Sri Lanka Solo Trip Marred by Disturbing Sexual Harassment Incident

A New Zealand tourist’s solo exploration of Sri Lanka was marred by a deeply disturbing incident of sexual harassment. While riding an e-rickshaw, she reported being persistently followed and harassed by a man on a scooter. The man’s behavior escalated from repeated, unsettling passes to a direct and frightening encounter where he exposed himself and masturbated. The woman managed to escape the situation and continue her travels, but the experience has left her shaken and with diminished confidence. She strongly emphasized that this single act of harassment should not be taken as representative of Sri Lanka or its people, whom she has otherwise found to be incredibly welcoming and kind. Her story serves as a potent reminder of the challenges inherent in solo travel and the importance of maintaining awareness and self-assurance in unfamiliar environments.