Can I take a selfie with a Sri Lankan Buddha statue?

No, turning your back on a Buddha statue to take a selfie is kind of seen as really disrespectful, and also it’s considered strictly illegal in Sri Lanka. People say it can be a deep offence to local religious feelings, so the authorities can react quickly. This can result in immediate police arrest, heavy fines, or even deportation sometimes.

In Sri Lankan Buddhist culture, images (or statues) of the Buddha are sacred, so you should always look towards the statue as a sign of respect. If you really want a photo of it, just move a little aside and take the shot from the side or a slight angle, so you aren’t standing there with your back directly towards the monument.