Travel Advisory

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise increased caution in Sri Lanka due to civil unrest and terrorism. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.

The Institute for Economics & Peace Global Peace Index 2023 ranks Sri Lanka 107 out of 163 worldwide, rating the Sri Lanka as being at a Medium state of peace.

Crime Environment

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Colombo as being a MEDIUM-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Sri Lanka.

The crime emergency line in Sri Lanka is 119. An additional police emergency line for Colombo is (94) 11-243-3333. Review the U.S. Department of State’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.

Crime: General Threat

Most crimes against U.S. citizens continue to be petty crime and crimes of opportunity (e.g., pickpocketing, hotel room thefts, and fraud). There is some organized criminal activity, which can involve drug-related crimes and gang-on-gang violence, but these events do not tend to involve foreign travelers.

Use cash for routine transactions when possible. Even if one has a Sri Lankan residency card, there have been reports that individuals who appear Western or foreign will be asked to pay in their foreign currency exclusively, a choice that may not be available unless an individual recently arrived in Sri Lanka with a reserve of foreign cash. There are occasional reports of credit card fraud, which is a persistent threat. Authorities have arrested foreign nationals and organized groups for complicity in financial crimes. Avoid situations where your card is removed from your view. There have been reports of employees at reputable businesses (e.g., restaurants, chain grocery stores) wearing data skimming devices in their clothing and scanning a victim’s credit card or using other methods to steal credit card information. ATM skimming is also a threat. If you use an ATM, be on the lookout for skimming devices. Cover keypads with your hand.

Sexual harassment is pervasive. Both foreigners and locals, more commonly women, report instances of cat calls and physical harassment (grabbing of body parts) while in crowded areas and/or public transportation.

The Global Organized Crime Index is a tool designed to measure levels of organized crime in a given country and assess its resilience to organized criminal activity. The most recent index ranks Sri Lanka 103 out of 193 worldwide for criminality, with 1 being the worst possible ranking; and 151 out of 193 worldwide for resilience, with 1 being the best possible ranking.

Crime: Areas of Concern

There are no particular areas in Colombo that are known to have especially high rates of crime. Street hustlers are common around popular hotels, shopping areas, and other tourist sites. There are occasional reports of snatch and grab theft of purses or jewelry owned by tourists, but no recent reports of armed robberies. The U.S. Embassy has not recorded any recent reports of armed robberies of tourists.

Beware of tuk-tuk or taxi drivers offering “special” tours or access to festivals or gem shops. This common scam often results in tourists being heavily pressured to buy “gems” that are either cut glass or are worth much less than the price being asked. The U.S. Embassy has also warned female travelers of instances of sexual harassment by tuk-tuk drivers. Likely due to Sri Lanka’s economic situation, there is a scam in which a tuk-tuk driver charges your ride using an app on their phone, claiming the meter is broken. Then, when you get close to the destination, the phone either slips down or the app closes, and they charge a much higher amount than the routine cost. If a tuk-tuk does not have a meter, agree on a price before beginning the ride, and try to have the correct amount of cash so you do not need change. Surf schools are known to run scams where they claim renters damaged their boards and demand exorbitant prices to repair the damage.

Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, and Taking Credit.

Kidnapping Threat

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Sri Lanka. Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips.

Kidnappings occur infrequently, and if they do, they occur mainly within the local community. The motive is usually political or business-related. Victims and their families have blamed kidnappings on security services (extrajudicial detentions/arrests, often called “white van kidnappings”). The U.S. Embassy is not aware of any kidnappings involving U.S. citizens in Sri Lanka.

Drug Crime

Sri Lanka has an increasing drug problem. As result of the country’s strategic location on maritime and aviation shipping routes, Colombo has become a hub for international drug trafficking. Sri Lanka is not a significant producer of narcotics or precursor chemicals, but it is playing an increasing role as a transshipment route for heroin from Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and other locations. While international drug trafficking does not affect typical life much in Colombo, narcotics are one of the highest priorities of the law enforcement and military. Several large heroin seizures occurred in Sri Lanka in 2019 and 2021. Sri Lanka Police continue to make maritime and land seizures of heroin and methamphetamine. Officials are also addressing a modest upsurge in consumption of heroin, cannabis, and ecstasy in the past few years.

The government remains committed to targeting drug traffickers and implementing nationwide demand-reduction programs. The former President announced in 2019 that Sri Lanka would reinstate the death penalty for drug crimes, but this policy has not yet been implemented.

In 2020, Sri Lanka had more than 97,000 drug-related arrests, 53% of which were for heroin and 42% for cannabis. Between December 2023 and mid-January 2024, an anti-narcotics campaign in the country detained more than 35,000 people.

Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Sri Lanka are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Consult with the CIA World Factbook’s section on Illicit Drugs for Sri Lanka-specific information.

Terrorism Environment

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Colombo as being a MEDIUM-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

The U.S. Department of State has included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Sri Lanka, indicating that terrorist attacks have occurred and/or specific threats against civilians, groups, or other targets may exist. Review the latest U.S. Department of State Country Report on Terrorism for Sri Lanka.

The Institute for Economics & Peace Global Terrorism Index 2024 ranks Sri Lanka 33 out of 163 worldwide, rating the Sri Lanka as having a Low impact from terrorism.

Terrorism: General Threat

The last terrorist attack in Sri Lanka occurred on April 21, 2019, when terrorists carried out coordinated bombings of hotels and churches in Colombo and Batticaloa, killing more than 250 people and injuring more than 500 more. The terrorists were Sri Lankan nationals associated with the Islamist groups National Thowheeth Jama’ath and Jamathei Millathu Ibraheem. Authorities believe that all the perpetrators of the attack are dead or have been captured. The President declared a state of emergency that lasted until August 2019, during which there was a significant increase in police and military presence throughout the country. Many large hotels and shopping areas increased their physical security presence in response to the bombings and security screening of guests and bags has become standard in many locations. Sri Lanka continues to be a potential target for Islamic extremists.

The threat from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE, or Tamil Tigers) is currently minimal. There have been no LTTE terrorist attacks since 2009. The civil conflict between the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE lasted nearly three decades. The conflict was mired with human rights abuses, such as abduction, extortion, and the use of child soldiers. After independence from Great Britain, the majority Sinhalese population disenfranchised the minority Tamil population of migrant workers, who were previously favored under British rule. Sinhalese authorities made Sinhala the official language; in the ensuing years, language became a source of ethnic tension that carries a legacy to today. Out of the growing ethnic tension, the LTTE began to campaign for a Tamil homeland in northern and eastern Sri Lanka. The group became a guerilla terrorist organization capable of carrying out suicide bombings and resisting security forces across Sri Lanka. The government defeated the LTTE in 2009 after a military campaign that many human rights groups claim was conducted with impunity. LTTE leadership did not survive the campaign, and the group was largely eliminated. However, sympathetic elements remain within and outside the country. Even though the LTTE was defeated, the larger problem of integrating the island’s minority Tamil population still remains.

Political Violence and Civil Unrest Environment

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Colombo as being a MEDIUM-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

Elections/Political Stability

Presidential elections were held in 2019, and Gotabaya Rajapaksa won the presidency. He appointed former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, his brother, as prime minister. In 2020, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa secured a two-thirds supermajority for his party, winning 150 of 225 seats in parliamentary elections. Domestic observers described the election as peaceful, technically well managed, and safe considering the COVID-19 pandemic but noted that unregulated campaign spending, abuse of state resources, and media bias affected the level playing field.

In March 2022, worsening economic conditions prompted thousands to take to the streets nationwide to demand political change. Beginning in 2021, Sri Lankans were facing record-high inflation, fuel shortages, and regular, long-lasting power cuts. Without a means of payment, Sri Lanka was unable to import enough fuel for electricity and transportation needs, or even enough cooking fuel for household stoves, among other essential goods. Rajapaksa, the younger brother of the former President and member of a prominent political family, was accused of leading an administration that has allowed corruption and economic mismanagement. On April 3, 2022, all 26 members of the cabinet, except Prime Minister Gotabaya Rajapaksa, resigned. The political crisis deepened over months of protests, in which a wide swath of the public urged the Prime Minister and President Gotabaya to immediately step down. A cabinet reshuffle did little to appease the fundamental frustrations of protestors. On May 9, 2022, the Prime Minister submitted his letter of resignation amidst mass demonstrations; former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe briefly took his position. On July 9, protestors stormed the President and Prime Minister’s official residencies and caused significant damage, though the protests remained relatively non-violent and the officials were not at the residences. Eventually, Rajapaksa and Wickremesinghe both resigned as Sri Lanka's President and Prime Minister, and Rajapaksa fled the country. Parliament elected Wickremesinghe to the Presidential office. He continues to hold multiple cabinet positions.

Protest & Demonstration Activity

In 2022, Sri Lankans mobilized in massive anti-government protests in reaction to the country’s acute economic crisis – which resulted in fuel, medicine, and other crucial import shortages – blaming the Rajapaksa administration for rampant corruption and mishandling the country’s economy. Sri Lanka’s economic trouble began to show in 2021, as the compounding effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism and Sri Lanka’s growing energy crisis became evident. Disaffected groups frustrated by government policies and economic conditions began to strike with higher frequency in early 2022, including medical workers, teachers, or farmers angry with a ban on fertilizers that caused widespread agricultural failure. In April 2022, frequent anti-government demonstrations of hundreds of thousands of participants called on the government, President, and Prime Minister to step down and for an overhaul of the country’s political system, exemplified by the popular slogan “Gota Go Gama” which called for Prime Minister Gotabaya Rajapaksa to “Go Home.” The GotaGoGama protests centered around Galle Face Green and were largely peaceful, though sporadic incidents of violence occurred in lines for fuel or between police and young activists during the height of the crisis period. Common venues for demonstrations in Colombo are the Fort Railway Station, Viharamahadevi “Victoria” Park, Hyde Park, Galle Face Green, the area near Parliament, the Presidential Secretariat and surrounding junctions near Town Hall (e.g., Lipton Circus, Liberty Circus, Pittala Junction).

In the summer of 2022, economic stress and unrest reached a climax. With no U.S. dollars left in its foreign exchange reserves, the government severely restricted essential imports, prompting a change in the Travel Advisory to warn U.S. Citizens of disrupted supply chains and food and medicine shortages, especially in remote areas. As Sri Lanka’s fuel reserves depleted and wait times in queues grew multiple days, there were increasing reports of tension and altercations at gas stations across the country. The government assigned police and army personnel to oversee distribution of the dwindling fuel supply. On June 17 through 20, army personnel clashed with civilians, and in two incidents, fired warning shots into the air in attempts to control mobs agitated at long fuel lines. To date, while shortages and transportation curtailment remain a concern, most hotels, restaurants, grocery stores, and private hospitals have supplies. Limited duration power outages occur frequently, but most tourist facilities have backup generators.

Though the political and acute economic crisis that fueled frequent mass anti-government protests in 2022 has since plateaued, relatively small-scale demonstrations continue in Colombo. Union strikes have resumed, causing limited service disruption to date. In recent months, several groups of approximately a few thousand people have marched where they have been denied permission; it is not uncommon for police to deploy tear gas and water cannons at large protests, often several times a week. Demonstrations have turned into crushing crowds, resulting in people falling and getting injured from the crush. Private-sector organizations operating in Sri Lanka should encourage personnel to avoid all demonstrations, maintain a high level of vigilance, and practice good situational awareness. While demonstrations have been generally peaceful, it is possible that the situation may escalate without warning.

Sri Lanka has experienced periods of political instability and unrest in previous years. In October 2018, a constitutional crisis occurred when the president at the time announced that he was replacing the then-prime minister with a former president. Large rallies and protests occurred in Colombo and other locations. During the crisis, a government minister’s bodyguards opened fire at crowds gathered near his office, killing one person. In December 2018, the removed prime minister reclaimed his position after the Supreme Court found his removal unconstitutional.

In 2018 and 2019, authorities placed Sri Lanka under curfew and heightened security during anti-Muslim riots. In the aftermath of the 2019 terrorist bombings, clashes between Sinhalese and Muslims, and attacks on Muslim-owned property and mosques, plagued villages near Colombo in Western Sri Lanka. Assailants stabbed and killed a Muslim man trying to protect his shop in the Northwest Province. In 2018 and 2019, locals in affected areas noted that outsiders may have participated in the anti-Muslim riots, suggesting that anti-Muslim attacks were orchestrated beforehand.

In general, demonstrations in Sri Lanka occur regularly and are usually peaceful, resulting only in traffic congestion. However, some have ended in violence between the protestors and police or opposition groups. Some protests over domestic political issues have resulted in violent clashes, gun violence, and casualties. Demonstrations often involve confrontations with police, resulting in the use of water cannons and tear gas to disperse crowds. Large political rallies are common and can draw crowds of more than 100,000 people. These rallies are generally peaceful but can disrupt traffic.

While most demonstrations relate to domestic politics, protests directed toward Western embassies and international organizations are not unknown. There were several small peaceful protests against U.S. foreign policy in 2018 and 2019, but little activity during 2020 and 2021, in part due to factors relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions implemented by the government. To date, there has been one peaceful protest outside the U.S. Embassy in 2022, which asked the Embassy to take the Rajapaksa brothers back to the U.S. In 2023, a small organization announced plans to protest in front of the U.S. Embassy in Colombo in November due to the conflict in Gaza.

The law provides for freedom of peaceful assembly, but these freedoms are subject to multiple restrictions. The constitution restricts the freedom of assembly in the interest of religious harmony, national security, public order, or the protection of public health or morality. Authorities also have a wide latitude to restrict freedom of peaceful assembly. Freedom of peaceful assembly also may be restricted in the interest of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others or in the interest of meeting the just requirements of the general welfare of a democratic society. Under a police ordinance, protesters must seek permission from the local police before holding a protest.

Protests over the economic and political situation in Sri Lanka could erupt at any time.

Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.

Law Enforcement Concerns: Security Agencies

The Sri Lanka Police Service (SLP) falls under the Defense Ministry. The SLP is composed of approximately 60 functional divisions. The primary divisions and their purposes are as follows:

Inspector General of Police: The senior-most police official.
Senior Deputy Inspectors General: One S/DIG is assigned to each of nine “ranges” to serve as the senior law enforcement official for each province.
Criminal Investigation Division (CID): Serious and complex criminal investigations, has countrywide jurisdiction and oversees Terrorism Investigation Division (TID).
Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB): Illicit narcotics investigations and demand reduction activities.
Special Task Force (STF): Elite police paramilitary unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, protective security, special weapons and tactics.
Special Protection Range - President’s Security Division / Prime Minister Security Division / Ministerial Security Division/ Judicial Security Division / Diplomatic Security Division; each specializes in protective duties.

Sri Lanka’s security agencies have been accused of human rights abuses. For example, human rights organizations allege that law enforcement uses the discredited Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) to commit prolonged arbitrary detention and torture. The PTA allows law enforcement to arrest anyone, without a warrant, for unspecified “unlawful activities” and to detain suspects for up to 18 months without producing them before a court.

Police Response

Emergency services personnel answer the phone 24 hours a day, but police responsiveness may vary due to limited resources. Although there are allegations of corruption and politicization of security services, the Sri Lanka Police Service (SLPS) is becoming increasingly professional, particularly in its specialized units. However, police officers often lack resources and training, especially at the lower ranks. Police do not always speak English well, and the Embassy gets occasional reports of police attempting to bribe citizens for alleged minor traffic offenses. Response time varies and can be lengthy depending on the type of incident; response to traffic-related incidents can be inefficient.

Law Enforcement Concerns: Emergency Contact/Information

The emergency response line is 119. An additional police emergency line for Colombo is (94) 11-243-3333.

Transportation Security

The system of military roadblocks and checkpoints from the peak of the Civil War has largely been dismantled, except in the vicinity of military installations and assets known as “high security zones” (HSZs). Most of these are in Colombo and include the Parliament Complex in Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte, the Supreme Court Complex, the High Courts and Magistrate Courts and Attorney General’s Department in Hulftsdorp, the Presidential Secretariat and President’s House in Fort, Sri Lanka Army, Navy, Air Force and Police Headquarters in Colombo and the Prime Ministers’ Office and Temple Trees along with the Tri Forces Headquarters and Ministry of Defence under construction in Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte.

Road Safety

While in Sri Lanka, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. Vehicular traffic moves on the left. The road network in Sri Lanka is improving, but many roads remain in medium to poor condition. Traffic in Colombo can be congested. Narrow two-lane highways, overloaded with trucks, poorly driven buses, and a variety of conveyances on the road, ranging from ox carts and bicycles to new four-wheel-drive vehicles, make driving dangerous. Despite efforts to improve the roads, some remain in bad condition. Unexpected roadblocks and one-way streets are common and may not be clearly marked; the latter may occasionally change direction without notice.

Drivers are notoriously reckless and pedestrians are often victims of traffic accidents. Because traffic accidents are a principal threat for visitors, many visitors opt to hire a car and driver. If you are renting a vehicle, you should specifically request one with working seatbelts.

Drivers commonly ignore traffic signs and signals, so use caution when crossing or walking along roadways. Drive defensively. In the event of an accident, crowds might gather and become aggressive, particularly if the accident involves a bus, tuk-tuk, or taxi.

The police continue efforts to enforce traffic laws more vigorously. Cars that appear expensive or high quality are routinely stopped coming off the expressway. Speed traps and traffic enforcement checkpoints are increasingly common, and traffic fines continue to increase every year.

According to the World Bank from 2021, Sri Lanka has an average of 38,000 crashes per year, which result in around 3,000 deaths and 8,000 serious injuries.

Heavy rains sometimes cause flooding which can make roads inaccessible for several days and bring with them the risk of landslides.

GPS Navigation Apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. The GPS navigation app may give you the shortest route without safety considerations.

For detailed, country-specific road and vehicle safety information, read the World Health Organization’s Global Status Report on Road Safety.

Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.

Public Transportation Safety

Individuals who choose to hire three-wheeled vehicles (“tuks” or “three wheelers”) should use metered vehicles or negotiate prices beforehand to avoid confrontations upon arrival.

Due to the severity of Sri Lanka’s economic situation, public transportation has at times been limited or curtailed. Individuals choosing to hire a tuk-tuk should select one with a working meter; otherwise, agree on a fare beforehand to avoid arguments at the destination.

Rideshare applications appear to be in use. However, multiple reports attest that they may be more trouble than they are worth: once you book a tuk-tuk or a car, the driver will likely call you and ask you to cancel and pay cash instead. If you do, you pay a small fee for cancellation and then the higher cash price in addition. If you say no, the driver will often refuse to cancel the ride, leaving you stuck and looking for an alternative.

Train travel is common and inexpensive. Aboard trains, keep a close watch on possessions, especially in economy cars. Take special care to guard expensive electronic items. Be aware of a particular scam in Colombo in which Sri Lankans fill trains bound for tourist areas and take up all of the seats. They will then sell their seats to tourists and visitors for a profit and exit the train before it departs.

Avoid using public buses, as they are often overcrowded, driven recklessly, and involved in serious accidents; while they are readily available, the U.S. Embassy does not recommend using them due to safety concerns. Reports indicate that buses cause a disproportionately large percentage of accidents. The U.S. Embassy has received multiple reports of men on public buses sexually harassing female passengers.

Inter-city luxury bus services, which do not pick up passengers along their routes and do not take on more passengers than they are able to seat, are safe for foreign travelers.

Aviation Concerns

During the period of severe fuel shortage in 2022, airlines practiced “tankering,” where aircraft refueled outside of Sri Lanka and entered with enough fuel to make an onward journey. As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Sri Lanka, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Sri Lanka’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards.

Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), also known as Colombo Airport and Katunayake Airport, is Sri Lanka’s sole international commercial airport. Located about 20 miles north of the city center, the Colombo-Katunayake Expressway is the quickest way of traveling between the airport and Colombo. The airport was attacked in 2001 by the LTTE, who damaged a dozen aircraft and killed seven security personnel and injured 12, along with three Sri Lankan civilians and a Russian engineer. No tourists were harmed during the attack. There has not been another attack on CMB since the end of Sri Lanka’s Civil War.

Review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights; and consider the European Union Air Safety List.

Maritime Security

Sri Lanka is in the Bay of Bengal, which is subject to a range of illicit maritime activities, including trafficking of wildlife, drugs, and weapons; human trafficking; piracy, armed robbery, and kidnapping for ransom; and overfishing. Illegal fishing in Sri Lanka’s waters is commonly reported; some fishermen illegally transiting Sri Lanka’s waters are based in India, which is a minor source of tension between the neighboring countries. Deep-sea ports in Sri Lanka serve as transit points for illicit maritime goods. Sri Lankan ships have been the victim of maritime terrorism.

The Sri Lankan navy now has an effective maritime patrol. However, during the Sri Lankan Civil War, the LTTE boasted a maritime force of 3000 personnel that demonstrated an ability to sink Sri Lankan patrol boats. Their methods included fast attack craft and suicide boats, allegedly killing up to one thousand Sri Lankan security forces until the terror group was effectively defeated in 2009.

Consult with the Stable Seas Maritime Security Index for detailed information and ratings regarding rule of law, law enforcement, piracy, and other maritime security indicators.

Personal Identity & Human Rights Concerns

Police reportedly have harassed civilians without facing many consequences, though the government has taken minimal steps to identify, investigate, prosecute, and punish officials who have committed human rights abuses or engaged in corruption, and there has been impunity for both.

Safety Concerns for Women Travelers

Women continue to report incidents of verbal and physical harassment by men, ranging from sexually suggestive or lewd comments to physical advances and sexual assaults. Incidents can happen anywhere, but the majority of reported cases take place in crowded areas including: markets; bus and railway stations, or on buses; sporting events; and tourist sites. Drink-spiking has also been reported. Vigilance while traveling at night and other personal security practices may help travelers avoid dangerous situations.

The Solo Female Travel Safety Index combines the experiences of solo female travelers with other reliable indices to award a single rating indicating the relative security female travelers might experience in a given country. The qualitative portion of the index examines risk of scam, theft, and harassment, as well as the country’s perceived attitude towards women. As of the date of this report’s publication, Sri Lanka has a score of 2.6 on a scale of 1.0 (safest) to 4.0 (least safe). All solo female travelers are able to share their solo travel experiences by signing up with the Solo Female Travelers portal; the organization draws qualitative data from women traveling solo, depending on active participation and honest information.

Consider composite scores given to Sri Lanka by the UN Development Program (UNDP) in its Gender Development Index, measuring the difference between average achievement in three basic dimensions of human development, and Gender Inequality Index, measuring inequality in achievement in reproductive health, empowerment, and the labor market. For more information on gender statistics in Sri Lanka, see the World Bank's Gender Data Portal.

Review the U.S. Department of State’s webpage for female travelers.

Safety Concerns for LGBTI+ Travelers

Sri Lankan law criminalizes consensual same-sex sexual conduct between adults. Those convicted of engaging in same-sex sexual activity face ten years’ imprisonment. Although prosecutions are rare, human rights organizations report police have used the threat of arrest to assault, harass, and sexually and monetarily extort LGBTI+ individuals. The Sri Lankan Police have made some effort to make changes in this realm and open a dialogue with the LGBTI+ community.

Antidiscrimination laws do not prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and discrimination was widespread. Transgender persons continued to face societal discrimination, including arbitrary detention, mistreatment, and discrimination accessing employment, housing, and health care.

Review OSAC’s report, Supporting LGBT+ Employee Security Abroad, and the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on security for LGBTI travelers.

The Equaldex Equality Index measures the status of LGBTI+ rights, laws, and freedoms, as well as public attitudes towards LGBTI+ people around the world. As of this report’s publication date, Sri Lanka has a score of 28/100, ranking 129 out of 197 countries on the index.

Consider information from Destination Pride, a data-driven search platform associated with PFLAG Canada that visualize the world's LGBTQ+ laws, rights, and social sentiment; as well as from ILGA World, a worldwide federation that produces an annual map showing sexual orientation laws from around the world, available in multiple languages.

Safety Concerns for Travelers with Disabilities

The Sri Lankan Supreme Court has directed that steps be taken to provide easy access for persons with disabilities to public buildings. Although there are regulations on accessibility in place, lack of wheelchair access in most buildings limits access for people with disabilities. Potholes and sidewalks in poor repair can make movement very difficult. Sidewalks and road crossings in most major towns tend to be congested with vendors, stray dogs, and groups of people loitering on street corners.

Review the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.

Safety Concerns for Travelers Based on Race, Religion, & Ethnicity

Sri Lanka is a country of 22 million residents, two national languages (i.e., Sinhala, Tamil), and four major religions (i.e., Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity), with an approximate ethnic representation of 74% Sinhalese, 18% Tamil, 7% Muslim, and 1% Eurasian. Ethno-religious tensions have sparked demonstrations and mob violence against places of worship, homes, and businesses. In recent years, there have been multiple violent attacks against Muslims and Muslim-owned homes and businesses.

Local and Indian-origin Tamils alike maintain that they have suffered long-standing, systematic discrimination by ethnic-Sinhalese Sri Lankans in university education, government employment, housing, health services, language laws, and procedures for naturalization of noncitizens. Throughout the country, but especially in the north and east, Tamils report security forces regularly monitor and harass members of their community, especially activists, journalists, and NGO staff and former or suspected former LTTE members. The ethnic conflict between the majority Sinhalese and the minority Tamils has plagued the country since its independence.

Be mindful of restrictions and observances when planning to visit any religious establishment, whether Buddhist or Hindu temples, mosques, churches, or other locations considered sacred by the local population. Be cognizant of displaying religious imagery, including tattoos of Buddha, while traveling to and transiting within the country; foreign nationals have been arrested or denied entry to Sri Lanka due to such tattoos.

Review the latest U.S Department of State Report on International Religious Freedom for country-specific information.

Review OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on security for faith-based travelers.

Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment

Disinformation and conspiracy theories spread quickly on social media used by Sri Lankans, and the United States, the UN, and the international community are often the targets of these disinformation campaigns. Many people receive their news through social media, which means there are few alternative sources of information that could quickly stem the spread of an online rumor.

Sri Lanka was previously colonized by the Dutch, the Portuguese, and the British; this history has made Sri Lankans very suspicious of foreign powers' intentions. In 2019, two defense cooperation agreements between the United States and Sri Lanka triggered protest and increased anti-U.S. sentiment. In general, U.S. travelers are not usually targets of hostility.

Many Sri Lankans also distrust the UN because of its calls to investigate alleged human rights abuses that occurred at the end of the Sri Lankan Civil War. The Sri Lankan government denies the allegations, and the Sri Lankan military remains one of the most popular institutions in the country. International human rights criticism has drawn the Sri Lankan government closer to countries such as Russia, which does not condemn Sri Lankan authorities for any human rights abuses or their refusal to acknowledge these documented abuses.

Concerns involving the Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption and/or Transparency

The law prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention and provides for the right of any person to challenge the lawfulness of his or her arrest or detention in court, but there have been numerous reports that arbitrary arrest and detention occurred.

The Prevention of Terrorism Act permits government authorities to enter homes and monitor communications without judicial or other official authorization. Government authorities have reportedly monitored private movements without authorization. During 2020, members of civil society and journalists alleged that the government was conducting unlawful surveillance of their activities.

The law provides criminal penalties for corruption by officials, but the government does not implement the law effectively. There were numerous reports of government corruption during 2022. Corruption remained a significant and continuing problem, including at the highest levels of government. International companies frequently reported requests for bribes on matters ranging from customs clearances to government procurement. Unrest in 2022 concerning Sri Lanka’s economic crisis highlighted Sri Lankans’ perceptions of the Rajapaksa administration as mismanaging the crisis in part due to widespread corruption.

Human rights concerns related to law enforcement in Sri Lanka include reports of security forces participating in extrajudicial killings during and after the Sri Lankan Civil War. There have also been reports of torture and cases of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment by the government, arbitrary arrest and detention, and arbitrary and unlawful interference with privacy. These threats are not known to target foreigners or the private sector.

The Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Sri Lanka 34 out of 180 worldwide, where 1 means most transparent.

Communication Issues

The constitution provides for freedom of expression, including for members of the press and other media, but the government has sometimes restricted this right.

Independent media are active and express a wide variety of views, including criticism of the government. Some journalists including citizen journalists, have reported harassment, threats, intimidation, and interference from members of state security services, especially when reporting on topics related to the civil war or its aftermath, including missing persons. Tamil journalists have reported military officers have requested copies of photographs, lists of attendees at events, and names of sources for articles. They also have reported that the military has directly requested that journalists refrain from reporting on sensitive events, such as Tamil war commemorations or land occupation protests, as well as on posting anything related to former LTTE leaders, and that they have feared repercussions if they did not cooperate.

There are no credible reports that the government monitors private online communications of foreign travelers without appropriate legal authority. The government in some cases has restricted access to social media.

Authorities restrict hate speech, including insults to religion or religious beliefs, through a police ordinance and the penal code. The government has requested media stations and outlets refrain from featuring hate speech in their news items and segments. Restrictions on hate speech have been applied selectively, with hate speech against Muslims more tolerated than against other groups. There have also been reports that authorities attempted to intimidate individuals who criticized the government, including through public statements, questioning by security officials, official visits at their homes, and arrests.

The Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index ranks Sri Lanka 135 out of 180 worldwide, where 1 means most freedom. The Freedom House Freedom on the Net report rates Sri Lanka’s internet freedom as partly free and its Freedom in the World report rates Sri Lanka’s freedom of speech as partly free.

Health Concerns

There are six large hospitals in the Colombo area, including four facilities with emergency trauma service: Asiri Surgical Hospital, Lanka Hospital, Asiri Central Hospital, and the government-run National Hospital of Sri Lanka. Medical facilities outside Colombo are limited. Hospitals and doctors typically require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. Serious medical conditions do require evacuation to the United States or to a nearby country with more advanced medical facilities, such as Thailand or Singapore. Neither Thailand nor Singapore requires U.S. citizens to have entry visas.

Ambulance services are widely available, but response times vary, and training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards. Ambulances are typically not staffed with trained paramedics and often have little medical equipment. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

Several mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue fever, Chikungunya, and Japanese encephalitis are present in Sri Lanka. Dengue fever, in particular, is widespread in Sri Lanka’s Western Province, where the capital Colombo is located. Adequate mosquito protection is strongly advised to prevent this serious illness.

Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. The cost of medical evacuation (medevac) may be prohibitive. Review the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on health insurance overseas.

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Sri Lanka. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Sri Lanka-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters.

See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.

Vaccinations

Strongly consider COVID-19 vaccination prior to all travel. Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccinations before every trip. The CDC recommends vaccinations for COVID-19, Hepatitis A & B, Japanese Encephalitis, Measles, Rabies, Typhoid and Yellow Fever.

Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.

Issues Traveling with Medications

The availability of medical supplies is uneven. Travelers should carry any prescription medications with them. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with Sri Lanka's Ministry of Health to ensure the medication is legal in Sri Lanka.

Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescriptions in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments. Please visit U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information.

Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.

Water Quality

Do not drink tap or well water and avoid ice made with tap water. Drink bottled water that is sealed and ice made with filtered water.

Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?

Environmental Hazards

Sri Lanka experiences severe flooding brought on by the northeast monsoon (December-February) and the southwest monsoon (May-September). The heavy rains can be unpredictable, and often impact the hill country in the central regions. With haphazard development contributing to soil erosion, landslides are a concern and pose a danger to local residents. Landslides may block roads, including major highways.

Sri Lanka is affected by strong currents along each coast that change depending on the season. The currents can cause strong undertows and riptides that lead to a significant number of drownings each year. Pay attention to warning flags along the beaches, and avoid swimming during high-risk times.

Sri Lanka is host to numerous animals that may pose a danger to visitors. There are many species of venomous snakes and fresh/saltwater crocodiles. Sri Lanka also has a population of wild elephants that are considered dangerous and should not be approached if encountered.

Cybersecurity Concerns

Multiple types of cybersecurity attacks increasingly pose a threat to internet users in Sri Lanka, including socially engineered trojan attacks, malware attacks, phishing attacks, advanced persistent threats, botnets, ransomware, and financial frauds. Authorities have acknowledged that the government alone cannot combat these vulnerabilities; instead, private sector hardware and software vendors, Telcos and ISPs, private sector critical infrastructure owners, academics, and end users all must combine efforts to combat cybersecurity vulnerabilities in Sri Lankan internet use.

Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage.

Counterintelligence Issues

Reports of economic espionage are rare, but thefts of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) are a much larger problem. Piracy of sound recordings, movies, and software is widespread. Local agents of well-known U.S. and international companies representing recording, software, movie, clothing, and consumer product industries have complained that a lack of IPR protection damages their business. Sri Lanka is a party to intellectual property agreements with the U.S. and the WTO. Infringement of IPR is a punishable offense under both criminal and civil law; however, enforcement remains a significant problem. Police occasionally raid counterfeit sellers, including counterfeit garment sellers, though it is rare for the police to act without a formal complaint and assistance from an aggrieved party.

Other Security Concerns

Landmines

Take particular care when traveling to the areas of the north that are former conflict zones. These areas may contain marked and unmarked minefields and unexploded ordnance (UXO), making travel outside of major roadways potentially dangerous. Although the government and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) continue operations to locate and dispose of landmines, some areas remain mined. Landmines and UXO remain in parts of the Northern and Eastern Provinces, particularly in Mannar and Mullaitivu. As of November 2021, the government estimated 12 square kilometers of these two districts still contain mines. Travelers in these areas should stay on main, heavily traveled roads, and never walk in forested or agricultural areas or in abandoned properties. Make yourself aware of, and able to recognize and avoid, any area cordoned off for landmine clearance.

Import/Export Restrictions

Under the Cultural Prosperity Act and the Antiques Ordinance, the unlicensed export of antiques from the country is considered a criminal act. When arriving in Sri Lanka, ensure your luggage does not contain prohibited or restricted items, such as weapons, ammunition, explosives, gold, narcotics, and pornography. Read the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on customs and import restrictions for information on what you cannot take into or out of other countries.

The Government of Sri Lanka has strict restrictions on all imports. A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.

Photography

Photography is prohibited in designated HSZs and near many government facilities, such as offices and military installations. Posing for a photograph with your back to a statue of Buddha is a serious offense in Sri Lanka, punishable by a fine or arrest.

Review OSAC’s report, Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography.

ID Requirements

Individuals living or traveling in Sri Lanka should carry their passport or copies of their passport bio page and visa page with them at all times. In places like military checkpoints, you may be taken in for questioning if you do not have your passport with you.

Critical Infrastructure Concerns

Approximately 50 fatal industrial accidents and about 3,000 non-fatal accidents are reported annually; many more go unreported. Approximately 60-70% of those reported occurred due to technological and mechanical defects (e.g., machinery unsuitable to fit the physique of the user, defective parts, unguarded machines, damaged electrical cables, worn-out hoisting ropes), while 30-40% were due to unsafe employee behavior. The boom in construction since the end of the Sri Lankan Civil War has contributed to a great number of construction-related accidents resulting in death or serious injury.

OSAC Country Chapters

The Colombo Country Chapter meets quarterly. Interested private-sector security managers should contact OSAC's Asia team with any questions.

Embassy Contact Information

U.S. Embassy: 210 Galle Road, Colombo 3. Tel: +94 11-202-8500; After-Hours Emergencies: +94 11-202-8500. Hours: 0800-1730, Monday-Thursday, and 0800-1200 Friday.

Sri Lanka Country Security Report