has wide network of buses for almost anywhere in country, it is also the cheapest mode of transport. Trains Sri Lanka has a very intensive railway network. They were installed during the British rule. If you are wondering what transport to take during your stay in the hill country of Sri Lanka, make sure that you use the train because it provides a beautiful picturesque view of the hill side. Tuk Tuk - Three Wheelers Similar to taxis but not as comfortable as them. Three-wheelers are also cheaper when compared to taxis. Taxis are also very common in almost any place around the country. Helicopters / Sea Planes Helicopter rides are more famous among tourists even though they are pretty expensive. Most helicopter rides last about 1-2 hours is you are just want to look at the scenery. Hot Air Balloon Tours in Sri Lanka Imagine yourself floating gracefully over the spectacular lands of Sri Lanka with beautiful rivers, magical fo...

Other Activities in Sri Lanka that a tourist can engaged

Vedda visit Sri Lanka’s first people the Vedda or Adivasi have a captiveating story. According to the islands fascinating historical chronicle - the Mahavamsa, it is said that they were the children or descendants of Queen Kuveni, a Yaksha and the wife of Sri Lanka’s legendary first King Vijay (5th BC). However, according to anthropologists, their origins are much older; with some anthropologists dating them back to the stone age. A hunter-gather people, the Veddas have a long history of living harmoniously with nature. There are three predominant types of Veddas- Gal Veddas or cave-dwelling, who spent their time in forest caves; Muhudu Veddas or Coastal Veddas, that lived on the coastline; and Gam Veddas or village Veddas, that lived off in Chena Cultivation in small huts in village communities. If you are interested in visiting the Veddas, we recommend spending a few nights in Gal Oya or Mahiyanganaya to visit the communities around these regions and discover ...

Culture

The culture of Sri Lanka has been influenced by many factors but has managed to retain much of its ancient aspects. Mostly it has been influenced by its long history and its Buddhist heritage. The country has a rich artistic tradition, embracing the fine arts, including music, dance, , visual arts and martial arts. Sri Lanka boasts of a documented history of over 3,000 years mainly due to ancient historic scriptures like Mahawansa. Several centuries of intermittent foreign influence, has transformed Sri Lankan culture to the present outlook. Nevertheless ancient traditions and festivals are celebrated by mostly conservative Sinhalese people of the island, together with other minorities that make up the Sri Lankan identity. Esala Perahera August The Kandy Esala Perahera also known as The Festival of the Tooth is a festival held in July and August in Kandy, Sri Lanka. This historical procession is held annually to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha, which is hous...

Meditation & Ayurvedic Spa

Best Spiritual and Yoga Retreats in Sri Lanka Sri Lanka is a great place for all those yogis who are feeling a little bit adventurous. It’s always great to change the location of your practice from time to time, get new experience in a truly fantastic setting of misty mountains, tropical forests and white beaches with azure waters. Nurture your spirituality as you venture into a mesmerizing yoga trip that will take you deep inside your mind and soul. There are numerous yoga retreats in Sri Lanka that offer gorgeous beaches and loads of healthy activities that will help you keep fit and enjoy your stay in the country to the fullest. Indigenous medicine ( ayuruvedic spa) 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 )...

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