New Zealand woman tourist shares harassment experience in Sri Lanka: Why caution matters while visiting the island nation

In a shocking incident, a New Zealand female tourist on a solo trip across Sri Lanka in an autorickshaw was harassed by a local man recently. Recounting her harrowing experience, the woman said that the man followed her on a scooter and invited her for sex. When she refused, the man exposed himself. The woman quickly drove away and later expressed how shocked and distressed she was. 

“On the fourth day, a man was driving a scooter in front of me, and he would continually slow down. So, I’d have to pass him, and then he would speed up and pass me again. The first time I smiled at him and after that I kept ignoring him. He turned off, and I thought I’d lost him until I pulled over to have a small rest and drink, and he appeared again. He got off his scooter and came to talk to me. There was a bit of a language barrier. But he seemed friendly, so I let him try to talk to me. But it quickly turned uncomfortable, and he asked where I was staying, and I knew where it was going. I wish I had reacted more firmly but I was just in shock. After I said no, he had the audacity to expose himself to me like that,” the woman says in the video. 

In the video, the man is seen asking for sex and then exposing himself. Meanwhile, the woman, visibly shaken, quickly drove away. After the video went viral, the police arrested the 23-year-old man. 

Is Sri Lanka safe for solo travel?
According to the US State Department, tourists should exercise caution while travelling in Sri Lanka due to "civil unrest, terrorism and landmines. It also advises avoiding public buses, stating that there is a high risk of theft and harassment. "Be careful with strangers appearing friendly and offering unsolicited tours or services," the website says. The site also cautions that sexual harassment is widespread in the country and women often report catcalling and physical harassment on public transportation and crowded areas. 

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) also says that women often report physical and verbal harassment from men in the country, "ranging from sexually suggestive or lewd comments to physical advances and sexual assaults." On the official Sri Lanka Tourism Department page too, they admit that "On the beaches and tourist centres, some women have experienced harassment from local men. Sri Lanka's society is conservative, and many Sri Lankans will judge ladies by their dress style.  The short skirt and figure-hugging blouse are considered to be worn by someone who has loose morals.  The short skirt and figure-hugging blouse are considered to be worn by someone who has loose morals." 

At the same time, many tourists have also shared positive experiences of exploring the island nation. Reflecting on the incident, the New Zealand woman tourist also opined that it was an isolated incident and not a reflection of the entire country. She even noted that the local people were among the kindest and most generous she had ever encountered. The country also offers emergency services via various phone numbers to tourists. Find the numbers here.