Ayubowan
(ආයුබෝවන්) is the traditional and most common greeting in Sri Lanka, meaning "May you live long" . It is a versatile wish for a long, healthy, and happy life that can be used at any time of the day or night . Cultural Etiquette & Usage
: Several highly-rated agencies, such as Ayubowan Tours & Travels and Ayubowan Deep Tours , use the name to signal traditional hospitality . Ayubowan
: When greeting a superior, the hands are often held higher, towards the forehead . : When greeting a superior, the hands are
: You will likely hear it the moment you board SriLankan Airlines or enter a hotel like the Water Garden Sigiriya . : Popular spots like The Ayubowan Guesthouse in
The word is ubiquitous across Sri Lanka and frequently appears in tourism-related businesses:
: It is typically accompanied by the Anjali Mudra —placing your palms together in front of the chest in a prayer-like position and bowing your head slightly .
: Popular spots like The Ayubowan Guesthouse in Negombo are common "first stops" for travelers arriving from the airport .