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General cultural information
The Portuguese arrived in Colombo in 1505 and gained a monopoly on the invaluable spice trade until 1656. In this year the Dutch came to rule in Sri Lanka, the Dutch rule lasted to 1796 when the Brits took over. Sri Lanka won back her independence in 1948. The Singhalese speak Singhalese, the Tamils and most Muslims speak Tamil and the Burghers often speak English. Sri Lanka its classical architecture, sculpture and painting is predominantly Buddhist. Colonial remnants include Dutch forts, canals and churches and British residences, clubs and courthouses. Galle is the finest colonial city on the island. Singhalese dancing is similar to Indian dance it relies on acrobatics and symbolism.
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Do's and Don'ts
| Local cuisine | Rice and curry dominate meal times and usually include small side dishes of vegetables, meat and fish. Indian curries such as vegetarian biriyani, a mild flovoured rice dish, are also available. Hoppers are a unique Sri Lankan snack, similar to a pancake, served with egg or honey and yoghurt. Coastal towns have excellent fish and most travellers are happy to live on the delicious local tuna. There are plenty of tropical fruits to choose from and the tea is terrific. | | Clothing | Light cotton dresses and light weight suits. In the hill country pullovers will be necessary. Visitors should wear decent clothes when visiting any place of worship. Beach wear is not permitted when visiting temples and shrines. | | Photography | If you take photographs of Buddha statues never pose alongside them. This would be considered a sign of disrespect. When one wants to make a photograph of a Buddhist bhikku (a monk with a yellow robe) please give him the respect all Sri Lankans give him. Do not expect him to pose for pictures, or attempt to shake hands with him. |
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Religion
69% of the population is Buddhist. The Singhalese are predominantly Buddhist, the Tamils mainly Hindu, and there are sizeable Muslim and Christian Burgher (descendants of Dutch colonists) minorities.
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Cultural attractions
| Datum | Evenement | | January 6th,7th and 8th | Duruthu Perahera | This colourful festival marks the first visit of the Buddha to Sri Lanka 2,541 years ago. | | April 12th and 13th | Sinhala and Tamil New Year | Sri Lanka its two main ethnic groups - the Sinhalese and Tamils - celebrate a common traditional New Year marking the passage of the Sun from Pisces to Aries. | | May 7th and 8th | Vesak | A blessed day for Buddhists, Vesak commemorates the birth of Buddha, his attaining Enlightment, and his passing away into Nibbana. | | July | Fruit season | All markets are filled with colourful fruits. | | November 14th | Deepavali | This festival of lights is observed to welcome Lakshmi - the Godess of wealth and fortune - into Hindu homes which are gaily lit up with oil lamps and lights. | | December 17th | Ramazan | At the end of 30 days of fasting (Muslim). | | | |
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