Sri Lanka Country Report
As of March 2022, Sri Lanka continues to go through an economic crisis that has caused social unrest, shortages of essential items such as food and medicine, and disruption of public facilities. Sporadic violence has occurred during the respective protests. The most intense clashes occurred on May 9 and July 9, 2022, when a state of emergency and curfew was declared and then lifted across the country. Since then, the protests have remained largely peaceful. A resurgence of violent protests is likely at least until the presidential elections in late 2024.
Since the end of the long civil war in 2009, Sri Lanka has not faced the threat of major conflict. However, unresolved communal tensions remain a problem, especially in the northern and eastern provinces. Concerns about Islamic extremism have also increased, with Islamic State claiming to have carried out suicide bombings at churches and hotels in April 2019.
Although there is violent crime, the main threat foreigners face is petty crime. Protests sometimes occur and are usually peaceful, but can disrupt travel. Sectarian protests are sometimes carried out against the Christian, Tamil, and Muslim communities of this country. Land travel can be dangerous due to congested roads and the erratic driving habits of local drivers. Floods and landslides caused by rain are one of the special concerns during the monsoon season. Similarly, tropical cyclones, especially in November and December, pose a significant threat to human communities and infrastructure. In addition, the country is vulnerable to earthquakes and tsunamis. Traveler’s diarrhea is the most commonly reported disease, but mosquito-borne diseases are also a concern. Colombo medical services are adequate for common ailments. Facilities may be limited in rural areas.
Last updated: June 5, 2023
Security
Amid economic crisis and political uncertainty, civil war remains a medium-term concern in Sri Lanka. Although recent protests have been largely peaceful, more protests are likely in the near term with sporadic clashes between security personnel and demonstrators.
The main threat that foreigners can face in Sri Lanka is crime. Although most incidents are small and opportunistic, violent crimes may also be a concern. The risk of insurgent conflict has decreased with the defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). However, amid rising Buddhist extremism, social tensions remain a concern, particularly in some states such as the South, North West, and North Central. Terrorist threats in the past have mainly emanated from the LTTE, but the threat from Islamist extremist groups is on the rise, as demonstrated by the April 2019 Easter Sunday bombings. Demonstrations are generally peaceful but may cause local disturbance.
Last updated: June 5, 2023
Infrastructure
I have no major concerns about air travel.
Land travel may be considered dangerous.
Sri Lanka’s Colombo Port was ranked as the most efficient container port in South Asia and the Indian subcontinent in 2021.
The major power companies have a reputation for reliability but are often cut off in bad weather.
Concerns about cybercrime are on the rise.
Last updated: December 29, 2022
Environment
Some regions of the country are vulnerable to various seismic activities, especially tsunamis and earthquakes. In addition, the country is subject to seasonal weather disasters such as monsoons and tropical cyclones during the hurricane season from April to December, and major changes in weather conditions caused by El Niño and La Niña. Areas that used to be on the front lines of the civil war are now heavily infested with mines.
Last updated: May 13, 2022
Health and Medical
There is no major disease concern in Sri Lanka. In Colombo and other major cities, medical care for everyday ailments is considered adequate. Pharmacies in the city are also well available. However, access to health care and medicine outside the cities is limited.
Last updated: September 7, 2022
Political
Sri Lanka is reasonably stable. However, corruption is a serious problem. Weak rule of law also affects the quality of internal justice and law enforcement.
Last updated: March 28, 2022
