3 Answers from travellers
✓Accepted Answer
45
Formal: 'oyaa' (formal you), addresses like 'Ayya' (older brother/elder man), 'Akka' (elder sister), 'Aunty' or 'Uncle' (English adopted for older strangers). Informal: 'oyaa' still, but with casual context; 'thoo' is extremely rude — never use.
45
K
Kanchana W.•2830 rep•125
22
Practical: default to formal (add 'sir/madam' in English or use Ayya/Akka), safe with all Sri Lankans. Kids typically 'putha' (son) or 'duva' (daughter). Elders love being called Aunty/Uncle by young travelers.
22
R
Roshan D.•10160 rep•1You must be logged in to post an answer.
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