What does the traditional greeting ‘Ayubowan’ directly translate to?

The traditional Sinhalese greeting “Ayubowan” basically means “May you live a long life and be blessed”. You say it while pressing your palms together in front of your chest, in a prayer-like gesture, and then there is a soft bow of the head.

People use this same greeting for both hello and goodbye, so it works as a welcome and also a farewell, depending on the moment. In Sri Lanka, it is the most courteous and culturally praised way to acknowledge someone, no matter their social position. When talking with Tamil communities in the north and east of the island, the matching greeting is “Vanakkam”, and it brings a very similar feeling of deep respect with a warm reception.