Traveller’s and Tourists Should Know When Visiting

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) works closely with relevant Government bodies to introduce and enforce strict laws, rules and regulations to penalize those who engage in anti-social activities.

In order to ensure all tourists (both local and foreign) have a pleasant and comfortable stay in the island, the SLTDA is committed to educating incoming tourists on the Sri Lankan culture, customs and law. Several awareness programmes are conducted, periodically and they target varied groups such as tourists, students, parents, and the local community at large.

The Don’ts for Domestic Travelers

The Don’ts for Domestic Travelers

• Garbage which includes, polythene bags and lunch sheets, plastic cups, clothes (underwear etc) Styrofoam packaging, plastic bottles, glass and glass bottles, soap wrappers, shampoo sachets, all forms of paper, matchboxes, cigarette boxes and cigarette butts, yoghurt/ice cream cups/spoons etc, and bio non-degradable waste should not be thrown out at sites or road ways leading to the sites. Instead it should be collected in a container or a bag to be disposed of at specific places meant for disposal, for example garbage bins or garbage collection dumps.
• Glass bottles should not be thrown out on the rocks, streams and walking areas especially after consuming alcohol etc.
• Should not pollute the water bodies in sites that are visited by people.
• Should not throw away cigarette butts and burning match sticks which may cause bush fires.
• Setting up fires for cooking or for warmth in and around forested areas or in open areas/camp sites etc and go leave without extinguishing the fire.
• Should not consume liquor or smoke in any public place, places of worship, historical and religious/archaeological sites etc.
• Should not indulge in any acts of misconduct in any place of worship or in archaeological sites.
• Should not use uncultured, abusive, degrading or indecent language whilst being in places of worship and cultural sites.
• Should be suitably, respectfully and decently attired when being in places of worship.
• Should not disturb the privacy of other visitors and should not indulge in any misconduct that could cause embarrassment to foreign visitors to the country.
• Should not show disregard to the local communities and their cultural sensitivities.
• Should not touch or deface important historical images.
• Should not disfigure rocks, boulders and trees with graffiti.
• Should not approach, remove or cut of branches from trees and plants.
• Should not pick beautiful, rare and endangered flowers or plants from sensitive environments like Railway Stations etc.
• Should not collect live samples of animals, birds, butterflies, tortoises, insects etc and their nests.
• Should not use boulders and other preserved monuments etc, at archaeological sites for sitting, sleeping, cooking or inscribing of graffiti etc.
• Should not switch on radios, play musical instruments or indulge in singing etc in religious places of worship.
• Should not pollute in public places or in open places by urinating and discharging ablutions and instead use the toilet facilities that are provided in those respective sites. When using the toilets please ensure that cleanliness is maintained at all times.
• Should not use conserved structures particularly in archaeological sites namely foundations, parapet walls, pillars etc as walkways.
• Should not park any vehicles to disturb or to obstruct the natural surroundings, the soil, green cover and foliage. Parking should be confined to the allocated parking areas.
• Should comply with the don’ts that are stipulated by the Wildlife, Forest and Archaeological Authorities when inside national parks, forests and archaeological sites.
• Should not enter into the wildlife parks without being accompanied by an authorized tracker.
• Do not under any circumstances get out of the vehicle whilst being in a wildlife park.
• Do not feed or provoke animals whilst being inside wildlife parks.
• Do not sound horns of vehicles, talk or make any sharp noises whilst being in a wildlife park.
• Do not switch on mobile phones whilst being in a wildlife park.
• Respect the animals for their privacy and their natural habitat whist being in a wildlife park.
• Should not throw away particles of food etc, or garbage whist being in the wildlife park.
• Do not consume alcohol or alcoholic beverages whilst being inside a national park.
• Do not leave garbage (polythene or similar substance) in a forest, national park or at places of religious worship and archaeological sites etc.