When in Colombo

Guidance on conduct, attire, local customs, and practical things to know during your stay.

DOs

Follow these guidelines to be a respectful and mindful guest in Colombo.

Greet warmly: A smile goes a long way. You may say Ayubowan (Sinhala) or Vanakkam (Tamil). English is widely spoken.
Respect local culture: Sri Lanka is diverse and multicultural. Engage respectfully and treat all individuals with kindness.
Follow traffic rules: Use zebra crossings, follow traffic signals, walk on footpaths, and obey police and BGI instructions.
Cooperate with BGI volunteers as they assist with logistics and flow management.
Park responsibly: Use only designated parking areas. Do not block access roads or gates.
Be courteous on public transport: Ask locals for help if needed and respect public spaces.
Avoid single-use plastics: These are banned in Sri Lanka. Use reusable or eco-friendly alternatives.
Dispose of waste correctly: Segregate waste into the appropriate bins for food, plastic, and paper. Keep all spaces clean.

Please avoid these actions to protect yourself, others, and the community.

Do not walk or gather in large groups outside Waaz Centres, especially on the railway tracks.
Avoid sensitive discussions: Do not discuss religion or politics.
Refrain from sharing on social media: Do not film, record, photograph, or post any Miqaat or venue-related content on public platforms.
Respect privacy: Do not photograph or film individuals without consent. This is prohibited by law.
Do not interact with media: Refer all media queries to the PR Office at srilanka@thedawoodibohras.com.
Do not spit or litter: This is strictly prohibited in public and penalties may apply.

Additional

Dress modestly and appropriately at all times.
Maintain low noise levels, particularly in residential areas and after dark.
Foster goodwill: Engage positively with the local community and respect public property.
Always carry identification and emergency contact details.
Need help? Contact local authorities or visit chat.itshelpline.com.

Practical

English is widely spoken in Colombo and major tourist areas, alongside Sinhala and Tamil.

Sri Lanka has a tropical, humid climate and is prone to unpredictable weather.
Colombo (June–July): Warm (25–31°C) with frequent rain due to the Southwest Monsoon.

In case of a health emergency or danger, contact the following services from any phone:

Service	Number
Emergency Medical & Ambulance	1990
Police Emergency	119
Fire and Rescue	110
Tourist Police	011-2421052
Police Emergency (Landline)	011-2433333
Accident Service — General Hospital Colombo	011-2691111

Useful Sinhala and Tamil phrases to help you get around during your visit.

English	Sinhala	Tamil
How much is this?	මෙක කීයද?(Meka kee-yada?)	இது எவ்வளவு?(Idhu evvalavu?)
Can you help me?	ඔයාට මට උදව් කරන්න පුළුවන්ද?(Oyata mata udav karanna puluvanda?)	எனக்கு உதவ முடியுமா?(Enakku udhava mudiyumaa?)
I don't understand	මට තේරෙන්නේ නැහැ(Mata therenne næhæ)	எனக்கு புரியவில்லை(Enakku puriyavillai)
Do you speak English?	ඔයා ඉංග්‍රීසි කතා කරනවාද?(Oya Ingrisi kata karanawada?)	நீங்கள் English பேசுவீர்களா?(Nīṅkaḷ English pēcuvīrkaḷā?)
What is your name?	ඔයාගේ නම කුමක්ද?(Oyage nama mokakda?)	உங்களது பெயர் என்ன?(Unkalatu peyar enna?)
My name is…	මගේ නම …(Mage nama …)	என் பெயர் …(Eṉ peyar…)

English	Sinhala	Tamil
Where is the bus / train station?	බස්/දුම්රිය නැවතුම කොහේද?(Bus/dumriya nævatuma koheda?)	பஸ்/ரயில் நிலையம் எங்கே?(Pas/rayil nilaiyam eṅkē?)
Left / Right / Straight	වම / දකුණ / කෙලින්ම(Wama / Dakuna / Kelinma)	இடது / வலது / நேராக(Iṭatu / valatu / nērāka)
Stop here	මෙතන නවත්වන්න(Metana navatvanna)	இங்கு நிறுத்துங்கள்(Ingu niruthungal)