The Sri Lankan subspecies of the tufted grey langur (Semnopithecus priam thersites) inhabits dry zone forests and urban areas. These langurs have brownish-grey fur, black faces framed by whitish fur, and long tails that aid in balance and agility. Semi-arboreal and diurnal, their use of trees is influenced by dominance hierarchy, with the highest-ranking males occupying the safest, highest spots. Primarily herbivorous, they consume leaves, fruits, seeds, bark, and occasionally discarded human food in tourist areas.

Tufted grey langurs exhibit polygynandrous behavior and communicate through various calls, including a loud, cacophonous bark when alarmed by predators. Grooming strengthens social bonds, with dominant males receiving grooming more frequently. Females reach sexual maturity around three years of age and typically give birth to a single infant. Mothers are highly protective, keeping their young in the center of the group for safety.