Travel Security

1. General Safety

• Sri Lanka is known for its friendly locals and welcoming atmosphere.
• Tourist areas, including major cities and attractions, are well-monitored and secure.
• Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas; keep valuables secure.

2. Transportation Safety

• Public transport, such as buses and trains, is generally safe but can be crowded.
• When using tuk-tuks or taxis, agree on fares beforehand or use ride-hailing apps like PickMe or Uber.
• Roads can be busy with erratic driving; hire experienced drivers if renting vehicles.

3. Health and Medical Safety

• Drink bottled water to avoid waterborne illnesses.
• Be cautious about food hygiene in street food and local eateries.
• Carry basic first-aid supplies and have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

4. Political and Social Stability

• The country is politically stable, but occasional protests or strikes may occur.
• Stay updated on local news and avoid large gatherings or demonstrations.

5. Natural Hazards

• Be cautious of weather-related risks, especially during the monsoon season (May to September in the southwest and October to February in the northeast).
• Coastal areas may have strong currents; adhere to safety guidelines at beaches.

Emergency Services

• Police: 119

• Tourist Police: +94 11 242 1052

• Ambulance/Medical Emergency: 1990 (Suwa Seriya Ambulance Service)

• Fire Services: 110

Tourism Assistance

• Sri Lanka Tourism Hotline: 1912

Airport Information

• Bandaranaike International Airport: +94 11 226 4444

Embassies

• Contact your respective embassy or consulate in Colombo for assistance.

Road Assistance

• Automobile Association of Ceylon: +94 11 242 1528

General Information

• Directory Inquiries: 1212