Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, Safety Tips for 2025. Essential advice for Women & men

TRINCOMALEE

Staying Safe in Trincomalee: What Travellers (particulay females) Need to Know

I always hate writing a blogs that have bad stories attached but here we are. After talking to several people about this I have no choice but to flag sexual harrasment as a bit of an issue in the evenings around the beaches of Sri Lanka. Sat here in Trincomalee, what seems like paradise, I have not seen and been told stories that have left me as a solo male traveller, ashamed of my gender. 

Trincomalee’s beaches are some of the most beautiful in Sri Lanka. By day, they feel relaxed, friendly and safe. But by night, the story changes.

Repeated reports of assaults and harassment happening around the Fernandos beach bar area after dark, I have seen guys be quite agressive in there pusuit of women in and around this location and have woken up today to a story of one traveller (after going for a late night dip) who was followed down the beach on the pretext of being shown where her belongings had “been taken by a dog”. It was a set-up. She managed to run, but not before being assulted. 

Others have had money stolen when they went for night-swims. A male traveller I know was also assaulted at another beach in Weligama, proving this is not only a risk for women (but unfortantly as a woman its infanitly more likely).

These aren’t isolated stories, they echo across forums, hostel conversations, and traveller circles. Sadly, late-night beaches in Sri Lanka can leave tourists, especially younger visitors, vulnerable. As a slightly older male traveller, it seems easy to spot the intentions of some of these guys as the women are approached on the beach for 'surf lessons' and the guys will not be approached at all. 

What You Need to Know

• Daytime is fine: The beaches are safe, lively and enjoyable when the sun is up.

• Avoid night swims: As tempting as it feels, going into the water at night leaves you isolated and vulnerable.

• Stick to groups: If you’re out in the evening, don’t walk alone on dark stretches of beach.

• Be cautious with strangers: Friendly chats are common, but if someone tries to lead you away from a crowd at night, treat it as a HUGE red flag.

• Keep valuables close: Petty theft happens, especially if bags are left unattended while swimming. The only way to combat this is to give them to a trusted friend. 

• Know the numbers: Tourist police can be reached on +94 11 242 1052 or +94 11 238 2209.

Facts don’t lie

• Foreign women have increasingly reported sexual attacks in southern tourist beach areas of Sri Lanka, from harassment to assault, highlighting growing risks for visitors. (CountryReports)

• Petty crime, like pickpocketing, runs high, especially in busy spots. Cell phone theft is a frequent report. (CountryReports) Unfortunatly happened to friends of mine in a hostel in Colombo! Here the perpetrator came onto a 6 bed hostel dorm at night and took phones from under sleeping backpackers pillows! 

• Overall, Sri Lanka ranks medium for pickpocketing and scams, while violent crime remains relatively rare. (Travel Safe - Abroad)

• Australia’s travel advisory still urges: “Exercise a high degree of caution”. Especially given risks of sexual assault, robbery, and harassment. (Smartraveller)

• Official crime data shows minor assaults and sexual abuse cases persist at non-negligible levels, tens of thousands reported yearly, with solving rates dropping in some years. (Parliament of Sri Lanka Annees de pelerinage).

This isn't meant to scare you, it's meant to equip you.

Final Trincomalee Safety Tips

Trincomalee remains an incredible destination and by day it’s a joy to explore. But respect the shift that comes with nightfall. Safety doesn’t mean paranoia; it means informed choices. Swim, explore, and celebrate the coast, but do it in daylight, and stay alert after dark. Do not go anywhere on your own, ESPECIALLY down the beach in the dark. WATCH YOUR DRINKS.