Is it safe to visit Sri Lanka now?
Is it safe to visit Sri Lanka now?
Is it safe to travel to Sri Lanka now?
Many people ask is it safe to visit Sri Lanka? I am writing this article in September 2024, just before the Presidential election.
We believe that Sri Lanka is safe to visit, and actually has been over the years despite the negative press in the media.
So many tourists in 2024 and more projected in 2025
Sri Lanka’s tourist numbers have been increasing. Targeting 3 million tourists in 2025 is a large rise from the 2.3 million planned for 2024.
The Sri Lanka Tourist development Board publish monthly and weekly tourist arrivals.
So, you can see for yourself that lots of travellers are visiting Sri Lanka. They don’t appear to have concerns about safety, and providing that they are sensible, they shouldn’t have any concerns.
The best place for female solo travel - maybe!
Sri Lanka was recognised as “The best places for solo female travel in 2024” by Timeout.com”.
Clearly, the Island was delighted with this survey.
However as always there are always stories that could be highlighted that would make you a little bit more cautious.
Our general rule is that 95% of people are good and have genuine intentions.
However, in every country there are the 5% that have no morals and you have to be careful of.
I have seen too many TikTok, Instagram and Facebook videos showing the negative side of travelling on the Island.
One negative video is too many, so I want to assure you that most Sri Lankans want you to have the best experience on their paradise island.
We have many good stories where Sri Lankans have gone the extra mile or genuinely provided hospitality that have awed the tourists visiting the island.
It is safe to visit, just be cautious in Tourist Hot Spots
Where there are lots of tourists, petty criminals see opportunities to make a fast buck. Just be on your guard in the larger towns and cities and at the poster boy tourists sites.
We have a great Tuk Tuk driver that we recommend to our guests, but you will come across some who will try to make quick money.
Getting a Meter Taxi, using Uber or Pick Me are some methods you can use to stop being ripped off.
Is it safe to visit Sri Lanka - in the scheme of things.....
We hate guests paying over the odds for all things in Sri Lanka.
Therefore we have gathered a number of contacts where we are confident that they will offer a fair price for a trip of excursion.
However, in reality, paying a little bit extra is not going to make a big difference to you as a traveller, apart from the feeling that you have been a little bit duped.
I recommend that you look on this philosophically and, in the scheme of things, it is not worth getting upset about.
Just don’t let these trivial things spoil your holiday, it’s not worth it.
I’m not a Buddhist, however I’m sure there is a way of looking at these scenarios and going forgiveness or perhaps looking at it as a charitable donation.
I assure you that, over the years living on the island, I have decided to let things go rather than let them give rise to unwarranted levels of anger.
Over the last eight years, I have not felt unsafe.
Having lived on the island for the last eight years, I’ve experienced events that you would have thought that I would have made me feel unsafe.
The horrific Easter bombings on the 21st April 2019.
Living in the island during the global pandemic when there were a limited number of vaccines available.
The Aragalaya protests during 2022 against the Government which saw the President flee the country and people having a swim in the presidential pool.
Despite all these scary events, I never felt unsafe.
Perhaps, residing out of the main conurbations and in the Sri Lankan Hill country meant that we were away from the main action.
The tourists that did visit during these times were looked after and provided Sri Lanka’s renowned hospitality.
Presidential Elections and then what?
Sri Lankas’ Presidential Elections are taking place on the 21st September 2024.
I think that once the elections are over and the people have accepted the result, Sri Lanka will be as safe as ever to visit as ever.
The peak tourist season is between December and April,. We expect that monthly arrival records will be achieved and tourist will love their time exploring the island.
We expect to be there or thereabouts on tourist number targets
As previously mentioned, we expect tourist numbers in Sri Lanka to increase substantially.
From just under 1.6 million to December 2023 the plan is 2.3 million to December 2024. As at mid- September 2024 the country had welcomed almost 1.3 million visitors.
In December, the main peak season starts. In December 2023 the country was visited by 210,000 tourists, so if the country does not achieve its’ target, it will come close.
Keep up to date with your countries Foreign Office Advice
As situations can change quickly we would recommend that you check your countries Governments’ advice on Foreign Travel to Sri Lanka.
We have inserted the link for the UK Government Travel Advice.
Is it safe to visit Sri Lanka? - Don't worry, be happy
Of curse, we can’t provide a guarantee that Sri Lanka is safe, as individuals will always have different experiences and views of their visit.
However, in our experience, Sri Lanka is generally a safe place to visit.
So, book those flights and experience this amazing island!
We would be happy to see you at GlenMyu Estate if you are visiting the Sri Lankan hill country.
Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country
Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country
See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.
We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.
The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,
GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.
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