MY TABOO TATTOO

My boyfriend and I would like to go to Sri Lanka in December. He has a large Buddha tattoo on his arm and I’ve heard this will be frowned upon there. How serious is it? — Dominique

About 70% of Sri Lanka’s 21 million people are Buddhist and the religion is accorded “foremost place” in the constitution. While there is no specific law banning Buddha tattoos, the authorities take very seriously any perceived insults to Buddha, and there have been several cases in recent years of tourists getting into trouble for such tattoos.

In 2014, a British woman was arrested at the airport in Colombo and held for three days before she was deported — because of a tattoo. She took legal action, largely over the treatment she received in custody, and won 800 000 rupees — about R72 000 — last year. The country’s Supreme Court said there was “no legal basis” for her arrest.

While the tattoo may not be technically illegal, your best plan of action would be to make every effort to be respectful. Your boyfriend could, for example, try to keep it covered, especially in places where it may be seen as particularly offensive, such as when visiting temples, which tourists love to do.

Some other things to remember in temples: cover your arms and legs (tattooed or not), take off your shoes and hat, and bow your head when you enter. It’s also considered offensive to point your feet or fingers at the Buddha statue. If there are “no photo” signs, obey them, and definitely no Buddha selfies (turning your back on the statue is a double disrespect).

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