Do they speak English in Sri Lanka? + Helpful Phrases

Wondering if they speak English in Sri Lanka? This guide tells you everything you need to know about the languages spoken across the country, and some handy phrases to help you get by.

At the start of this year I spent 3 incredible weeks in Sri Lank a, travelling through lush countryside, coastal towns and bustling cities.

If you’re also planning a trip, you might be wondering “do they speak English in Sri Lanka?”

This article will reveal all, including the official languages spoken across the country, and some useful phrases to help you on your trip.

Do they speak English in Sri Lanka?

Yes, they speak English in Sri Lanka – it’s recognised as a link language, alongside the two official languages of Sri Lanka – Sinhala and Tamil.

There’s 22 million people in Sri Lanka, and around 5.7 million of them speak English. You’ll find more English speakers in larger towns like Colombo, Kandy, and Galle, and less in more rural areas.

So will you need to speak English on your trip to Sri Lanka? That depends on what part of the country you’re visiting (more on that later), but you should learn some basic phrases no matter where you’re going.

What language is most commonly spoken in
Sri Lanka?

Sinhala is the most commonly spoken language in Sri Lanka – the language of the Sinhalese people, who make up about 74% of the population.

Tamil is the second most spoken language in the country, primarily by the Tamil group of people, comprising around 15% of the population.

English is also widely used, particularly in urban areas and in official and business contexts.

Where do they speak English in Sri Lanka?

In larger towns like Colombo, Kandy, and Galle, you’ll find a higher concentration of English speakers.

Hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions in these areas are well-equipped to cater to English-speaking travellers, making navigation and communication relatively smooth.

As you head into more rural parts of the country, Sinhala and Tamil will be more commonly spoken, so make sure you’ve brushed up on a few key phrases to help you get by.

A brief history behind the languages in Sri Lanka

In order to fully understand the different languages spoken in Sri Lanka, it’s important to reflect on the complex history of the country.

Sinhala

Sinhala is an Indo-Aryan language closely related to other languages spoken in the Indian subcontinent, such as Hindi, Bengali, and Gujarati.

The origins of Sinhala can be traced back to the arrival of Indo-Aryan settlers in Sri Lanka around 2,500 years ago. These settlers, known as the Sinhalese, migrated from northern India and settled in the island’s northwestern regions.

Over time, their language evolved and developed into what is now known as Sinhala.

Tamil

Tamil-speaking people are believed to have migrated to Sri Lanka from South India as early as the prehistoric period.

Archaeological evidence, such as Tamil Brahmi inscriptions found in various parts of the island, suggests the presence of Tamil-speaking communities in ancient Sri Lanka.

During the ancient and medieval periods, several Tamil kingdoms, such as the Kingdom of Jaffna in the north and the Kingdom of Batticaloa in the east, flourished in Sri Lanka.

These kingdoms engaged in trade and cultural exchanges with South India, contributing to the spread of Tamil language and culture on the island.

The 20th century saw tensions and conflicts between the Sinhalese and Tamil communities in Sri Lanka, leading to the Sri Lankan Civil War, which lasted from 1983 to 2009. Language and cultural identity played significant roles in this conflict, with both Sinhala and Tamil languages being important symbols of ethnic identity and political struggle.

ENGLISH

The English language was introduced to Sri Lanka during the period of British colonial rule in the late 18th century.

The British aimed to create a local administrative class that could assist in governing the colony. To achieve this, they established English-medium schools and colleges.

These institutions were primarily accessible to the elite and those who were part of the colonial administration, thereby creating a class of English-educated Sri Lankans.

How many languages do they speak in Sri Lanka?

There’s 3 official languages in Sri Lanka – Sinhala, Tamil and English, but other languages are spoken amongst smaller communities and indigenous groups.

What other languages do they speak in Sri Lanka?

In addition to Tamil and Sinhala, Sri Lanka is home to several smaller languages spoken by various ethnic and indigenous groups. These include:

Vedda Language: Spoken by the Vedda people, the indigenous community of Sri Lanka. This language has its own unique linguistic characteristics, although it has been heavily influenced by Sinhala and Tamil due to close contact with these communities.
Sri Lankan Malay: A creole language spoken by the Sri Lankan Malay community, which has its roots in the Malay archipelago. This language developed during the periods of Dutch and British colonization when Malays were brought to Sri Lanka as soldiers, exiles, and laborers.
Sri Lankan Portuguese Creole: Once spoken widely during the Portuguese colonial period, this creole language has now largely fallen out of use but may still be found in some mixed communities.

Tips for navigating language barriers

While English can get you far in Sri Lanka, embracing the local languages will give you a much richer travel experience.

Here’s some tips to navigate any language barriers you might encounter:

Learn basic phrases: Familiarising yourself with basic Sinhala or Tamil phrases shows respect for the local culture and can help break the ice with locals. Simple greetings, thank-yous, and numbers can go a long way.
Use technology: Language translation apps are really useful for communication in more remote areas or when dealing with complex matters.
Body language: Never underestimate the power of non-verbal communication. A smile or a nod can convey much more than words at times, bridging gaps where language falls short.

Words and phrases for your trip to Sri Lanka

Here’s a mix of useful Sinhala phrases (since Sinhala is more widely spoken across the island).

Hello: Ayubowan
Yes: “Ow”
No: “Næ”
Please: Karunakarala
Thank you: Bohoma Sthuthi
I don’t understand – Mata Therinneh Nah
Sorry/Excuse me: Samāvenna

So, do they speak English in Sri Lanka?

Do they speak English in Sri Lanka? Yes, it’s spoken across the country, so some people you meet will speak English.

Although English recognised as an official language in Sri Lanka, you shouldn’t rely on, everyone you meet being able to speak English.

It’s a good idea to learn a few basic phrases before your trip. Putting the effort in to learn how to say hello, thank you and good bye, will show the locals that you respect their culture and want to make an effort.

Do they speak English in Sri Lanka? FAQs

What language is mostly spoken in Sri Lanka?

Sinhala is the most widely spoken language in Sri Lanka, serving as the mother tongue for the majority Sinhalese population. Tamil is also widely spoken, particularly by the Tamil group of people. English is used as a link language, especially in government, business, and education.

Is Sri Lanka a non English speaking country?

Although the main languages in Sri Lanka are Sinhala and Tamil, English is widely used as a second language, especially in business, education, and tourism, serving as a link language among different groups of people. Around 5.7million people in Sri Lanka speak English.

Is English taught in Sri Lanka?

Yes, English is taught in Sri Lanka across all levels of education, from primary schools to universities. It is considered a compulsory subject in many schools and is widely recognized for its importance in global communication, higher education, and professional opportunities, making it a key component of the educational system.