A storm of controversy erupted on social media this week after claims circulated that bikinis were banned in Sri Lanka’s popular surf haven, Arugam Bay. However, police have swiftly debunked the rumor, stating that no such ban exists.
The uproar began when a widely shared post read:
“Welcome to Arugam Bay. We kindly request that you refrain from wearing bikinis in public places to respect our local culture. Your respect for our traditions means a lot to our community.”
The message, which appeared to be aimed at tourists, quickly went viral prompting heated reactions online and raising concerns among tourism operators.
Police, however, confirmed that no legal or official directive had been issued banning bikinis in Arugam Bay or any other public beach area. They clarified that the message was not from any government agency and said an investigation has been launched to trace its origin.
Arugam Bay, known for its laid-back charm and world-class surfing, attracts thousands of tourists each year. Business owners and locals alike feared the false narrative could damage the town’s image and disrupt tourism during peak season.
Speaking at a press conference in Colombo, the Deputy Minister of Tourism also dismissed the claims as “completely false.” He hinted at a possible deliberate attempt to tarnish the country’s tourism industry and confirmed that authorities are probing the source of the misleading post.
“This looks like a targeted move to undermine confidence in Sri Lanka as a welcoming travel destination,” he said. “We’re investigating the motive and individuals behind it.”
As officials work to contain the fallout, travelers are reassured that there is no ban on beach attire in Arugam Bay—and that the resort town remains open, vibrant, and bikini-friendly.
