Staying Safe in Sri Lanka
Local Laws
When you're in Sri Lanka, it's good to know that the local laws and customs tend to be quite traditional. You'll find that things like sunbathing nude or topless are against the law. Even wearing a bikini might raise eyebrows in public spots that aren't right on the main tourist beaches.
If you plan to visit any religious sites, it's important to dress modestly, making sure your shoulders and legs are covered. You'll also need to take off your shoes and hat before entering. Please be very respectful of Buddhist images; it's a serious offense to mistreat them, so avoid things like posing with your back to Buddha statues or wearing clothes that feature Buddhist symbols.
Public displays of affection aren't really the norm here. It's also worth noting that same-sex relations are illegal, a law that's been in place since colonial times, so it's best to be discreet. The legal age for drinking alcohol is 21, and you generally can't drink or smoke in most public areas.
On Poya days, which happen once a month to celebrate the full moon, you won't be able to buy or sell alcohol or fresh meat. It's also against the law to take photos or videos inside High-Security Zones (HSZs), which can include military areas and some government buildings. These zones aren't always clearly marked, so it's wise to be aware.
Always keep your official photo ID with you, as you could be detained if you can't produce it. When you're giving or receiving things, or even shaking hands, it's customary to use your right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean.
LGBTQ+ Travellers
Sri Lanka presents a nuanced environment for LGBTQ+ travelers. While colonial-era laws technically criminalize same-sex sexual activity, these are rarely enforced, and recent Supreme Court rulings and government commitments indicate a shift towards decriminalization. Socially, Sri Lanka is conservative, particularly in rural areas, so discretion regarding public displays of affection is advisable for all couples. However, the tourism industry and many locals are welcoming and hospitable to foreign visitors.
Scams
When visiting Sri Lanka, it's good to be aware that some travelers have run into a few tricky situations. You might find that some tuk-tuk drivers try to charge more than they should, sometimes avoiding the meter or taking a longer way to your destination.
You could also come across people offering to be guides who might push you to buy souvenirs at inflated prices or steer you towards specific shops. There are also gemstone scams where you might be offered lower-quality or fake gems sold at a premium.
Keep an eye out for a scam where someone might "accidentally" get something on your clothes, then offer to help clean it, all while trying to pick your pocket. Other things to watch out for include individuals posing as monks asking for donations, credit card charges that are higher than they should be, and invitations for drinks that end up with a surprisingly large bill.
Even some of the famous stilt fishermen might ask for payment if you want to take their picture. And if someone asks you to take a photo of them, be careful, as they might pretend to drop their camera and then try to blame you for damage to get money.
Crime
While it's very uncommon for tourists to experience violent crime in Sri Lanka, most incidents tend to happen within local communities, often between rival groups. You're more likely to encounter petty theft, like pickpocketing or having your bag or phone snatched, especially in busy places such as markets, bus terminals, and train stations.
We have seen some reports suggesting a rise in sexual harassment and attacks targeting female visitors, particularly in the southern beach resort areas and when using public transportation. It's also worth being aware of credit card fraud, which can happen both in shops and when shopping online.
