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US embassy warns US women on trishaw drivers

29 June 2017 05:27 pm - 20     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The US Embassy has warned US Citizens travelling in Sri Lanka to maintain situational awareness of increasing incidents involving trishaw drivers in Colombo inappropriately touching female passengers.

The embassy in a security message posted in their website informed them to be aware of the situation when in public and at home to avoid being a victim of crime.

The embassy published some security tips to be followed by the female US citizens visiting Colombo such as avoid traveling in trishaws alone in Colombo.

“If you have to travel alone (especially at night) use a company that tracks your ride rather than trishaws and make sure family members or friends know your travel plans,” the statement said.

They advised the citizens to take pictures of the Tuk driver and vehicle license plate prior to getting inside.

It said many of the reported incidents had occurred at the end of the ride and warned the females to be extra vigilant during this time and try to limit time alone inside the Tuk.

The embassy advised that “Do not be afraid to use force if needed – make a noise, be assertive, and strike back to defend yourself. Doing so will not only draw attention to the scene, but can also startle the attacker. Pay attention to your surroundings, and know your location in case you have to call for assistance”

The females were advised to avoid making themselves a target for criminals – flashing expensive jewelry or large amounts of cash can make them a target.

The US citizens were asked to contact the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Colombo located at 210 Galle Road on +94 11 249-8500.

“If you are a U.S. citizen with an after-hours emergency, please call our hotline at: 077-725-6307. If you are unable to reach the duty officer on this number, please dial 011-249-8500. The fax number is +94 11 249-8501. The Consular Section’s e-mail address is colomboacs@state.gov and its internet web page is http://lk.usembassy.gov. Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).


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  Comments - 20

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  • Kumar Friday, 30 June 2017 06:13 AM

    Those Sri lankans may be really desperate. Those women are like men. I can tell you that even in the US they face dangers as in Sri lanka, nothing new.

    kan Friday, 30 June 2017 10:40 AM

    To avoid this situation, three wheelers desiring to frequent foreign tourists should be registered with Sri Lanka Tourist Board after checking their personal details etc and a sticker type certificate issued to them to paste on an appropriate place in the three wheeler. They all should wear a particular uniform approved by tourist board.

    BuffaloaCitizen Friday, 30 June 2017 09:03 AM

    But I thought Tri-shaw drivers are the administrators of Buddhism in this country. Look at any 3-wheeler stand and it is marked with a Budu-pilima. Like I always say, the threat to any race and religion is not from outside, but from persons who are inside and belong to them.

    Ravi Friday, 30 June 2017 08:52 AM

    No point they do not answer the phone.

    yahiya Friday, 30 June 2017 08:31 AM

    Embassy is very weak knowledge of Sri Lanka technology. Our crime rate are 1000 times better than USA.Use the company maintenance taxi's..

    Dee Friday, 30 June 2017 08:15 AM

    We have already warned our foreign clients not to use local tuk. Even the ones with the driver wearing a kind of 'uniform' and parked outside popular hotels on galle road col-3. Local apps are there and uber. Anyway we have educated that mini cars with AC is cheaper than roadside tuk. Problem is somewhere they have made the tuk a tourist symbol. Even popular dept stores sell small tuk souvenir with Sri Lanka printed on it. The tourist board needs to erase this idea that a tuk is symbolic of SL. But there is a category of female tourists (not business visitors) who love tuks and the colour of their drivers( must be thinking its like Jamaica) for not only the ride but others. The US embassy warning is a waste for such tourists.

    Don Friday, 30 June 2017 07:47 AM

    This advice should be coming from our government. Still no discipline for these drivers. No id displayed no meter or refuse to use them. via DM Android App

    Kingsley Wijesinhe Friday, 30 June 2017 07:36 AM

    They should first warn American females to be vigilant when travelling alone in the US, particularly in major cities like New York which are far more dangerous than Colombo.

    L C A Friday, 30 June 2017 07:03 AM

    Make sure to keep on trying the number 119 as it takes more time to respond !

    SL Friday, 30 June 2017 06:52 AM

    Gvt has no plan to discipline these three wheel drivers, they are disturbing every signal by parking line of three wheels covering one lane.We do not want to compare any other country ,improve the standard of protection of public.

    ONLY TOUCHING ! Thursday, 29 June 2017 05:50 PM

    SRI LANKA - the wonder of Asia - Any way - USA statistics on "greater achivements" than "touching females" surpasses our humble record.

    SY Friday, 30 June 2017 03:16 AM

    Local users of trishaws too must take this warning

    Krishna Friday, 30 June 2017 03:02 AM

    I live in USA. Many Americans love to visit Sri Lanka. They lTove beautiful beaches and hospitality of the people.This type of incident bring bad reputation to Sri Lanka.The Govt should punish those Tuk Drivers who are touching the females inappropriately.

    kumaran Friday, 30 June 2017 01:28 AM

    The answer is to curtail this menace. They have caused road rage and accidents, congestion and thuggery on roads, raised insurance premia etc etc. If you reduce their presence by imposing higher standards of education, training, age, etc., then we will reduce all these unwanted problems and at the same time, add to the labour force!!

    Sincere Friday, 30 June 2017 01:18 AM

    It is the duty of all Sri Lankans to treat foreign visitors with dignity and respect.

    Andare Friday, 30 June 2017 01:14 AM

    Fatal attraction to women's assets

    vishwa Thursday, 29 June 2017 11:21 PM

    The place you are in is very clear...How can you identify their religion?Could not these notorious be involved in other religions or your religion?

    Aiyo salli Thursday, 29 June 2017 09:14 PM

    simply dial 119 or 118 arent the so called emergency numbers so short to remember via DM Android App

    Arnold Thursday, 29 June 2017 09:09 PM

    Welcome to Gauthama Budunge Raajya.

    concern Thursday, 29 June 2017 06:07 PM

    New tourist attraction!What a shame.


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