Business Etiquette in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka often does business with countries such as India and Singapore, and is known for exporting valuable items including emeralds and diamonds. Sri Lanka also depends on imports such as petroleum and textiles--these are just some of the reasons that knowing Sri Lankan business etiquette is essential. Following the courtesies that are expected in an office setting help foster a positive business relationship.
Other People Are Reading
-
Professional Attire
-
It is best for men and women to wear conservative clothing in a business setting in Sri Lanka. Men should wear dark-colored business suits. They should also wear dress shoes that are easy to take off, in case shoes need to be removed before entering a certain room so as to adhere to Buddhist or Muslim customs. Women can wear skirt business suits--sleeveless blouses or extremely form-fitting attire is considered inappropriate. A woman should not show too much of her legs in public, so adopting local dress, such as wearing a sari (a long flowing skirt) is acceptable. Business casual attire, such as slacks, khaki pants and polo shirts, are not to be worn at an initial business meeting, but may be appropriate for subsequent meetings.
Profesional Greetings
-
It is proper etiquette for professionals to shake hands with each other in Sri Lanka. Older professional men will usually give a firm handshake; however, the younger generation of businessmen and women are likely to shake hands lightly. Women will shake hands with each other when meeting, but a man should always wait for a woman to extend her hand in greeting. It is also appropriate Sri Lankan etiquette to shake hands when leaving a business meeting.
-
Business Cards
-
A businessperson should include his title on his business cards; in Sri Lanka, the cards are handed out right after the handshake and initial greeting. Business cards should be presented with both hands, and it is a nice gesture for international colleagues to have one side of the card translated into Sinhala or Tamil, which are the two major languages in Sri Lanka. When receiving a business card, treating the card with respect is essential. It is not appropriate to place the card in a pocket, or to write on the card after receiving it.
Business Meetings
-
International professionals should make time in the beginning of the meeting for small talk, especially at initial meetings, as this is the ideal time to begin building a business relationship. The meeting is often conducted by mid-level professionals, so that the information discussed in the meeting can be taken to the company's senior executives. It is common for the meeting to be interrupted several times so that other business can be discussed--this is not considered rude in Sri Lanka. It will usually take a while to reach final negotiation decisions; terms will not be settled right away unless the decision maker is present at the meeting.
Giving Gifts
-
It is not required to give gifts to Sri Lankan professionals at an initial meeting. However, it is essential that gift recipients always reciprocate the gesture by presenting a gift to the giver. It is not appropriate to give flowers to Sri Lankan professionals, as flowers are only used for mourning in the country. Muslim professionals should not receive alcohol or pork products, and Hindu colleagues should not be given gifts made of leather. Gifts should be given and received with both hands, and Sri Lankan professionals do not open gifts upon receipt.
-
References
- Photo Credit sri lanka flag button image by Andrey Zyk from Fotolia.com
