An American tourist from Boston recently lauded the Sri Lanka Tourist Police for their timely and effective assistance after her mobile phone and wallet, containing all her money and bank cards, were stolen while she was traveling on a train. The commendation highlights the responsive and supportive role played by the local authorities in safeguarding visitors in times of distress.
While traveling solo on holiday, Anna Kotkova faced a challenging situation when she lost her phone, containing all her money, cards, and ID, on a train to Colombo. Taking to Facebook, she shared a photo with officers from the Sri Lanka Tourist Police and the Wadduwa Station, expressing her gratitude for their assistance. In her post, she noted, “I wasn’t paying attention and ended up in a tough situation with no money or phone. The Sri Lankan Tourist Police in Colombo, which is dedicated to helping tourists and has offices in each major city, came to my rescue.”
She went on to say ” I can’t thank the officers from the Tourist Police in charge enough! They put me up in a room for a few nights, made sure I had to eat, helped me contact my banks and family….and with the help of Locate My Device, helped me get my phone back!!!”
Ms. Kotkova concluded her experience by offering advice to fellow travelers through a post, where she recommended, “If you ever find yourself in a difficult situation as a tourist in Sri Lanka, seek out the nearest Tourist Police station for help. If you’re unable to reach one on your own, ask regular police officers to guide you there.”
In their effort to recover Ms. Kotkova’s stolen belongings, the Tourist Police, operating under the Ministry of Tourism, collaborated closely with the Police OIC (Crimes) and his team from the Wadduwa Police Station. This partnership proved instrumental in apprehending the individual responsible for stealing the tourist’s phone.
The Ministry of Tourism can be reassured and proud of its effective efforts to ensure the safety and comfort of tourists, especially during challenging times, extending the warmth and genuine hospitality for which Sri Lanka is renowned. The Ministry has been vigorously advancing this crucial sector that generates significant foreign currency. Through numerous campaigns aimed at attracting visitors and enhancing tourism, the Ministry has historically supported the livelihoods of over 2 million people, either directly or indirectly.
Additionally, a recent survey has affirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to secure and welcoming travel, ranking it as the top destination for solo female travelers in 2024. This recognition serves as a testament to the Ministry’s dedication to creating a safe and inviting environments for all tourists.
