Colombo - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
I was here for the bombings in 2018. Before that happened I would have said that there are no security concerns, but since then it's clear that there is still some underlying tension. In general, I would say that things are very safe from a security standpoint. Traffic is a safety concern and buses in particular drive like maniacs. There is a high rate of drinking and driving and rules are not enforced. Many people die every year when struck by vehicles overtaking on blind turns. - Mar 2021
Sri Lanka feels very safe and there is little to no crime. Like most places, there is occasional street harassment from men (if you're a woman). The Easter Sunday terrorist attack happened while we were at post (and we were evacuated for a time afterwards). So that continues to put me on edge, even if the rest of the country seems to have gotten on with things. - Sep 2020
Not that I'm aware of. I feel safe. - Apr 2020
Some people report being harassed by tuk-tuk drivers or passers by. Sri Lankans stare. They don't mean anything by it most of the time. They are generally very warm and welcoming. They love babies and love to touch them. - Sep 2017
Petty crime, some home burgleries, although most homes have alarms which should be used. - Mar 2017
Not really. It's much safer since the civil war ended in 2009. - Sep 2013
Not since the war ended. All checkpoints are now down. - Sep 2012
The civil war just ended in May 2009, there are still armed military checkpoints throughout the city; and very heavy security near Temple Trees on Galle Road. - Dec 2011
Not really, feels very safe. You can live anywhere in the city or the suburbs. Also safe to be out at night. - Feb 2010
Random bus and train bombings. Sri Lankan military and political targets are hit by claymores and roadside IED's. Westerners are relatively safe if they avoid political and military target. - Sep 2008
Yes, there is decades old conflict with bombs going off in Colombo and elsewhere. They are not targetted at foreigners though, who should still avoid public transport where most of the blasts have occurred. - Feb 2008
