Warning To Brits: British Foreign Ministry Updated Travel Advice On Sri Lanka
April 14, 2014
Safety and security
Crime
Credit card fraud is the most common type of crime affecting visitors. Use cash wherever possible and only use ATMs attached to banks or major hotels. Don’t lose sight of your credit card if you use it. Some travellers experience problems using their cards on arrival in Sri Lanka when their banks’ automated fraud protection system blocks transactions. It may be possible to avoid this by informing your bank in advance of your intended travel arrangements. There are plenty of money-changers in tourist areas if you want to change cash.
Foreign secretary William Hague
Violent crimes against foreigners are infrequent, although there have been an increasing number of reports of sexual offences including on minors. When travelling around Sri Lanka, you should make arrangements through reputable travel companies and take care.Women should take particular care when travelling alone or in small groups, and carry a personal alarm.
There have been reports of thefts from hotels and guesthouses. You should take precautions to safeguard your valuables, especially passports and money.
Organised and armed gangs are known to operate in Sri Lanka and have been responsible for targeted kidnappings and violence. While there is no evidence to suggest that British nationals are at particular risk, gangs have been known to operate in tourist areas. A British national was killed during a violent attack by a gang in a tourist resort in December 2011.
The Sri Lankan justice system can be slower than in the UK. There are currently a number of outstanding cases of crimes against British Nationals which have yet to reach trial.
Disputes between market traders and street hawkers can sometimes become violent. In 2010, an explosive device injured a number of people following a dispute in Pettah, Colombo.
There have been reports of drinks being spiked with drugs in bars and restaurants in southern beach resorts. Be careful about taking drinks from strangers at bars and restaurants, and don’t leave drinks unattended.
