2020 Crime & Safety Report

This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office (RSO) at the U.S. Embassy in . OSAC encourages travelers to use this report to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in Sri Lanka. For more in-depth information, review OSAC’s Sri Lanka country page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Travel Advisory

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses the Sri Lanka at Level 2, indicating travelers should exercise increased caution due to terrorism. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

Crime Threats

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. Recent crime statistics indicate an upward trend for serious crime in the country overall. Property crimes increased in areas tourists frequent. In Colombo, total crime reported increased in all areas. Most violent crime occurs within the local community. Review OSAC’s report, All That You Should Leave Behind.

Most crimes against U.S. citizens continue to be petty crime (e.g. pickpocketing, hotel room thefts, and fraud). In 2015 and 2017, U.S. citizens residing in Colombo were victims of home-invasion robbery attempts. Authorities charged and convicted suspects in both cases, which appear to have been crimes of opportunity. Several tourists were victims of armed robberies in 2019 in the Southern Province, but police have apprehended the suspects.

There have been reports of thefts from large hotels. Lock doors and windows while in hotels, lodges, or guest houses. Review OSAC’s reports, Hotels: The Inns and Outs and Considerations for Hotel Security.

Street hustlers are common around popular hotels, shopping areas, and other tourist sites. 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. Surf schools are known to run scams where they claim renters damaged their boards and demand exorbitant prices to repair the damage.

There appeared to be an increase in organized criminal activity `in 2018, and drug-related crime is a growing concern. Police reported incidents of gang-on-gang murders and violent attacks. Several large heroin seizures occurred in Sri Lanka in 2019; the country serves as a transportation hub for trafficking from Afghanistan.

Sri Lanka 2020 Crime & Safety Report

Use cash for routine transactions when possible. Credit/debit card fraud is a persistent threat. Authorities have arrested foreign nationals and organized groups for complicity in financial crimes. Avoid using credit cards, especially if doing so involves the removal of the card 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 other hand. Review OSAC’s reports, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud and Taking Credit.

Transportation-Safety Situation

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Vehicular traffic moves on the left. Traffic in urban areas is very congested. Narrow two-lane highways combined with overloaded trucks, dangerously driven buses, motorized trishaws (tuk-tuks), and motorbikes (and sometimes elephants, cows, ox carts, and bicycles) make driving challenging and dangerous. Despite efforts to improve the roads, some remain in bad condition. One-way streets may not have clear markings, and occasionally change direction without notice.

Drivers are notoriously reckless; vehicle accidents are a principal threat for visitors. Many visitors opt to hire a car and driver. Drivers commonly ignore traffic signs and signals. There has been some improvement, as traffic fatalities in Colombo in 2019 were at their lowest level in 15 years, and accident totals continued to decline. 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. Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.

Pedestrians are often victims of traffic accidents. Use caution when crossing or walking along roadways.

The police continue efforts to enforce traffic laws more vigorously. Speed traps and traffic enforcement checkpoints are becoming more common, and traffic fines have increased.

Public Transportation Conditions

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 in wide use and are generally safe and reliable.

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. There is a scam wherein Sri Lankans in Colombo will fill trains bound for the 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. Reports indicate that buses cause a disproportionately large percentage of accidents. Female passengers on public buses sometimes experience sexual harassment. Sri Lanka 2020 Crime & Safety Report

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.

Review OSAC’s report, Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

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.

Terrorism Threat

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

On April 21, 2019, terrorists carried out coordinated bombings of hotels and churches in Colombo and Batticaloa, killing over 250 people and injuring over 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 captured. The President declared a state of emergency that lasted until August, and 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. 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. The government defeated the LTTE in 2009 after a long war. LTTE leadership did not survive the war, but sympathetic elements remain within and outside the country. There have been no LTTE terrorist attacks since 2009.

In 2014, al-Qa’ida announced the formation of a new branch, al-Qa’ida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). The same month, ISIS released a recorded call for the killing of Americans (and Coalition members). The tape encouraged lone-offender and target-of-opportunity attacks. These signify an elevation to the threat landscape in South Asia. The transnational capabilities of select terrorist groups, ease of international travel, and the availability of black-market weapons/explosives require travelers to be vigilant in their personal security practices, especially at locations Westerners frequent.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

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

In October 2018, a constitutional crisis occurred when the President of Sri Lanka 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, bodyguards for the oil minister 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. Sri Lanka 2020 Crime & Safety Report

In November 2019, presidential elections elected a new president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The election process and transition of power were largely peaceful. Parliamentary elections are expected in June 2020. President Rajapaksa campaigned on a return to a more robust security presence, largely in response to the 2019 terrorist attacks. Police checkpoints are common, and military personnel patrol many areas for various reasons.

Civil Unrest

Demonstrations 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 are related to domestic politics, protests directed toward Western embassies and international organizations are not unknown. There were several small protests against U.S. foreign policy in 2018 and 2019. However, all protests concluded peacefully with no violence. Common venues for demonstrations in Colombo are the Fort Railway Station, Viharamahadevi “Victoria” Park, Hyde Park, and surrounding junctions near Town Hall (e.g. Lipton Circus, Liberty Circus, Pittala Junction). Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.

Religious/Ethnic Violence

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 April and May 2019, there were periods of civil unrest following the April 21 bombings. These acts included attacks against Muslims and Muslim-owned homes and businesses. Assailants stabbed and killed a Muslim man trying to protect his shop in the Northwest Province.

In December 2018, authorities caught Muslim youth in Mawanella damaging Buddha statues built along the road. The perpetrators were later involved in the April 21 terrorist attacks.

In March 2018, the president declared a state of emergency after violent clashes between Sinhala and Muslim communities in district. Additional clashes occurred in the Eastern Province. Five people died during the clashes.

Evangelical Christian churches have been the target of lesser forms of harassment and intimidation.

Sri Lanka 2020 Crime & Safety Report

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

Sri Lanka experiences severe flooding brought on by the northeast monsoon (October-December) and the southwest monsoon (May-July). 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. Landslides may block roads, including major highways.

Heavy rainfall in November 2019 caused landslides, killing four people in Nuwara Eliya and displacing hundreds more throughout the country. In May 2018 and again in December 2018, heavy southwest monsoons resulted in floods and displaced many thousands of people in the island. In June 2017, a period of intense rain caused several instances of flash floods and landslides in the southern and western parts of the country, resulting in 47 confirmed deaths, 180 missing persons, and approximately 112,000 displaced.

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. Review OSAC’s Report When Wildlife Attacks.

Critical Infrastructure Concerns

Approximately 50 fatal industrial accidents and about 3,000 non-fatal accidents are reported annually. Many accidents remain unreported. Approximately 60-70% of those reported were due to technological and mechanical defects (e.g. unsuitable machinery 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 war has contributed to a great number of construction-related accidents resulting in death or serious injury.

Economic Espionage/Intellectual Property Theft

Reports of economic espionage are rare; however, 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 to 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.

Sri Lanka 2020 Crime & Safety Report

Personal Identity Concerns

Media, police, and diplomatic reporting indicates that sexual crimes against women are a concern. While most reported incidents involved non-physical acts (e.g. cat calls, leers, verbal harassment), there have been several serious incidents (e.g. threats of sexual violence, groping, rape). Some incidents involved the surreptitious spiking of drinks. (Review OSAC’s Report Shaken: The Dont’s of Alcohol Abroad.) Western women have been targets of varied levels of harassment/assaults at nightclubs, hotels, and to a lesser degree on public streets in Colombo. Incidents have also occurred at tourist beaches and smaller hotels in the Southern province. Sporting events can also be hostile or uncomfortable environments for foreign women, especially in economy seating areas. Female travelers should consider traveling with companions whenever possible and remain vigilant in their personal security practices, especially at night. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for female travelers.

Sri Lankan law criminalizes consensual same-sex sexual conduct between adults. Although prosecutions are rare, human rights organizations reported police used the threat of arrest to assault, harass, and sexually and monetarily extort LGBTI+ individuals. Those convicted of engaging in same-sex sexual activity in private or in public face 10 years’ imprisonment. Antidiscrimination laws do not prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Transgender persons continued to face societal discrimination, including arbitrary detention, mistreatment, and discrimination accessing employment, housing, and health care. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI+ travelers.

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, as foreign nationals have been arrested or denied entry to Sri Lanka due to such tattoos. Review OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the State Department’s webpage on security for faith-based travelers.

While in Sri Lanka, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what you find in the United States. 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 difficult. The road network in Sri Lanka is improving, but many roads remain in medium to poor condition. 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 State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.

Sri Lanka 2020 Crime & Safety Report

Drug-related Crimes

Sri Lanka has an increasing drug problem. 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 is not yet implemented. 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. made record seizures of heroin in 2018 in 2019. Officials are addressing a modest upsurge in consumption of heroin, cannabis, and ecstasy.

Kidnapping Threat

Kidnappings occur infrequently, 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”). We are not aware of any U.S. citizens that have been victims of kidnapping in Sri Lanka. Review OSAC’s report, Kidnapping: The Basics.

Other Areas of Concern

Take particular care when traveling to the areas of the north and east 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 Ampara, Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar, Mullaitivu, Trincomalee, and Vavuniya. As of October 2019, the government estimated 18.5 km2 remained mined in these seven districts, but NGOs estimate the area to be between 24-25 km2. 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.

The Sri Lankan military continues to maintain a significant presence in the north. The system of military roadblocks and checkpoints has largely been dismantled except in the vicinity of military installations and assets known as “high security zones” (HSZ). Photography is illegal 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.

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

Sri Lanka 2020 Crime & Safety Report

Police Response

The emergency response line is 119. An additional police emergency line for Colombo is (94) 11-243-3333. Although emergency services personnel answer the number 24 hours a day, police responsiveness may vary. Although there are allegations of corruption and politicization of security services, the Sri Lanka Police Service (SLPS) is becoming increasingly professional, specifically in its specialized units. However, police officers often lack resources/training, especially at the lower ranks. Police do not always speak English well. Response time varies and can be lengthy depending on the type of incident; response to traffic-related incidents can be inefficient.

In cases of police detention or harassment, attempt to take note of the badge numbers of the officers involved and notify the ACS section of the Embassy as soon as possible. In some cases, police have detained third-country nationals of Sri Lankan origin for extended periods and without consular notification. However, U.S. citizens of Sri Lankan origin have not reported this problem.

Download the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.

The Sri Lanka Police Service (SLPS) falls under the Ministry of Defence. The SLPS 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, countrywide jurisdiction, 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

Medical Emergencies

There are six large hospitals in the Colombo area, including four facilities with emergency trauma service: Asiri Surgical Hospital; Lanka Hospital; Central Hospital; and the government-run National Hospital. Medical facilities outside Colombo are limited. For medical assistance, please refer to the Embassy’s Medical Assistance page.

The availability of medical supplies is uneven; therefore, travelers should carry any special medications with them.

Sri Lanka 2020 Crime & Safety Report

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. Cost of medical evacuation (medevac) may be prohibitive. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Department’s webpage on insurance overseas.

Several mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue fever, Chikungunya, and Japanese encephalitis are present in Sri Lanka. Dengue fever is widespread in Sri Lanka’s Western Province, where the capital Colombo is located. Use adequate protection against mosquito bites.

The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Sri Lanka.

OSAC Country Council Information

The Colombo Country Council meets intermittently. Interested private-sector security managers should contact OSAC’s South & Central Asia team with any questions.

U.S. Embassy Contact Information

210 Galle Road, Colombo 3, Sri Lanka Embassy working hours: 0800-1730, Mon-Thurs, and 0800-1200 Fri Switchboard: +94 11-249-8500 Embassy Duty Officer: +94 11-077-725-6307 Website: https://lk.usembassy.gov/

Helpful Information

Before you travel, consider the following resources:

• OSAC Risk Matrix • OSAC Travelers Toolkit • State Department Traveler’s Checklist • Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) • Sri Lanka Country Information Sheet