Camera rules for photographing ancient ruins and culture temples
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Yes, very strict rules. 1. Turn your flash OFF inside caves like Dambulla; it damages the ancient pigments. 2. NEVER take a photo posing with your back turned to a Buddha statue, even if it is a ruined piece of stone. 3. Do not climb on the brick foundations to get a better angle. 4. Drones are strictly prohibited over cultural sites without Ministry of Defence clearance.
Tripods are generally okay in open areas like Polonnaruwa, but not inside narrow cave temples.
Always ask permission before photographing a monk. A polite smile and pointing to your camera usually gets a nod.
If a guard asks to check your camera reel, comply politely. They are just looking for disrespectful poses.
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