Sri Lanka's "Ayubowan" leaves lasting impression on visitors

Niranjan Oinam *

Sri Lanka's "Ayubowan" leaves lasting impression on visitors :: Pix - Chronicle News Service / Niranjan Oinam

The traditional Sri Lankan greeting 'Ayubowan', which translates to "May you live long and be healthy", is not just a customary phrase but a warm expression of hospitality that leaves a lasting impact on visitors. For many tourists, this simple word encapsulates the essence of Sri Lanka's welcoming culture and plays a crucial role in encouraging re-visits to the island nation.

As part of an exposure visit organised by the All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU), under the sponsorship of the Directorate of Information and Public Relations, a 22-member delegation led by AMWJU president Kakchingtabam Bijoy experienced this first-hand during a recent trip to Sri Lanka.

We departed Imphal on March 25 and landed at Colombo Airport, where we were warmly welcomed by our tour guide Sanjeewa Ambagahawattage with the iconic greeting 'Ayubowan' . Sanjeewa explained the cultural and emotional significance of the greeting, which goes beyond a simple welcome - it symbolises well-wishes, respect, and positive energy, making tourists feel valued and at home.

Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is located in the Indian Ocean and separated from the Indian Peninsula by the Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar. With an area of 65,610 square kilometres and a population of around 23 million, it is about 50 times smaller in size and 60 times less populated than India.

Influenced by Portuguese and Dutch colonial powers in the 16th century, the country later came under British rule for nearly 150'years before gaining independence on February 4, 1948 . It is now divided into nine provinces, with its legislative capital at Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte and executive and judicial capital in Colombo, both located in the Western Province.

Tourism remains one of Sri Lanka's top revenue sources, alongside tea exports, textiles, garments, rice and other agricultural products, and foreign exchange. Notably, it is the fourth-largest tea exporter in the world. Sri Lanka is often referred to as the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean' for its natural beauty, rich wildlife, cultural heritage, and ancient cities.

The country boasts numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including scenic beaches, historic temples, and high-value gem industries that attract tourists from across the globe. In 2024 alone, Sri Lanka welcomed two million foreign tourists.

Over the five-day visit, the AMWJU team explored a variety of these attractions, starting with a trip to the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Cave, also known as The Lion Rock or Sin-hagiri. Said to be the palace of the legendary King Ravana Dashagriva of the Ramayana, the site left a deep impression on the team.

We also visited the Sri Dalada Maligawa, or The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, where a tooth of Gautam Buddha is enshrined and worshipped. Other stops included the Geragama Tea Factory, which dates back to the British era, Amit Gems Private Limited's factory, and the Oak Ray Isiwara Ayurvedic Village, renowned for its herbal and ayurvedic products.

About two and a half days of the tour were dedicated to exploring interior villages, with the remainder spent in urban areas. We observed several aspects that Manipur could learn from. Roads were free of potholes and dust, greenery was abundant, and buildings were constructed in harmony with the environment.

Public playgrounds were common even in smaller areas, and municipality workers were visibly active in maintaining cleanliness. The overall cityscapes were remarkably tidy. One notable contrast with India was the absence of a VIP culture. We stayed two nights at Morven Hotel in Colombo, just 150 metres from the Sri Lankan Prime Minister's official residence.

Surprisingly, security presence was minimal, with only a couple of guards at the gate and no disruptions to public movement or traffic. There were no VIP convoys halting roads or armed personnel creating barriers, reflecting a more people-friendly administrative approach.

Another eye-opening feature was Sri Lanka's emergency response system. According to the guide, ev ery police station is equipped with an ambulance, allowing for swift response to accidents or medical emergencies. The average response time is just seven minutes, which ensures that victims receive timely care without waiting for hospital services.

We were also impressed by the country's commitment to preserving its monuments, museums, traditions, and culture - all crucial factors in sustaining tourism. Importantly, we experienced no incidents of crime during our stay and noted that violent crimes against tourists are rare in Sri Lanka.

The warmth and sincerity with which locals interact with visitors further enhances the country's image. On the first day, after visiting Sigiriya, we stayed overnight at Camellia Resort & Spa Pvt Ltd, where we encountered many foreign tourists. During breakfast the next morning, I had a casual yet enlightening conversation with an elderly foreign couple.

When asked why they chose to visit Sri Lanka, the woman replied with a radiant smile, "I came for Ayubowan" . She shared that they first visited the country in 2023 and were so enchanted by the word and its meaning that they returned, believing that hearing it would bring them health and longevity.

She added that they intended to visit again in the coming years. The encounter highlighted how a simple word, when used with sincerity, can create a deep emotional connection with visitors.

For Manipur, where tourism has untapped potential, Sri Lanka's model of hospitality, cleanliness, infrastructure, and administrative efficiency could serve as an inspiration. And perhaps, finding our own version of "Ayubowan" might just be the beginning.