to anyone from Sri Lanka

After having completed my first visit to Sri Lanka, I must say that I was pleasantly surprised with your country. The people were extremely friendly and welcoming and it was easy to meet/talk with so many locals from all different walks of life - which was definitely a highlight of the trip. I especially got to meet some nice people while traveling third class on the train.

One lady on the flight to Sri Lanka told me that she was sorry her country did not have a great transportation system like developed countries and asked me to have patience with delays and whatnot. There is no need to apologize for something like that. It was fairly easy to get around by bus/train, and I only experienced a major delay once during my stay. A worker at a temple stopped me from going to the washrooms for locals and pointed out that there were separate washrooms for tourists (I didn't realize that and had already used the washrooms for locals once a bit earlier). I asked him why we couldn't use the same washrooms and he replied that Sri Lankans should use dirty washrooms but tourists should use clean washrooms. Tourists are not above locals. We are all the same, all connected in one way or another.

To the many people who helped (in small ways) to make my trip go smoothly - thank you so much. To the honest tuk tuk drivers I met (and yes there were quite a few) - thank you! But most important - to those who took the time to answer my questions or share your personal stories, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your people are as beautiful as your country, and I already long to return for a second visit.

So true. We just came back from Sri Lanka and loved it too...

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@eco1991

Thank you for your reply. You have no need to apologize for anything. Some level of "discomfort" should be expected when traveling in any country. If people can't deal with that, they shouldn't be traveling (in my opinion).

Actually, I almost feel as if I should be the one to apologize. Wherever I go, I always see tourists (not many, but a few) who are embarrassing. Not dressed as appropriately as they should be, taking photos were they clearly shouldn't, being loud in places where they should be quiet, etc. As a fellow traveler, all of these actions are extremely embarrassing to me. There is no excuse for any kind of disrespectful behavior.

I still haven't visited 20 countries yet, but I now have a new #1 favorite - Sri Lanka it is. Wishing good health and happiness to everyone there.

In some places I think the presence of separate washrooms is partly to justify higher entrance fees for tourists - at least you're getting some extra facilities. Not sure about this particular temple.

It's a wonderful country with lovely people, and I always find that it gets better and better the further you go from the main tourist areas. As you say, tourists themselves can cause problems if they dress and behave inappropriately.

John

@John

Thanks for your comment. Sure, I realized the clean washrooms came with the much higher tourist entrance fees. I just feel that locals deserve clean washrooms as well.

First of all Thank you very much for visiting our country.We are extremely happy that your stay in Sri Lanka.Hope you will come once again soon to visit our Island.
"Ayubowan"

That is really nice thing to hear as a Sri Lankan. Happy to have you here.

I loved Sri Lanka so much too that I went back again within a month of leaving the first time. The people were so fantastic and I made many friends. I'm already planning a third trip back ;)

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