Emergency Help Abroad For – Sri Lanka

Crime & Legal Awareness

A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting Sri Lanka — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL LAWS

• Sri Lanka has extremely strict drug laws — possession, use or trafficking can result in long prison sentences.

• Some cases involving drug trafficking may carry the death penalty.

• Carrying weapons, including certain knives or sprays, without lawful reason is illegal.

• Public drunkenness can lead to police intervention, especially near temples or religious festivals.

• Drink-driving laws are enforced, and roadside checks are common.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• Sri Lanka is culturally conservative — modest dress is expected in temples and rural areas.

• Disrespecting Buddhist images or posing inappropriately with statues is a criminal offence.

• Littering, damaging nature or polluting beaches is punishable by fines.

• Graffiti and vandalising public or cultural property is illegal.

• Respect religious rituals and avoid loud behaviour during ceremonies.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Police can request identification — carry your passport or a copy.

• Petty theft, bag-snatching and phone theft occur in busy tourist spots.

• Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas.

• Political protests can occur in Colombo — avoid all demonstrations.

• Attempting to bribe officials is illegal.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• Public transport requires valid payment — fare evasion may lead to fines.

• Road rules apply strictly: speed limits, helmet use and driving regulations are enforced.

• Use licensed taxis or known ride-hailing apps; avoid unlicensed tuk-tuks.

• Visa overstays lead to fines or delayed departure clearance.

• Entry to some wildlife or cultural sites without a valid ticket or permit is prohibited.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Do not take photos of military bases, checkpoints, airports or security installations.

• Drone usage is regulated and requires permission — especially near cultural sites.

• Photography inside some temples or of religious statues may be restricted.

• Always ask people before taking their photographs, especially monks.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAWS

• Removing shells, coral or natural items from beaches or parks is prohibited.

• Hiking off official trails in national parks is unsafe and may incur penalties.

• Swimming in strong currents can be dangerous — heed flag warnings.

• Feeding elephants or wildlife is discouraged and may be illegal in parks.

• Lighting fires without permits in protected areas is prohibited.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Damaging temples, stupas, ruins or archaeological sites is a criminal offence.

• Removing artefacts, fossils or ancient objects is illegal.

• Entering sacred temple areas without permission is forbidden.

• Buying wildlife products or items made from endangered species is illegal.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels familiar or harmless in the UK may be perceived through a different cultural lens in Sri Lanka.

• Don’t show disrespect to Buddha images, including posing for selfies with your back turned or sitting on statues.

• Don’t display tattoos of Buddha or religious symbols prominently, as they may cause offence.

• Don’t wear revealing clothing at temples and religious sites, and always cover shoulders and knees.

• Don’t turn your back to altars or statues while standing closely for photos, as this is seen as disrespectful.

• Don’t touch monks, especially if you are a woman, and avoid sitting next to them on buses if possible.

• Don’t drink alcohol or smoke near temples, particularly during religious events.

• Don’t ignore strong currents and rip tides, which can be dangerous on some beaches.

• Don’t swim in areas known for crocodiles or where locals advise against it, especially near river mouths and lagoons.

• Don’t feed wild animals, including monkeys and stray dogs, which can spread disease or become aggressive.

• Don’t drink untreated tap water, and use bottled or boiled water instead.

• Don’t photograph military installations or checkpoints, as this may attract unwanted attention.

• Don’t rely solely on card payments, particularly in smaller guesthouses and rural restaurants.

• Don’t ignore monsoon seasons, which vary between coasts and can affect travel plans.

• Don’t litter on beaches, in tea country or national parks, as waste management can be challenging.

• Don’t bargain aggressively in markets, and keep negotiations friendly.

• Don’t criticise religion or ethnic issues, which can be sensitive topics.

• Don’t wander alone in dark or poorly lit areas at night, especially in unfamiliar towns.

• Don’t underestimate heat and humidity, particularly inland and in the Cultural Triangle.

• Don’t climb on ancient walls or stupas at UNESCO sites, where preservation rules are strict.

• Don’t underestimate how long overland journeys can take, despite short distances on the map.