St. Mary's Church, Ilanthadiya, Sri Lanka

• Cover shoulders and knees. Bring a sarong or scarf; some sites lend or rent a wrap at the entrance.
• Take shoes and hats off before entering. Stone can be scorching by midday — a pair of socks saves your feet at big sites like Anuradhapura.
• Be quiet and unhurried, give way to worshippers, and skip public displays of affection.
• A small donation to the offering box is appreciated but never required.

At a church

• Modest dress; remove hats inside. Many colonial-era churches are working parishes.
• Step in quietly and stay at the back if a service or Mass is underway.

Based on Sri Lanka Tourism visitor guidance and travel-advisory norms. Disrespecting an image of the Buddha is an offence under Sri Lankan law.