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The ethnic composition consists of the main races Sinhalese, Tamil & Muslims, and greetings tend to differ between the three. The Sinhalese greeting is 'Ayubowan' with the hands pressed together at chest level. Tamils tend to greet with 'Wanakkam' and Muslims greet with the usual 'Asalam Wallekkum'. Ratio wise, the Sinhalese consist of 82% of the population. Therefore the most commonly used is 'Ayubowan' and is widely accepted as the Sri Lankan greeting. 'Wannakkam' is also widely used next to 'Ayubowan', especially when talking to a Tamil person.
Men greeting Men - Light handshakes are common with members of the younger generation in most business situations.
Women greeting Women - Light handshakes are common with members of the younger generation in most business situations.
Greeting between Men & Women - In business and formal situations, light handshakes are common, but it is best for men to wait to see if the woman extends her hand first, if at all. Many women will refrain from having physical contact with men who they are not related to when in public.
Hugs and kisses as a form of greeting should be avoided.
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