UK Foreign Travel Advice Summary on Sri Lanka warns travellers of Dengue fever, sexual assault, spiked drinks, road accidents, drowning and credit card fraud

The UK government website updated its Foreign  Travel Advice Summary on Sri Lanka last month warning citizens to be aware of the risk of sexual assault, spiked drinks, road accidents, drowning due to dangerous tides and credit card fraud.

Further the summary warned of a risk from Dengue fever claiming that more than 50,000 suspected cases of dengue fever have been reported between January and May 29, 2017.

In addition, the advisory claimed that organised and armed gangs were known to operate and have been responsible for targeted kidnappings and violence. The advisory further claimed the justice system was " very slow."

The following is an extract of the text from the Safety and Security segment of the Travel Advice Summary  - 

Safety and security

Crime
Violent crimes against foreigners are infrequent, although there have been an increasing number of reports of sexual offences including on minors. When travelling around Sri Lanka, you should make arrangements through reputable travel companies and take care.

Western women continue to report incidents of verbal and physical harassment by groups of men. Such harassment- ranging from sexually suggestive or lewd comments to physical advances and sexual assaults - can occur any time or anywhere, but most frequently has taken place in crowded areas such as market places, railway stations, buses, public streets and sporting events. There has been an increase in sexual attacks against females in tourist areas. There have been reports of drinks being spiked with drugs in bars and restaurants in southern beach resorts. Be careful about taking drinks from strangers at bars and restaurants, and don’t leave drinks unattended. Women should take particular care when travelling alone or in small groups, and carry a personal alarm.

Credit card fraud is a risk for visitors. Use cash wherever possible and only use ATMs attached to banks or major hotels. Don’t lose sight of your credit card if you use it. Some travelers experience problems using their cards on arrival in Sri Lanka when their banks’ automated fraud protection system blocks transactions. It may be possible to avoid this by informing your bank in advance of your intended travel arrangements. There are plenty of money-changers in tourist areas if you want to change cash.

There have been reports of thefts from hotels and guesthouses. You should take precautions to safeguard your valuables, especially passports and money.

Organised and armed gangs are known to operate in Sri Lanka and have been responsible for targeted kidnappings and violence. While there is no evidence to suggest that British nationals are at particular risk, gangs have been known to operate in tourist areas. A British national was killed during a violent attack by a gang in a tourist resort in December 2011.

The Sri Lankan justice system can be very slow.