The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice to people heading to Sri Lanka amid a rise in crime.
In its latest warning, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said there has been a rise in low-level, opportunistic crime, with criminals riding past on mopeds or motorbikes and snatching belongings.
The FCDO said while violent crimes against foreigners are “rare”, gun crime is “not uncommon” but usually sparked by disputes between rival criminal gangs.
It warned bank card fraud is common, advising travellers to use cash machines inside banks or hotels and to check if ATMs on the street have signs of having been tampered with.
Criminals can also spike drinks to rob or attack tourists, according to the FCDO, which notes booze in Sri Lanka can often be stronger than in Britain.
Women continue to report verbal and physical harassment from men, ranging from lewd comments to sexual assault, according to the FCDO.
The Foreign Office warning reads: “Take care when travelling alone or in small groups and consider carrying a personal alarm.”
Terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka can’t be ruled out either, the FCDO said. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners such as hotels, tourist sites and places of worship.
Travellers are advised to avoid crowded public places, large gatherings and demonstrations.
More than 250 people, including eight Brits, were killed in terrorist attacks against three churches and three hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday in April 2019.
Violence may break out at protests across the island with presidential elections to be held in Sri Lanka on September 21.
The Foreign Office said large-scale protests two years ago saw violence and loss of life while movement around the island was “difficult” because of curfews and roadblocks.
Cultural differences can also lead to serious consequences, with disrespecting Buddhist images and artefacts, or making offensive remarks about religion, a serious offence which can lead to arrest.
The FCDO’s warning said: “If you have visible tattoos of Buddha, you can be refused entry to Sri Lanka or face deportation. Do not pose for photographs standing in front of a statue of Buddha.”
Travellers are also warned of feral dogs carrying rabies, dangerous rip tides, flooding from monsoon rains and tropical cyclones in the FCDO’s travel advice.