Sri Lanka - Is it safe? ... - Thorn Tree travel forum

Sri Lanka - Is it safe?

Replies: 87 - Last Post: 23-Jul-2009 16:51 Last Post By: Miss$

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Posted
18-Jan-2006 04:44
by: Dinuksher

Posts: 13
Registered: 29/11/05

Sri Lanka - Is it safe?

So many questions about tensions in Sri Lanka

The terrorists are using explosives and targeting military units, mainly up in the North around the Jaffna peninsula and Trincomalee

Objective: to provoke the Sri Lankan government to re-act and break the ceasefire.
Remember the ceasefire is still active…but the terrorists are openly violating it.
The so-called anti-terrorist international community seems to be the least bothered!!

Will tourists be safe?
Ok folks get your Sri Lanka maps out and a pencil if you don’t mind.
Find the city of Anuradhapura in the North Central Province. Draw a line
Right across the island over the dot indicating Anuradhapura ( horizontal line)

Find Polonnaruwa and Ampara on the map. Draw a line across the island by joining
The two points…this line will be in an angle.

Now…as long as you are with in this boundary you are very safe.

The terrorists would not dream of hitting any foreigners. The LTTE collects large funds from countries like Canada, Australia, England and certain Scandinavian countries…justifying their arms struggle as a legitimate bid for a independent state.
They won’t bite the feeding hand a second time around (they did it first time around with grave consequence when they killed PM Rajiv Ghandi of India)

What about Arugam Bay?
There’s no real point going there until late April. The surf’s flat, it has been raining on and off during the past weeks, low occupation, and a bit of unrest in the nearby towns.

There have been ‘hartals,’ protests by townsfolk where they stop everything and get on the road. Some could react violently like attacking security or vandalizing property but in most cases these protests are peaceful.

The Eastern Province will be subject to a few ‘hartals’ in the approaching months as the ground situation worsens. But this is social unrest not terrorist activity. Best to avoid such situations anyway

There are reports that Tamil residents in Jaffna peninsula are evacuating in fear of a LTTE move to take over the area (which they lost during the late 90s). The rumors are that the terrorists are planning a major offensive in the North

Colombo has not experienced any attacks of late. Generally bombs go off when there are political events or security convoys. In mid 90s the terrorists attacked commercial points like the airport, oil reserves and central Colombo to cripple the money flow of the government. They haven’t done that kind of thing for sometime now. Security is tight in Colombo…just avoid spending too much time on the street!!
Areas perfectly safe – Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla-Sigiriya, Mahiyangana, Kandy and hill country, Yala, South/West Beaches, Negambo and Chilaw

Summing up - Sri Lanka is still very safe provided you avoid trouble spots in the north and east

the highlander

for accommodation options, tours and info in Kandy mail houseofbrass@yahoo.com

Dinuksher

Posted
18-Jan-2006 05:30
by: Rod_B

Posts: 946
Registered: 09/12/03

1

Hi,
Dinu is the man on the spot so all the above sounds good to me. Just one point to add and that is regarding Upaveli and Nilaveli.
Yesterday there was a bit of a shoot out on the road connecting Nilaveli to trincomalee, in which there were some deaths including a couple of civilians.
I know it's out of season for the beaches around Trinco at the moment but some may still be tempted to head there.
Rod.

http://www.kodakgallery.co.uk/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=4slx3oyl.2wlckff1&Uy=-ni71sv&Ux=1&localeid=en_GB

Posted
18-Jan-2006 15:01
by: Wadiwadiman

Posts: 503
Registered: 23/11/03

2

I check the Daily Times online most day. Admittedly it is a Government Rag, but regular reports now of attacks in the east, some involving civilians, so I certainly agree that people heading north and east should be very aware of the current situation and take advice.
But as we know, the main areas that tourists go to remain very safe and will do, whatever happens. If things do boil over we need to get this mesage across, because sure as anything the media won't and tourist numbers will fall again - Sri Lanka really cannot afford that now.
There was a great promtion on UK TV this week showing how lovely SL is, I was watching about Kandy this morning and it made me late for work (like I care!)

Support Save Our Friends Association to help stray dogs and wipe out rabies. Visit www.sofakandy.org

Posted
18-Jan-2006 18:07
by: thequeenisdead

Posts: 59
Registered: 06/02/04

3

I've just got back from Mannar and Vavuniya. The situation in those places is not good at all, as everyone knows and, sadly, it's fair to say that it is getting worse. However, the situation is a little more complicated than has been the case in the past, with the breakaway eastern LTTE faction (quite possibly supported by the Sri Lankan government) also in the fray. Most commentators and locals believe the war will restart, but I don't think it will necessarily be as in the past. Crucially, there is a lot to lose by being seen as the "aggressor".. for the LTTE, this would be an undisputably explicit attack such as a bomb in Colombo... for the Sri Lankan army, it would be a significant action by armed forces in the north.. what we may see is a move towards the "low intensity war" which has already begun. The situation in the north and east seems set to get worse, but it need not impact upon the rest of the island. However, if you hear of any action being taken by the army in the north, visitors would do very well to give Colombo a wide, wide berth. It's a situation that needs to be monitored carefully. And I don't agree with the OP where he says security in Colombo is "tight" - a load of armed police on every street who do absolutely nothing won't change a thing, and isn't going to scare any bomber. At present, though, there is absolutely no reason not to visit Sri Lanka, and even if things do escalate, as a tourist your biggest risks are probably faced at the airport (I'm assuming Colombo is not high on the tourist agenda). Have never heard of the LTTE striking tea estates in Haputale, or cabanas in Tangalla!

Posted
18-Jan-2006 20:47
by: jessyohtwo

Posts: 33
Registered: 26/09/03

4

I was just reading how the Norwegian's that have met with the LTTE have said that it isn't the LTTE behind the attacks!

In that case, I'm assuming the LTTE would like not to blow their cover (as they are obviously behind the attacks - perhaps under smaller groups), so hopefully they wouldn't want to do anything huge just yet.

True about Colombo... not going to stop me though. There isn't a huge deal to see in Colombo, anyways.

Still, it pays to be vigilante.

About A-bay... didn't realise the situation was that bad. I thought the hartals were limited to Trincomalee and that zone of the Eastern Province. I know there have been killings in Akkaraipattu, but generally, even during the war, Arugam Bay was all right. The only precaution to take would be not to travel to and from Arugam Bay at night (that stretch of road around Lahugala is notorious for bandits and Karuna's LTTE faction ambushing cars).

Cheers for the headsup Dinuksher.

-Jessy-

.: It's like those hip musicians with their complicated shoes! :.

Posted
19-Jan-2006 07:31
by: Dinuksher

Posts: 13
Registered: 29/11/05

5

Hartals in A'Bay were peaceful ones...I was giving a general description of what the word means...
it's best to avoid crowds on the streets...esp in the East where throwing hand grenades is a popular pastime!

Yes Jess...vehicle ambushes are famous in the area...so travellers don't drive late to A'Bay
esp at this time when there's hardly any point (like Rod always says)

Just went to Sigiriya and came...it's very dry again...all traces of rain have disappeared...

The floods in Polonnaruwa would have subsided in this weather...Cultural Triangle is all open for travel!

yes LTTE is not behind the attacks...the bombs happen to dig themselves in the ground and self explode
just when the military happens to go by!

Thank you all for the lively response!

Dinuksher

Posted
20-Jan-2006 15:02
by: Wadiwadiman

Posts: 503
Registered: 23/11/03

6

NIce one, Dinu!

Support Save Our Friends Association to help stray dogs and wipe out rabies. Visit www.sofakandy.org

Posted
20-Jan-2006 23:02
by: NorthernLight

Posts: 802
Registered: 12/01/02

7

Just to need to add ... hartals in the east frequently also include burning tires in the road, and have included attacks against those who try to drive through the area. Hartals are marked by a shut down of all road traffic. Two men were attacked last week in Akkaraipattu after they tried to drive their motorbike through town during a hartal. NGO vehicles have been attacked a few times and the attacks only stopped when the local people realized that there were international people in the vehicles.

General rule of thumb, if there is no traffic on the road, there's a good reason for it and you should stay off the road.

With the visit of Solheim this coming week, things might be worse.

Posted
11-Feb-2006 22:59
by: schmeegole

Posts: 1
Registered: 16/01/06

8

one thing is dangerous is SL roads. another is SL men. If you are scared by Indian, SL's are much worse. I was threated at least twice in 1 months, once in Mirrissa, once in gale. There are gangs on the beach that sell grass and flight other gangs, avoid contect with young men as best as possilbe.
also there are many stray dogs, maybe rabid, more than India.

Posted
14-Feb-2006 07:34
by: Anushka1

Posts: 12
Registered: 14/02/06

9

Sri Lanka is safe and friendly place !!!!!!!!!!
Sri Lankan people appreciate turists. It's one of most important source of income and after Tsunami there are still much less. It's not too big island so even in 2 weeks you can see a lot. The distances are not that long.

I recomand it for every traveler who wants to visit Asian country. More than Thailand, more than India, more than China or Corea or any Magreb country (that's as far as my personal experience based on single woman or 2 women traveling).

I'm back this morning from 2 weeks backpacking vacation on my own (single women 30yo) and couldn't be more happy and relaxed. I went there only with a last minute flight ticket and a list of potential hotels from the net.

I admit I avoided most turistic south beaches and Colombo.

Started from Kandy and get ther by train from Colombo Fort station (3.5h aprox. $12) Lovely views from the window. First did some local daily or 2 days visits in central, most historic part traveling by local buses. People in the street always asked where I go and are helpful with directions, show or stop a right bus. Bus drivers stop in the best place to reach your goal.
Than went on for 5days tour with a jeep driver to see elephans, tea estates, raft on the river where "Bridge on the river Kwai was turned".

I spend only last 2 days on the see coast in Negombo - the tourist village closest to the airport. Never been abused/harassed. If approched by young guys it was enough to say "no, thank you" and walk away.

As far as roads, they are not the best and i wouldn't drive myself because the rule in British (on the left side) and local drivers go in the middle and pass on left side when other vehicle is comming. My natural instinct would be to go right ;))) But they don't drive too fast and I haven't seen any accident. (Much safer than India).

If you go in 2-6 people and want a customized tour for whole stay or just a few days focusing nature or historic heritage or Buddism or mix all together have a look at http://www.earth-srilanka.com and contact Nimal. He will advice and customise a tour as required. He drove me around during my second week.

If you look for quiet accomodation where you can relax lissening to river flow and birds - not cars or city noise try Brook Side or Green View several km out of Kandy. Good point for daily or 2 days trips.
Kandy market is also best place for gifts shopping.

Anyway, If you have questions drop me an e-mail. I'll try to put a short tour report soon, when I recover from jet-lag and a load of waiting work ;))

For Sri Lanka customized tours contact Nimal

Posted
14-Feb-2006 07:44
by: Anushka1

Posts: 12
Registered: 14/02/06

10

Guys, please don't scare people unnecessarly. There was no attack neither on purpose nor by accident on tourists.
It's enough not to go to North Eastern province. Anyway there is not much interesting to see there. And there are police check points that should prevent tourists to go to areas were they shouldn't go.
It is less than 1/4 of the country territory.

You can safely enjoy remining 3/4 and you will have a lot to do for a month or two.

Posted
14-Feb-2006 09:23
by: CzechPetra

Posts: 1
Registered: 30/12/05

11

Hi,

my husband and I are thinking about going to SL for about a month backpacking. The island itself looks amazing but I have some concerns about the politicat problems in the country. Whats your view on that? Also did you use anti-malaria tablets while over there? Whats the average budget you can survive on per day? Thanks very much for your help!

Posted
15-Feb-2006 00:27
by: Anushka1

Posts: 12
Registered: 14/02/06

12

Life there is cheap. The flight ticket will probalbly be half or more of your total spending.
Decent hotels are at $10-15 per double room and you can negotiate if you plan to stay longer.
Public transport: bus or train are usually $0.5-$1.5 per long distance/ intercity. For local buses you pay no more than $0.1 Taxi or tuk-tuk have negociated prices aprox. $0.5-2 within city or $30-40 per one day intercity sightseeing tour. Food $5 per day should be enough.
So a budget per person I'd estimate $10-15 per person ($20-25 per couple) is well enough.
Best currency to take are $ becauses exchange rate is 100 so easy to calculate and sometimes hotels, tours, shopping you can pay in $ if have no local cash.

Malaria tablets are not necessary. There is few moscitos inside the island. More on the coast but antimoscito spray was enough for me.

Political issues do not influence tourists at all. The daily life in country is not affected by that and we talk more about it than locals. So don't worry.

Posted
15-Feb-2006 01:47
by: madk

Posts: 2
Registered: 15/02/06

13

i have what may be a stupid question, but i've been caught out by not asking it before: are there beaches in SL where a woman can lay around in a swimsuit without offending the locals and/or getting surrounded by a crowd of drooling men? after being on the road for quite some time, i could use some relaxation. SL's beaches look fabulous - but i want to make sure that they are as good in practice as the pic's make them out to be. current plan is to fly from amman to colombo (cheap flight on emirates) - but i don't want to get there and discover that it's not ok for me to swim in anything less than pants and a long-sleeved shirt!
thanks in advance for the advice,
mack

Posted
18-Feb-2006 07:23
by: EnEmily

Posts: 1
Registered: 18/08/05

14

Hi Mack,

Sri Lanka is safe and the men won't bother you much if you keep to certain rules. I travelled around it on my own for about 3 months including time in Arugam Bay and Hikkaduwa.

1. Never walk down the beach after dark on your own. This sounds like a contradiction to the above but the beach is where drug dealing and prostitution takes place. Why would you be there in the dark anyway?
However, beach parties, bars, beach restaurants are perfectly safe - just don't walk off on your own in the dark.
2. In main season (end of Nov to end of Feb on the West / South coast) there are many women down the beach, only the sellers will hassle you a little and the odd guy, no big deal. Outside the main season just lie near groups of tourists if you are not confident on your own. To be honest, even the sellers are not a problem, after a while they get to know your face and only stop to ask for a cigarette and a chat.

It is a beautiful country and whenever I moved to a new place my strategy was to find a friendly beach bar where people were nice to me and if I had no other company I was comfortable to sunbathe/read/chat there etc.

The only caution about swimming is that the surf can be dangerous, there are many rips and undercurrents. Always ask local surf places where it's safe to swim. Places like Unawatuna are popular because of the bay - although the place is pretty dull and it's the Disneyland of Sri Lanka.

You will be fine to swim in a bikini, if you feel self-conscious, put a pair of surf shorts on.

If any of you want chilled places where there is no hassle in Hikkaduwa, I can recommend some.

Hope this helps,
Monika

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