Some general advice on travelling safe:
-If you’re travelling alone on a bus, sit near the driver so you can complain if anyone harasses you.
-Always walk in well-lit, populated areas. Avoid narrow streets, bushes and entry ways or taking short-cuts. Try not to use bus stops that are isolated or badly lit.
-If you take taxis/ Trishaws, make sure that it really is a taxi before jumping in.
-Ask for the cost of the journey before you get in so you can check if you’ve enough money. If you don’t, ask them to take you home so you can get money from someone there.
-Always make sure you’ve enough money left to get home.
-Don’t try to take a lift with someone who’s been drinking.
-Don’t take lifts from people you don’t know well.
-When walking alone or if you’re lost, walk confidentially and at a steady pace. Walk so that you are facing traffic coming towards you. Don’t walk home alone at night, if you have no way home then call the police and they will help you.
-If you think you’re being followed get to the nearest lights and people right away. If you need to turn and walk in the opposite direction, the other person will then have to make it very obvious that they are following you.
-If a car stops to ask for directions don’t approach it. Answer from a safe distance to avoid being pulled into the car.
-Always stay alert and trust your instinct. If you see or hear something strange get yourself to safety as soon as possible.
•Never get involved with drugs when abroad. If you're caught you could end up with massive fines, a long prison sentence or even the death penalty.
•Never agree to carry anything through customs for another person as you might be smuggling an illegal substance without realising it.
•Be aware of local laws in the countries you visit. For example, in some countries, drinking alcohol is illegal.
•Try to respect local customs by dressing appropriately.
•Only change money and traveller's cheques in banks and authorised foreign exchange offices.
•Never leave your luggage unattended, especially in airports, train stations and bus stations.
•If any of your stuff is stolen, report it immediately to the local police
•Phone or email home regularly and let your family know where you are, where you intend to return and if you make any changes to your plans.
•If you are arriving in a new country or city late at night, book transport from the airport and accommodation before you leave Sri Lanka.
•If you're lost, walk as if you know where you're going and go into a shop or doorway to look at maps.
•Be aware of possible dangers and only carry a small amount of cash with you.
To learn more about travel health risks including fact sheets about diseases, please visit the Epidemiology Unit in Sri Lanka on: