Does Sri Lanka currently have a strong mandatory tipping culture?

Sri Lanka does not really have a strict mandatory tipping culture, but it is pretty common and honestly welcomed, especially in tourism and hospitality. A 10% service charge is often already written into the restaurant or hotel bill, yet it is still normal to leave some extra cash too.

For exceptional service, tipping tour guides, private drivers, and safari jeep operators is in practice expected. Small change is also traditionally handed over to bellboys, cleaning staff, and parking attendants, because pay in the service line is usually rather low.