(COLOMBO) – A British tourist in Sri Lanka is believed to have fled the country after he allegedly made a fabricated theft complain while staying at a budget guest house at Alawathugoda situated in the north-western part of the country, police said.
The tourist who was not named told police that thieves had broken into his room and removed Rs. 477,884 in cash, two wrist watches and two cameras while he was dining on Wednesday night (27).
He claimed that the thief or thieves had gained entry into the room after breaking the door lock from the outside and insisted on making an official complaint in order to obtain an insurance payment, police said.
Upon investigation, it was discovered that the door lock was actually broken from the inside with a bottle opener which raised suspicions among the police.
When the tourist was confronted with such evidence, he had apparently left the hotel and is believed to have fled the country while the investigations were ongoing, according to police.
“Such falsified claims, only goes on to tarnish the image of the police in particular and the country in general where efforts are being made to encourage and improve the tourist sector in the island-nation,” one senior policeman said.
The incident also comes when the British Government continues to place an adverse travel advisory on its nationals intending to visit Sri Lanka.
