Foreigner arrested molesting French tourists in Unawatuna

26 April 2013 09:34 am - 15 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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A foreign guest house operator was arrested in Sri Lanka Friday after two French tourists complained they had been sexually molested at his guest house, police said.

The 44-year-old Olivier Sage, who manages the “French Villa” beach property at Unawatuna, 120 kilometres (75 miles) south of Colombo, would be taken before a magistrate later Friday, said senior superintendent Jayantha Wickremasinghe.

“The two French tourists complained that the guest house owner used criminal force on them two days ago,” Wickremasinghe said. “We have sufficient grounds to make the arrest.”The guest house website described him as a “Swiss-French” ex-restaurateur managing a “cosy Sri Lankan style villa”, which also offers ayurvedic treatments, yoga and meditation.

It was not immediately clear if he had dual Swiss and French citizenship. The guesthouse could not be reached for comment.

Wickremasinghe said the man carried a French passport at the time of his arrest and had first arrived in Sri Lanka nearly three years ago and later started managing the guest house.

He was arrested under a penal code offence that, on conviction, carries a jail term of five years. Sri Lanka tightened laws in 2006 to protect women and children from sexual harassment.

Wickremasinghe said one of the victims had been subjected to medical tests and a forensic report was being prepared. (AFP)

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Comments - 15

ANTON Friday, 26 April 2013 10:22 AM

FRENCH VILA, KELAVILA.

Calistus Jayatilleke Friday, 26 April 2013 10:49 AM

No wonder, the foreigners learn from our provincial council politicos how to rape the tourists.

N. Bandara Friday, 26 April 2013 11:14 AM

The French Villa is managed by Olivier who is Swiss-French. His team will look after your every need to ensure your stay is unforgettable on this beautiful island of Sri Lanka ! This what the internet site says. Hasn't he warned that it will be memorable?

sss Friday, 26 April 2013 11:43 AM

Liquor does you (especially ladies) good

Dimuthu Friday, 26 April 2013 12:17 PM

How is he working here?

Suq Madique Friday, 26 April 2013 12:41 PM

Not only do we attract the wrong kind of tourist but also wrong investors.

Upali Saturday, 27 April 2013 12:26 AM

Exatcly. This man must have followed a diploma course in Tangalle University.

Cobra Saturday, 27 April 2013 12:55 AM

One can never trust anybody these days. Even foreigners know that they'd get off scott- free for rape and molestation in Sri Lanka. Our politicians have shown the way!!!

Amila. G Saturday, 27 April 2013 02:21 AM

Foreigner does tarnish the Country, Goes as in Sri Lanka.

Amila. G Saturday, 27 April 2013 02:22 AM

All perverts find Sri Lanka a safe heaven .

Vimal Weerawansha Saturday, 27 April 2013 03:09 AM

Inernational conspiracy!

Andrew Pitugala Saturday, 27 April 2013 04:11 AM

No big deal. Some provincial polititians have made a name for themselves but have their Godfathers. Does Oliver have Srilankan political connections ?????/

delum Saturday, 27 April 2013 04:34 AM

wonder what happened to the Thangalla case, 5 years for this guy. release for the locals. Subha Anagathayak!

Labby Saturday, 27 April 2013 05:21 AM

Let it be taken through the judicial process, and if he's having a business visa cancel it immediately.

Sue Sunday, 28 April 2013 08:10 AM

What judicial process Labby dear? Haven't you been living Sri Lanka lately?

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Foreigner arrested molesting French tourists in Unawatuna

Comments - 15

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