Sri Lanka Travel Forum

Hey guys,

Another travel warning question? I know there have been multiple questions on this topic already, but I'm not very advanced at browsing the forum and can't seem to find them.

I will be traveling to Sri Lanka with a Sri Lankan family and staying in and around Colombo for approximately one month between Dec 08 and Jan 09. I've read all the warnings on the Australian travel website and spoken to a few travel agents and various Sri Lankan people.

The Australian website mentioned that foreigners (I'm white) are being targeted for kidnappings.. And obviously the added risk of bombs blowing up. From what I've gathered, the chance of being blown up isn't too likely (we'll be having drivers take us everywhere).

However, I'm only 19 and this is my first time overseas and I'll be hanging out with my 19 year old sri lankan friend (he is from Australia and has never been overseas either), we'll probably be hitting night clubs there and being out on the town on our own at night. Are these kidnapping reports true?

Being that I am inexperienced with travel, would it be recommended that I do not travel to Sri Lanka? (i.e. is the risk more appropriate for experienced travelers)?

Thanks

Hi there,

Interesting phantasy from the Oz embassy in Lanka. These (whites kidnapped) have NEVER happened upto my knowledge. Kidnappings solely do happen of locals with known wealthy or influential families - either for money or for influence (e.g. bribing them to drop a political plan). Assuming your Lankan friend does not have this local connections both of you will be safe...

All the best,

<Erik> & [Sandya]

Hi, This is an interesting story. First time I heard about it. Never heard of a foreigner being kidnapped before. There have been instances where very rich persons or politically involved persons have been taken. As Eric says, as long as you stay away from these two groups you should be ok.

Frank.

Hmmm.. as Erik and Frank has very correctly mentioned, i too will have to agree with them cos i have not heard of such incidents in Sri Lanka so far, as per the others, i too have heard of kidnappings of personal from very wealthy backgrounds as well as politically involved personnel.

Regards,

Treshi.

Alright that is a relief, I thought the kidnapping thing seemed a bit over the top. What about the bombs and the general going ons with sri lanka. What are your opinions on its safety, especially having regard to my inexperience in travel. We will be staying with a sri lankan family, however I'm sure my friend and I will wish to head off on our own.

Will the bombings be relatively low risk provided we avoid public transport? And will our inexperience increase our danger substantially?

Hi mate……

Not a single tourist been effected in sri lanka , 23 years history of ethnic conflict. Also never kidnapped foreign person in sri lanka. I have personally experience the way local people treated fro foreigners effected even during the tsunami, they were very helpful and friendly.

Terrorist never want to get disturb revenue which is coming from all over the Europe by harming to white person. Only thing try to avoid gathering places.

Thanks ,

Hi Jase,

Bomb risk depends on what places you visit. Large gatherings like shopping centres in Colombo are maybe more at risk than smaller shops. But your local driver will know the risks pretty accurately and up-to-date and will warn against places on-the-edge.

All the best,

<Erik> & [Sandya]

Well everyone seems to say that it is advisable to avoid public transport, large gatherings, as well as Colombo (I'll be staying in Colombo). Is it still possible to have a good holiday despite all of this?

Also, what about something such as a local markets or shopping area, is that classified as a large area that should be avoided?

Hi again,

Our 2nd house is in Colombo and we're not really worried when there. We DO avoid the large government areas there and some large malls. Would not worry about local markets and shops, too little bomb risk compared to the larger ones. And would definitely enjoy my stay again if I were in your shoes - it sounds scary but in the end is safer than e.g. travelling in the London Tube!

All the best,

<Erik> & [Sandya]

Hi, I went to Sri Lanka travelling for 3 weeks in summer 2006 and all the info you mentioned about kidnappings and bombs was on the british website. However, I still went and I had a fantastic time with no problems. I stayed in Negombo which was a short distance from Colombo and travelled to places from there. I never heard about anything bad happening to any tourists. Don't worry about having a bad holiday... the place is AMAZING! It is the most beautiful country I have ever visited and the people are lovely.
Hope you have a great time
Bekah