We have selected what we believe to be the key points that you should be aware of when travelling in Sri Lanka.
Gap 360 follows advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and we recommend that you frequently check the FCDO for updated travel advice. You can find the website here: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-officeany medical treatment abroad or repatriation costs.
Political situation
Avoid political gatherings, spontaneous large gatherings or political rallies when in Sri Lanka, as rallies have occasionally turned violent. Follow the local news in case restrictions or a curfew are put in place. Avoid military bases and buildings in particular, as these have been a frequent target of attacks and high security is now in place in many districts in the north and east of Sri Lanka.
So far, no protests have been directed at the British community but travellers should remain vigilant and avoid demonstrations. You should also carry a form of official photographic identification with you at all times.
Crime
The most common type of crime affecting visitors to Sri Lanka is credit card fraud, so you should use cash wherever possible and only use ATMs attached to banks or major hotels. Don’t lose sight of your credit card. You may experience problems using your cards in Sri Lanka if your banks’ automated fraud protection system blocks transactions, but you may be able to avoid this by informing your bank in advance of your planned travel arrangements. It is easy to change cash in tourist areas. Thefts from hotels and guesthouses do happen, so take measures to safeguard your valuables, especially passports and money.
There is a low rate of violent crimes reported against foreigners, but there have been reports of sexual offences including on minors. Only use reputable travel companies and take care, particularly when travelling alone or in small groups, with women advised to be especially vigilant. Women are also advised to carry a personal alarm.
Sri Lanka does have some organised and armed gangs operating, who have been responsible for targeted kidnappings and violence. There is no evidence to suggest that British nationals are at particular risk, but these gangs may sometimes operate in tourist areas and in 2011 a British national was killed during a violent gang attack in a tourist resort.
Disputes between market traders and street hawkers can result in violent altercations; for example, in 2010, an explosive device injured a number of people following a dispute in Pettah, Colombo.
There are currently a number of crime cases pending against British Nationals which have yet to reach trial, as the Sri Lankan justice system can be slower than in the UK.
Be wary of taking drinks from strangers and never leave your drinks unattended. There have been reports of drinks being spiked with drugs in southern beach resort bars and restaurants.
Local travel advice
When in the East of Sri Lanka, be aware that there are ongoing demining, weapons and ordnance clearance and resettlement operations in parts of Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Ampara Districts. Always obey security forces’ orders, keep an eye out for signs warning of landmines and don’t leave established roads or cleared footpaths. If you have any doubts or questions about the safety of the area, seek advice from the local security authorities.
In you are visiting the South of the country, please note that only ‘Block One’ of Yala National Park (also known as Ruhuna National Park) is accessible to the public. Use a reputable tour company if you plan on visiting the park.
Road travel
Many Sri Lankan roads, especially when you are outside the major towns and cities, are in a poor state of disrepair. Driving is erratic and road accidents are common, especially at night. Pedestrians and animals may appear without warning in the road, and vehicles often don’t stop at pedestrian crossings. If you are involved in a road accident, stay with your vehicle as long as it is safe. Report to the local police station if you feel unsafe or threatened.
We do not recommend hiring motorbikes, scooters, ATV vehicles, quad bikes or other types of motorised vehicles whilst abroad. Safety and quality of vehicles vary considerably and the traffic conditions can be much more dangerous than what UK travellers are used to. Should you wish to go against this advice, you should ensure you are hiring from a reputable company and that your travel insurance covers you for such activities.
Some parts of Sri Lanka still have security checkpoints and roadblocks and you should take care when passing through them. Always obey the instructions of the police or army on duty, as there have been reports of security forces opening fire on vehicles that don’t stop when asked. Roads around Government and military sites in Colombo are regularly closed for security reasons (e.g. VIP convoys).
Buses are often poorly maintained and are notorious for driving fast and rarely giving way, leading to a number of serious bus accidents in recent years. Riding a motorbike is also a particularly dangerous mode of transport in Sri Lanka.
Taxi travel in Sri Lanka is inexpensive and motorised rickshaws (tuk-tuks) are available for hire in most towns and villages. You should use one with a working meter or agree a price before you set off. Travelling by tuk-tuk is generally safe, but some female travellers have reported harassment when travelling alone at night. If you have any concerns about the driver or standard of driving, use a different rickshaw.
Terrorism
Sri Lanka has an underlying threat from terrorism, with attacks often indiscriminate, and reported incidents in places frequented by expatriate and foreign travellers.
Stay vigilant and avoid military areas and High Security Zones. You should carry formal photographic identification with you at all times and you must stop and show your ID if asked to do so. The Sri Lankan Prevention of Terrorism Act permits prolonged detention without charge or trial for terrorist offences. If you are detained, you should ask the authorities to contact the British High Commission.
Swimming
At certain times of the year, many of Sri Lanka’s beaches have dangerous surf or rip tides. A number of foreign nationals have drowned, so always follow local advice before going into the sea.
Natural Disasters
Tropical cyclones can occur in Sri Lanka, and the regular monsoon rains can bring short-lived but rapid flooding in many areas, causing injury, displacement and death.
Money
It is not possible to exchange Scottish or Northern Irish bank notes in Sri Lanka. You can make Visa and Mastercard cash withdrawals at most major banks, and ATMs are available in major towns and cities (although not all of them accept international cards).
Health
Medical facilities, particularly outside Colombo, are not always up to UK standards and emergency medical treatment is not easily available outside large cities so you may have to be treated in Colombo. Private hospital treatment can be expensive and emergency repatriation to the UK or neighbouring countries is limited and expensive. You should ensure that you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad or repatriation costs.