Sinhala & Tamil

In Sri Lanka, they have two official languages. Sinhala, spoken by 75% of the population, dominates the southern, western, and central regions of the island. On the other hand, Tamil is spoken by 25% of Sri Lankans and is almost exclusively spoken in the northern and eastern parts. But, how do you decide which language to use?

If you find yourself in the Southern, Western, and Central Regions, embracing Sinhala will be your key to effective communication. This is also where you’ll find our Kima Surf camps, located in the breathtaking landscapes of Weligama and Hirikiteya. The majority of the population here speaks Sinhala, so Sinhala is the language to speak!

In contrast, when venturing into the northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka, where Tamil holds sway, using a few Tamil phrases will help you.

Additionally, you can spot the differences in the way people dress. In Sinhala culture, women wear sarees, while men choose kurtas with sarongs, combined with traditional handmade jewellery. The traditional dress of Tamil Women is a saree and the men wear a shirt and Veshti paired with Ann angavastram (a shawl draped over their shoulders). These different clothing styles show the unique vibe of both communities.

Luckily, English is widely spoken, making communication easy for travellers. However, the local people genuinely appreciate it when tourists make an effort to speak a few words of their native language! It will also provide more insight into the local customs, beliefs, and traditions. In this blog, we’ll cover the basics of Sinhalese since it’s the most common language in Sri Lanka. Don't worry if you're not fluent; a few basic phrases and your showing effort will help you go a long way in opening hearts and creating smiles on the locals.