Tangalle beach restaurant accused of refusing service to locals

9 February 2026 01:32 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 80 Bookmark

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Colombo, Feb 9 (Daily Mirror) - A beachside restaurant in Tangalle is facing criticism after reportedly refusing service to Sri Lankan customers, allegedly serving only foreign visitors.

The incident came to light through a video posted in content on the platform X (formerly Twitter) by three Sri Lankans visiting from the United Kingdom. In the footage, one visitor claims the staff told them, “This guy refuses to serve us because we are brown. We are locals, and he says we don’t serve locals. There is nobody else in this restaurant.”

The video has sparked public concern over discriminatory practices in some tourist areas. Tourism experts warn such incidents could damage the industry’s reputation and alienate domestic customers.

Authorities have not yet commented, but social media users are calling for stricter oversight and awareness campaigns to ensure all patrons are treated fairly in the hospitality sector.

Comments - 80

Citizen k Monday, 09 February 2026 01:50 PM

This is a legacy from colonial time implying foreigners are better than locals.Very sad.I am sure the owner is an expat.

9 33

Cassie Tuesday, 10 February 2026 12:52 AM

Wrong. During the civil war in 1998 we went to a famous old Vegetarian South Indian restuarant in Bambalapitiya. We sat there in plain sight for 20 minutes calling the waiters to take our order. They skipped us each time and served everyone else who wereTamil (identified by the language, pottu etc). We were the only Sinhalese Burgher there. So we left and never went back. We later found out that day military raids were conducted in Ratmalana to round up possible LTTE terrorists. Nothing to do with colonialism. It's racism.

9 25

Gajendran Tuesday, 10 February 2026 11:52 PM

They refuse locals because they rip off foreigners and try to get the payment in foreign currency. Locals might try to expose the scams to sleeping Consumer Affairs Authority.

0 8

Citizen b Friday, 13 February 2026 01:32 PM

yes owner is a expat with several foreign bank accounts

1 1

stfup Monday, 09 February 2026 02:05 PM

How about some names to start with? So that we can pass the word around about this place with great hospitality.

2 70

Thushani R Tuesday, 10 February 2026 09:36 AM

Name of the restaurant is "Tasty Tide".

1 9

Gamarala Tuesday, 10 February 2026 12:43 PM

This man’s name is Rukman, living in Rekewa-Tangalle. A local goon and a land racketeer

2 11

Shace Monday, 09 February 2026 02:22 PM

Not a surprise, there are plenty of restaurants inside Galle fort which serves only to foreigners and Sri Lankan standard foreigners mean white skin only. I took bunch of my friends back in 2022 who are brown but foreigners and still some of the restaurants didn't serve us. If authorities don't take action now it will bring negative image on Sri Lanka. 2026 we still face racism based on skin colour what a prod moment for Sri Lanka.

4 59

Sam Tuesday, 10 February 2026 04:10 AM

I assumed the Sri lankan hotels and restaurants learned a good lesson after 1983 riots when no white skin tourists were not in country only locals patronage these places. Our people think that so called white tourists some of them even don't have money they come and work at these place then go on tour in our beautiful country. These idiots should be given heavy fines about Rs 5 million to go upto 20 million. Just bankrupt them. Can remember Tangalle hotel was not interested to serve us this was in 1980/81. We had pull them up. I think it's coming back again with Israelis, Russian's and the Ukraine's having own clubs no locals allowed. Can someone start a Facebook page. Be Sri Lankan

2 7

Give Me Food Tuesday, 10 February 2026 09:53 AM

Well said. Support all that is said here. Yet someone gave a 'thumbs down'... really ? Are you serious ? More likely one of our own !

6 0

Sashi Monday, 09 February 2026 02:29 PM

Yes; this is happening and it has to stop! Nothing more irritating and humiliating than be refused entry into an establishment in one’s own country for no reason than race. This apartheid has got to stop asap and perpetrators need to be fined and if repeated, lose their licence. Foreign-operating ventures too. Ministry of tourism should set up a hotline to report, and undercover investigations should be undertaken.

3 59

Jude Tuesday, 10 February 2026 01:58 AM

Hey Sashi, only people with low esteemed and low class people will force themselves to a place where they're NOT WELCOMED, Go somewhere else!!

26 4

Sokrates Monday, 09 February 2026 02:30 PM

When you see how some locals behave in restaurants, you can't blame restaurants for not serving them.

73 26

Lame excuse for apartheid behaviour! Tuesday, 10 February 2026 02:51 AM

So states the German who earns here and in previous comments insults us too! Generalisation and assumptions of an entire race is as pathetic as assuming that all Germans are Nazis! Lastly, since you have such a low opinion of Sri Lankans, why don’t you back to Germany?

0 16

To Sokrates aka frog in well Tuesday, 10 February 2026 03:22 AM

Unruly behaviour is not unique to Sri Lankans! It is universal. Perhaps you should broaden your horizons and mindset before justifying discrimination.

1 15

Wagner Monday, 09 February 2026 03:25 PM

Just cancel the licence so others will think twice

6 41

Jude Tuesday, 10 February 2026 02:37 AM

Hey Wagner, have some class, if you're not welcomed there don't Go there.

20 4

BuffaloaCitizen Monday, 09 February 2026 03:40 PM

Down south loads of yakko uneducated primitive fellows are found. Long time ago, these fellows were beach boys serving homosexual white tourists and now after stricter rules, they still have not shed their primitiveness.

62 25

Just saying Tuesday, 10 February 2026 02:21 PM

So says the buffalo from the north!

0 11

ANNE CUNT Saturday, 14 February 2026 03:55 PM

Namal is fronm down south and uneducated.

3 0

Abdul Monday, 09 February 2026 03:52 PM

This is a blatant act of racial discrimination and a serious violation of constitutional principles. No business operating in Sri Lanka has the right to treat citizens as second-class people in their own country. Such conduct undermines national dignity and damages Sri Lanka’s reputation as an inclusive tourism destination. Authorities must act decisively under existing laws to investigate, hold those responsible accountable, and ensure zero tolerance for discrimination in the hospitality sector.

2 47

Jude Tuesday, 10 February 2026 12:34 AM

Hey Abdul, do you allow anyone to enter your home.!?? Same thing. You welcome only the people you want. Abdul talk to a lawyer about this, it's Not discrimination or anything else. Abdul, take your money and go somewhere else where you're welcome.

28 3

Shamin Monday, 09 February 2026 04:00 PM

Strict action need to be taken against the these fellows not respecting SL nationals... Sl should be always treated first before any foreign nationals. Tourism should be property managed. Never forget the SL people are the ones who kept things going in COVID times. This colonial mindset when will SL come out of this thinking...

5 34

Jude Tuesday, 10 February 2026 12:40 AM

Hey dumbass Shamin, it's not disrespecting Lankans. It's the restaurant policy. Do you allow anyone and everyone to enter your home!?? Same thing, restaurant have foreigners only. You low life low class SOB go somewhere else.

29 3

KP Monday, 09 February 2026 04:26 PM

Take legal action immediately and make it an example to others as well.

2 26

Tourist Monday, 09 February 2026 04:52 PM

Foreigners here also face racism from locals. It seems to be a common problem in this country.

42 13

Depends on the behaviour of the tourist Tuesday, 10 February 2026 03:27 AM

If that’s the case, why do foreigners return here, and why do some remain here without returning?

1 10

truesrilank Tuesday, 10 February 2026 03:53 AM

Sad to hear that. Despite a civilization dating back thousands of years, some Sri Lankans still need to be civilized; they act as if they just came out of the jungle. We called them biyya people. common characteristics are not obeying established manners, being sexually hyperactive, but behaving as if they hate sex, and believing religion is the best thing. Avoid these fellows, hope you find the true Sri Lankans.

8 2

slwedda Monday, 09 February 2026 06:03 PM

This is a common practice, especially when local people are too noisy and sometimes lack manners. Some restaurants that operate in tourist areas do not allow locals. As far as I know, if you run a business, you can choose not to provide services to some group. Also, it is important to clearly state that "we do not serve locals". This is not just in SL; some other countries do the same.

43 12

Domain Monday, 09 February 2026 06:21 PM

Establishments engaging in such conduct should have their licences revoked. Discrimination based on colour, race, or religion is not tolerated in Western societies. This behaviour reflects poorly on our culture, and it must stop. Enough is enough.

3 24

slgovita Tuesday, 10 February 2026 03:43 AM

This is not racism; this is due to local behaviour. Sometimes, local people in SL behave stupidly in public spaces, and businesses lose valuable customers. I was in this industry, and some locals even demanded sexual attraction from foreign women, so generally locals are not allowed due to fear, so don't misunderstand this as racism.

7 2

Jude Monday, 09 February 2026 07:03 PM

Is this another south Africa under apartheid rule? Refusing to serve locals or take only Euro currency. Need to stop these kinds of unethical practices

2 18

Jude Tuesday, 10 February 2026 12:27 AM

This is the Real Jude, people if you're not welcome go somewhere Else. Any business have the right to serve foreigners Only. Period Talk to a lawyer they'll explain The restaurant owner within his/her rights. People get offended with foreigners only policy but that's policy respect that. The dumbass Lankans Go some Else where you're welcome.

11 1

Uncle Paradise Monday, 09 February 2026 07:18 PM

Cancel the license immediately, and make that person ineligible to own a restaurant going forward.

6 16

Rohan Monday, 09 February 2026 07:34 PM

Outside Sri Lanka, Sri Lankans face harassment and abuse because of our darker skin, which I first experienced when I went to Britain as a university student many decades ago. Now to hear this is happening in our own country is unbearably painful. This all stem from White Countries colonizing our country for 450 years. That officially gave whites superior feeling over the dark skin.

25 21

Lonthayo Monday, 09 February 2026 08:00 PM

A similar incident was previously reported at a shop in Galle Fort, where a woman used offensive language toward a group of locals on a couple of occasions and even asked visiting expatriates with brown skin to leave the shop. She still holds her licence, shame on the Galle Heritage Foundation and whoever the authority SLTDA(?), for keeping a blind eye. Just read that even in Ella, it happens.

3 25

Local Man Monday, 09 February 2026 08:16 PM

Maybe the restaurant is operated and owned by a coconut. BROWN outside, White inside. Cannot recognize its fellow countrymen. Several of these post colonial ' pseudo brown sahibs' exist in Lankan society.

5 11

Nihal Dharmatileke Monday, 09 February 2026 08:17 PM

Wake up call for the authorities act now act fast. I lived in Europe for thirty four years never ever I was denied for anything because I looked different, if nothing is done to stop this disgusting attitude call this country A LOST PARADISE.

1 17

Raven Monday, 09 February 2026 08:23 PM

In Sri Lanka, a restaurant is a private business, but once it is operating as a public establishment (serving the general public), it cannot discriminate arbitrarily - especially on grounds like race, ethnicity, or nationality. Article 12 of the Sri Lankan Constitution guarantees Equality before the law and protection from discrimination. Restaurants operate under local government trade licenses and health permits. A local authority could act if a business engages in discriminatory or unethical practices.

1 26

Thanks for the information Wednesday, 11 February 2026 12:10 AM

Very good to know this article. High time we use it and name and shame those adopting apartheid practices

0 6

Nihal Dharmatileke Monday, 09 February 2026 08:23 PM

We are brown we want food.

17 3

Jerome Tuesday, 10 February 2026 08:53 AM

Go beg from brown ones

23 0

Kumar Soysa Monday, 09 February 2026 08:30 PM

This is a very common problem. Not only in Tangalle but almost in every resort this strange attitude is very common. It’s a disgrace and the “Authorities “ will never do anything!!

1 14

Haiyo Monday, 09 February 2026 08:35 PM

This happens all over - once there are incidences like the war time, Easter bombings, Covid, only then the locals keep these tourist venues going. the police has to step in and stop it.

5 17

Ulysses Monday, 09 February 2026 08:42 PM

Where is tourism enforcement? We cry about increasing the amount of tourists, but when locals, or Sri Lankans visiting from abroad are discriminated against, that leaves such a bad taste. Sri Lanka is in the dark ages if this stuff is still happening. We are slaves in our own minds.

1 16

Gamarala Monday, 09 February 2026 08:46 PM

These are illegal structures, also they operate unlicensed liquor bars

1 13

Adwani Monday, 09 February 2026 09:35 PM

Each business establishment has the right to decide business activities. There is no need to accuse the management.

39 3

Gt Monday, 09 February 2026 09:37 PM

Discrimination should be illegal, age, colour, race, religion, gender, I've been refused rooms down south in certain places, I'm British sri Lankan, they just looked at my skin and said no, but they took sri Lankan females in.

2 13

Sri Lankan females also refused entry Tuesday, 10 February 2026 05:16 AM

Even females are refused! When I called, the owner thought I was foreign ( British accent). When I turned up I was refused on the basis that “ locals molest the maids”. I laughed. Told her that my aunt and I were unlikely to do that, and left. However, I was seething mad! Expect this rubbish from far right- brown/ blank immigrant- hating countries, but not Sri Lanka! It needs to end now.

0 12

Leonard Monday, 09 February 2026 10:15 PM

As far as I know, the restaurant concerned, which is in private ownership, is not in breach of any law for refusing to serve locals. Personally, I don’t have any issue with this policy as long as it is clearly stated on notice boards outside the restaurant to avoid embarrassing and annoying a local who is already inside. If they don’t serve locals, then you go to a place where they do.

36 6

sanath Silva Tuesday, 10 February 2026 12:45 AM

Leonard, your ignorance is appalling. Restaurant is not private club that allows only members. It is a pubic place because it invites and serves general public. To suggest people to sone where else disgusting. Your comments show what kind of a person you are.

0 6

SL lion Tuesday, 10 February 2026 03:32 AM

To Leonard/ What century are you living in? Gone are the days when Sri Lankans have to bow their heads, be subservient to avoid a whipping! Reclaim your rights as a citizen of this country, and challenge what is wrong. Never condone it!

0 11

Asanka Monday, 09 February 2026 10:52 PM

This issue plagued the down-south beach resorts in Sri Lanka.

1 11

Ranjan Edwards Monday, 09 February 2026 11:20 PM

Politicians and police from that area should be ashamed. Incidents like this is happening all over the South. Only in Sri Lankan, Sri Lankans are not allowed into a certain restaurants and cafes. Hopefully the government will take some action and stop this. At the Colombo airport also Sri Lankans are treated badly. We need a leader who will put Sri Lankans 1st in Sri Lanka.

3 16

Jude Tuesday, 10 February 2026 02:44 AM

My home is My castle same way My business my policies!! If you don't agree Go some where else.

26 0

Sagarika Monday, 09 February 2026 11:26 PM

This has been going on for a while and well known in the down south. Not only locally owned establishments but joints operated by illegal tourists also do the same. We are 2nd class citizens in our own country. There are so many complaints about these issues and government doesnt seem to care too much other than the "big talks" about national unity". I really wish there is a government which actually governs!

2 21

LPKan Tuesday, 10 February 2026 12:28 AM

Unless white skin could be billed more than the Brown skin ??? Or earning in Foreign currency better than LKR ? Is that right...

0 2

Mike Tuesday, 10 February 2026 01:33 AM

Sadly no one has the : Balls" to name and shame this restaurant/ hotel. Can someone who is aware let the public know.

0 5

Tourist Tuesday, 10 February 2026 02:10 AM

I have witnessed this disparity in this town (Tangalle). As an ex-Sri Lankan visiting the country and spending foreign currency does not mean anything when it comes to skin colour. Most of these sudha's are there for once in their life time trip to Sri Lanka. Meanwhile we ex-Sri Lankans visit almost year after year bringing in badly needed foreign reserve. Unfortunately, some in Sri Lanka seem to be tied to the White Colonial Past. Sadly some of these "Sudhas" wil be classified here in the Sudah country as "Trash White".

1 9

Jude Tuesday, 10 February 2026 02:41 AM

Hey Domain, have no shame or no dignity. If you're not welcomed there Go some where else.

23 1

Ignatius Tuesday, 10 February 2026 03:34 AM

Some of these foreigners come with little money. They want a good time. Our locals oblige. Some of us who are like them (dark skinned) spend thousands for a good time. (treated like local)

0 3

Jude Tuesday, 10 February 2026 03:35 AM

Back in the 80s sitting president's daughter wanted to check-in exclusive Villa in Bentota and the manager turned down her saying it's exclusive for foreigners only. He would've told the villa is full afterall it has only 8 rooms. There was no issue!!

21 0

Sandun Tuesday, 10 February 2026 03:45 AM

To refuse entry to anyone on the basis of race and presumed poor behaviour is ridiculous! Having witnessed the appalling behaviour of foreign tourists in public places, restaurants and hotels, why be prejudiced against Sri Lankans? It is the individual lack of breeding rather than due to race or gender.

0 10

Tom jones Tuesday, 10 February 2026 05:13 AM

Apartheid has come to Sri Lanka.” SuddontA Vitharai “ well done. We are better than whites.” Ara Soysa” Hand over the countries to the Suddas. They will run the country better than local Politicians who have ruined the country for the last 78 years.

2 2

Tom jones Tuesday, 10 February 2026 05:16 AM

Restaurant owner must be bribing the Police and politicians

0 5

Dr Tissa Fernando Tuesday, 10 February 2026 05:22 AM

Best thing us to open a fundamental rights case asking fir Rs 100 million compensation. Then these practices will stop. The restaurant should be banned as well . Owners properties should be confiscated to pay off the fines and compensation. But , will pacha government take any action? Not unless Rajapakshas own the restaurant.

3 8

Kumar Tuesday, 10 February 2026 06:51 AM

This is not the only restaurant that treat locals that way. On our way to Nuwara Eliya we had a similar experience at the famous Tea factory and the restaurant that visited by tourists and locals. I was walking to the new build followed by the family and at the entrance a well-dressed man told me that it was too expensive for us. I turned around went old build and had the tea we wanted to drink. I even left good tip to the servers. Next time I will leave bigger tip to the servers that serve locals.

0 4

Point to consider. Tuesday, 10 February 2026 06:46 PM

Do you know how many foreigners earn less than Sri Lankans abroad? A significant number, so it’s still prejudicial to assume a Sri Lankan cannot afford something. I have never been turned away from any top restaurant in London on the basis that I might not be able to afford it! That’s up to the customer to find out, rather than the establishment to second guess and deny entry.

0 9

Wijenayake Tuesday, 10 February 2026 07:54 AM

This is a very serious problem and action must be taken to stop this discrimination it happened to us in Bentota.

0 8

Rupert Outschoorn Tuesday, 10 February 2026 08:33 AM

Nothing new. We have seen and heard of similar incidents in the past. Unfortunately, no action has been taken so far, and the situation continues. It is time for someone to take responsibility and take action. This is very disappointing.

0 8

Dr. Dee esquire Tuesday, 10 February 2026 08:44 AM

Most of these hotel owners are third class businessmen who can barely speak English. Especially in down south!

1 17

Foreign-owned businesses too! Tuesday, 10 February 2026 02:13 PM

There are numerous foreign-owned establishments who are the same, if not worse. They expect payment in foreign exchange, often via card to foreign accounts. This needs to be investigated as it is stealing our tax revenue.

0 7

English is not a prerequisite for decency! Tuesday, 10 February 2026 06:22 PM

Does speaking English make someone more superior or intelligent? In that case, Japanese, Italians etc are real peasants according to your comments!

0 8

Foreigners too! Tuesday, 10 February 2026 06:26 PM

Does that include the foreign-owned places? Probably. They have to leave their countries to earn a living here, as they are unemployed there!

0 7

Local Tuesday, 10 February 2026 09:34 AM

During the Covid they needed the locals just to cover there costs.. now they need only foreigners.. should teach them a lesson

0 2

Dr ATHUKORALA Friday, 13 February 2026 01:28 PM

money goes direct to foreign bank account if paid by debit or credit card thus avoiding tax and foreign exchange this is a very cleaver racket, the reason why Rupee gets weeker and weeker, almost all hotels in Negombo does that

0 1

Jeeves Saturday, 14 February 2026 06:04 PM

There are many foreign-owned places in Negombo that go under the radar. Why the authorities do not investigate the thousands of illegally run places by foreigners baffles me! We are losing money to our economy and tax revenue. Potential livelihoods are impacted, and as you rightly say, paying directly into foreign accounts is weakening the SL rupee. Also, this is why there is a disparity between the number of tourists that come here and the actual revenue raised. Foreigners are using her resources and the tourists to enrich themselves. It is exploitation, and is going unchecked by the tourism industry and immigration.

0 4

ANNE CUNT Saturday, 14 February 2026 03:48 PM

when ever i want to transfer some money to Germany .i go to the hotel and pay with my credit card and money goes to my german bank in seconds ,CBSL useless

0 0

Navi Monday, 16 February 2026 11:57 AM

We still run behind suck up to white skinned. Serves us right. The German , you Nazi penny pinchers kindly FCUK off to where you came from.

0 1

Dr viswa Thursday, 19 February 2026 02:59 AM

this is a disgrace to all Sri-Lankans rich or poor, This is worst than Rajapaksas ( the whole family ) robbing the motherland is like robbing your own mother

0 0

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