A rise in nationalism and unsafe environment for women and children in addition to financial crises in investments made in Colombo have raised alarms on whether Sri Lanka has become safe as a destination to visit. These concerns were brought to light through the UK and Australian travel advisories issued recently. The tourism industry that [...]

The Sundaytimes Sri Lanka

Nationalism, abuse and security risks alarm British, Australian travellers

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A rise in nationalism and unsafe environment for women and children in addition to financial crises in investments made in Colombo have raised alarms on whether Sri Lanka has become safe as a destination to visit. These concerns were brought to light through the UK and Australian travel advisories issued recently.

The tourism industry that was just reviving after it ended in 2009 picked up to reach over 1.2 million visitors just last year, however, the situation has turned grave in the light of general security risks added to heightened nationalism among the local majority population in the country, the advisories pointed out.

“Since the end of the military conflict in May 2009, there has been an increase in nationalism including at times anti-western rhetoric. In the past, there have been protests against the British High Commission and other diplomatic premises,” the British travel advisory stated recently. This advisory was updated on April 11.

The advisory also warned against “an increasing number of reports of sexual offences including on minors.” In this regard, the British were asked to travel with reputable travel companies or in small groups.

In addition, it was pointed out that organized and armed gangs operated in the country and particularly in the tourist areas. The killing of a British national during a violent attack by a gang in December 2011 was also spotlighted.

The UK also referred to the credit card frauds in the country and warned their nationals to use cash wherever possible and only use ATMs available at banks and hotels.

Moreover, it was stated, “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.”

Reports of spiking drinks was another area of concern raised in this travel advisory that pointed out it could be carried out with

drugs in bars and restaurants in southern beach resorts.

Lack of adequate safety measures for surfing on the beaches have also become an issue as it was pointed out that a number of foreign national have drowned, the advisory stated. Australia in its travel advisory stated, “We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Sri Lanka at this time because of the unpredictable security environment.”

In fact, authorities there have classified Sri Lanka as a country where travellers need to “Exercise a high degree of caution.” The Australian advisory had been updated on April 9 this year.

Tourism industry officials were not available for comment due to the holidays.

UK travellers are among the highest arrivals to the country.

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