Tourist taken into custody for begging

24 July 2016 11:26 pm - 32 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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A tourist who was playing the violin on the road side to earn money was taken into custody by the Ella Police.

The tourist (24) is a resident of Summer Town, Oxford, England. Police said she had arrived on July 8, for a month’s stay.

Ella OIC IP L. D. N. Karunaratne took the young lady into custody near the Ravana Ella, when she was playing her violin while seated on the road side.

She said she was compelled to beg as she had run short of funds and was in need of money for her daily expenses.

Under the provisions of the Immigration and Emigration Act No. 20 of 1948, foreigners who arrive as tourists are prohibited from begging.

The foreigner was released with a warning. (Prasad Rukmal)

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Comments - 32

Kumara Rajakaruna Monday, 25 July 2016 09:20 AM

Police should not do such things for tourists. This is not begging, instead she was showing her talent for money. Police should understand that difference. If the act says that Police should give her a warning at the 1st instance.

Henry Tuesday, 26 July 2016 12:38 AM

How about our nationals creeping to other countries by boats, forged visas, disclosing false allegations for visa purposes?

kk Monday, 25 July 2016 05:52 PM

is it Mona Lisa via DM Android App

kk Monday, 25 July 2016 05:52 PM

research of humanity. via DM Android App

usaguy Monday, 25 July 2016 02:29 PM

isnt it more honorable than some women who cone here on visit visas and engage in prostitution shame on you policeman. via DM Android App

Cobra Monday, 25 July 2016 11:01 AM

Quite right Nimal, but do our cops know about these things?

lokka Monday, 25 July 2016 10:54 AM

peoples those who smuggle drugs escapes this poor tourist being arrested for played violin,what a beautiful law we have

sugath Monday, 25 July 2016 10:49 AM

I filly agree with your comment

Yuga Monday, 25 July 2016 10:25 AM

Buskers have no borders no countries. They usually provide excellent entertainment.

robinhood Monday, 25 July 2016 10:17 AM

Idiotic comment. Myanmar is not a place to get advice. She is a busking and not begging. she should have been allowed, About deporting tourists without money, that is rubbish, that discourage people coming. Sri Lanka is poor , because policy makers thinks the same idiotic way like you think.

Dee Monday, 25 July 2016 10:17 AM

Same happens in Colombo. But they dont end up playing violin in streets. Many takers .

Dee Monday, 25 July 2016 10:15 AM

Read her response silly. Unable to meet funds to stay.

Tharindu Arseculeratne Monday, 25 July 2016 10:09 AM

Playing a musical instrument in public isn't begging. It's a beautiful thing!! Giving money for whatever they have enjoyed is courtesy!!Its sad what has happened!!

Siri Monday, 25 July 2016 09:51 AM

Wrong! No busker plays to display talent, but to earn money - some for food others for 'other' things. Also, this woman has confessed short of cash as the reason for begging. SL Govt should follow this woman's native UK as an example and ensure proof of adequate funds before issuing visa.

armrizwan Monday, 25 July 2016 09:51 AM

Why we can't give a chance to the poor tourist. She thought Sri Lankan people are generous. Thousands of Sri Lankans live

D.F.K Monday, 25 July 2016 09:49 AM

The comments here are laughable. What is the matter with you people? You don't have to allow westerners to do anything they want in this country to match 'international norms'. And FYI, it's not an international norm. You cannot do things like this in other countries if you are a visitor. Try doing this in the UK on a visiting visa and then talk! First of all, the UK will not even approve your visiting visa unless you show adequate funds to survive during the trip. That's what the SL government should've done in the first place when reviewing this woman's visa application.

SL Sunday, 24 July 2016 10:45 PM

she may have not known most Sri Lankans may have to beg very very soon because what the government begs from other countries too via DM iOS App

Banda Monday, 25 July 2016 09:02 AM

Get paid for talent is not begging. Doing nothing and asking for money is begging.

Herman Perera Monday, 25 July 2016 07:42 AM

Why did'nt the GYPSIES hire her.

ANTON Monday, 25 July 2016 07:25 AM

ONLY SANGA AND MAHELA ARE ALLOWED TO INVITE FOREIGN MUSICIANS. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THESE TWO PERFORMANCES ??? SHAME ON YOU POLICE ???

Manisha Monday, 25 July 2016 06:55 AM

This is insane. They do this just for fun during their vacation. Not with the main intention of begging but to use their talent.

Unchikun Monday, 25 July 2016 06:29 AM

In the Western world playing a musical instrument in public to get some funds is normal. It is not begging. When will Sri Lanka police learn international norms?

Unchikun Monday, 25 July 2016 06:26 AM

This is why the UK decided to exit the EU. There is no employment for their citizens in their own country.

k.soysa Monday, 25 July 2016 04:20 AM

1) She should go to the British High Commission and seek funds to return asap.2) Do what Myanmar does: ensure that there is a adequate funds for the duration of the stay, before issuing visa. Ensure he/she has a return ticket.

Mohamed Monday, 25 July 2016 03:45 AM

Its not begging. Its common in Western and European country. We call them buskers. they just entertain the crowd and if crowd want they can give her money. I presume she did not go behind and ask from people (this call begging )

Daya Monday, 25 July 2016 02:33 AM

Playing music on railway station, etc to earn a few bucks is a common site in overseas. But, it's quite funny she did that in SL expecting the good to happen. We need to strengthen the law to deport or grant visa to people who cannot show enough fund for spending for the intended stay of period.

Ram Monday, 25 July 2016 02:22 AM

Good deed by Police for releasing her without court action.

Violin Monday, 25 July 2016 01:25 AM

I have seen people playing violin on the road side in Australia too.

Nimal Monday, 25 July 2016 01:10 AM

They are street entertainers. Which is commonly referred to as BUSKING not begging!

Ash Monday, 25 July 2016 12:22 AM

she should have been referred to the concerned embassy via DM Android App

sudda Sunday, 24 July 2016 11:44 PM

Begging shouldn't have discrimination. There are many near traffic signals in Colombo. If that's allowed, why not a person who play music and trying to earn someone is not allowed. It's time the 1948 era is changed.

Dellon Sunday, 24 July 2016 11:31 PM

this is called busking not begging

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Tourist taken into custody for begging

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