TCRM 41414

Regulations and Legislations for Tourism

 Members

SS/2012/0009 - Mihika Abeysinghe

SS/2012/0251 - Vishwani Herath
SS/2012/0363 - Pathum Nuwan
SS/2012/0365 - Nandana Pushpakumara
SS/2012/0366 - Chamila Ajith Kumara
SS/2012/0372 - Thakshila Chaithya
SS/2012/0539 - Amanda Perera
SS/2012/0544 - Imalka Udeshini
SS/2012/0669 - Eshani Samudika
SS/2012/0838 - Thashila Yohani
 SS/2012/0372
Thakshila Chaithya

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- (1989
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 Crimes to Foreign Tourist
within Sri Lanka

 Nandana Pushpakumara
SS/2012/0365
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SS/2012/0544
Imalka Udeshini Thangalla
Scandal
Victims were Khuram Shaikh Zaman
(British) and Victoria Alexandrovna (Russian)

Crime was killing British tourist Khuram Shaikh in December 2011

and for raping and brutally assaulting his fiance while holidaying
at the tourist resort of Tangalle were sentenced by the Colombo
High Court.

Former Tangalle Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Sampath

Chandrapushpa Vidanapathirana, Lahiru Kalum, Saman
Deshapriya and Prageeth Chaturanga who were found guilty.

While requesting to amend the punishments given to the convicts,

the Attorney General also suggested that these convicts should be
given death sentence or life imprisonment as they committed the
murder using weapons as members of an unlawful assembly
 Nandana Pushpakumara
SS/2012/0365

Diagram
displays Injuries
of victims
 SS/2012/0544
Yvonne Johnson murder Imalka Udeshini

18 years old Yvone Johnson (Swedish national) was killed at the

luxury Royal park apartment complex in Rajagiriya in 2005.
Supreme Court had upheld the death sentence given to Jude
Jayamaha by the Court of Appeal.
Jude Jayamaha who was found guilty of the murder sentenced to
death at Supreme court
 Vishwani Herath
SS/2012/0251

.
.
,
- (Lawful Homicide)
- (Unlawful Homicide) .
293 294 .
296 .
293


 Vishwani Herath
SS/2012/0251

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294 (05)
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 SS/2012/0009
Mihika Abeysinghe

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 SS/2012/0009
Mihika Abeysinghe

.
398
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399

.
 SS/2012/0009
Mihika Abeysinghe

.
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.
50% .
.
99 .
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 SS/2012/0372
Thakshila Chaithya

2009-2017 ,
22
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25
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 SS/2012/0009 Mihika Abeysinghe
SS/2012/0251 Vishwani Herath

1995 ;22 1998 29

363 .
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 SS/2012/363
Pathum Nuwan
2015 2016
18 64
26 37
85 34
15 10
21 10
02 01
14 01
10 01
09 05
02 04
04 14
02 18

01
18 :
 SS/2012/363
Pathum Nuwan
2015


8% 8%

0%1%

2%
1%

4% 12%

4%

6%

1%

9%

37%
7%

 SS/2012/363

Pathum Nuwan
9%
2016
7%

32%
2%

3%



1%
0%
0%

5%

5%

17% 19%

 SS/2012/366
Ajith Kumara

2017 2017 2017 2017

03 03 03 04

01 02 02 02

03 01 01 02

01 01 01 02

06 02 02 02

02 04 04

03 02 02
:
 SS/2012/366
Ajith Kumara

14%

22%
16% 16%



5%

10%

29% 14%

16%

7%

5% 14%
32%

2017 2017

 SS/2012/366
Ajith Kumara

17%
23%

31%
33%

17%



15%



15%

8% 17% 16%
8%

2017 2017

 SS/2012/0669
Eshani Samudika

Causes
The behaviour of tourist
The draining of value system
The technology
Misunderstanding
Cultural unawareness - Cultural Shock
 SS/2012/0669
Eshani Samudika
The behavior of tourist

According to the discussion had with the OIC of the Tourist Police
Division at Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority he said that after
tourist came here they tend to stay according to their own countrys
behavior. Such as midnight walking along road alone, being drunk at
strange places etc.
As their misunderstanding of the same as the country they have adopted
in this situation happens.
 SS/2012/0669
The draining of value system Eshani Samudika

Sri Lanka is a popular tourist destionation form the very past time and
considered as a nation of hospitability. It said that I past a woman could have
walk alone at even night wearing all her jewelry without a fear.
But at resent even in a day time is it hard to keep the trust about a security.
Specially foreign tourist women have become the targets of crime minded ones.
Many travel sites warn tourists to have the own security when travelling in
public transport specially.
According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) reports,
only 219,360 tourists arrived in Sri Lanka in January 2017. 224,791 tourist
arrivals were recorded in December 2016.
Frequent complaints have been recorded against the harassment and abuse of
foreign women and this number has been increasing over time.
 SS/2012/0669
Eshani Samudika
The technology

Still the Sri Lankans are hospitable. Fact is the society is making their
tendency for materialism. People seek for something to sell. So one of the
thing take the blame technology. It says we are in a technologically
enriched era. But does it make worth if we lose the value systems?
Internet contains some taboos such as phonography of white women. So
at a instant from a fist away it is easy to access to the internet and watch
them. As the feelings arise of sexuality people tend to make them
practice using white women.
 SS/2012/0669
Eshani Samudika
Misunderstanding

Those who are unaware about the patterns of tourists make

misunderstandings.
One is locals think tourists are very rich. It is not true at every time. So
frauds to tourists increases. As a practical experience two of my foreign
relations had paid Rs. 800.00 for a three-wheeler which actually worth
Rs. 50.00
Locals have a wrong impression of white women due to the way they
dress. Usually according to their culture they wear open and short
dresses. It is because they value to show tanned skin while we value
fair skin. To get sun tanned the dresses are short or open. But local
men get it wrong as they wave for attraction and think foreigners are
morally loose and and easy to approach them.
 SS/2012/0669
Cultural unawareness - Cultural Shock Eshani Samudika

According to their culture there are some specific behaviours. As we

make the first impression with Ayubowan they have shake hands, hugs
and kisses, embracing. Our people make that non-verbal gestures as part
of sexuality cause of cultural unawareness.
Foreigners some times may say hello at places where a pub or similar
place and may invite for a drink, tea or a smoke. But locals think that they
invite with a hidden agenda there after. When local realize that there is
nothing such and behave aggressive and might harass, rape and loot by
being unable to bear the disappointment.
 Tourist Perception on
Harassments in Sri Lanka
 SS/2012/0838
Thashila Yohani
Firstly,
Identify the tourist dependability on policies and regulations to ensure their safety
Identify the tourist understanding on society and measure the perception on
harassments in relation with society.
Mount Lavinia -The population -a sample of 80 tourists -sampling technique.
tourism policy makers, tour operators, tourists etc.
Index Terms- Tourist perception, Harassments, destination image
 SS/2012/0838

TOURIST HARASSMENTS Thashila Yohani

Are not considered as crime in most countries and many governments do not carry
out a legal standards or policies to minimize the crimes.
Difficult to describe objectively and the complaint handling is difficult than other
cases as staying short period of time in the destinations,
Unable to understand on deeds, taking them as humble concerns and lack of
evidence on crimes.
Arrival of tourists to a destination depends mainly on available safety measurements
and tourists perception on harassment free environment is a key factor to retain the
visitors for a destination.
Harassing of tourist has become a common problem in the Sri Lankan context due to
the interrelation in tourism and harassments.
More than 30% of tourists who visited to Sri Lanka were harassed by various causes.
(Daily News-2001/11/02).
The most popular places for harassments in Sri Lanka are Tangalle, Negambo, Galle,
Mount Lavinia, Dikwella, Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna.
 SS/2012/0838

Five possible types of relationship between Thashila Yohani

tourism and crime

(1) The victim being a tourist is incidental
(2) The offender chooses a tourist site but not necessarily a tourist as the
victim
(3) The offender chooses tourists because they are easy victims
(4) Crime arises in tourist areas to fulfil a demand of the tourist (e.g. prostitution and
drug markets)
(5) Some crimes are organized specific attacks on tourists to make a political
statement (e.g. terrorism)
By Ryan (1993)
 SS/2012/0838
Thashila Yohani

Common harassments
caused Demography
of Tourists
Types of Harassing
persons

Tourist Understanding on the Tourists

Perception on
Mostly harassed tourist types Harassments

Awareness on rules and

regulations
 SS/2012/0838
Thashila Yohani

Tourists dependability on
policies and regulations to ensure their safety,

Tourists dependability on policies and regulations to ensure their safety.

Identify the tourist understanding on society and perception on
harassments in relation with society.
Identify mostly harassing persons.
Identify the most frequent harassments undergone by the tourists.
Identify the commonly harassed tourist type.
Identify how the demographic factors contribute to the tourists perception
of harassments.
 SS/2012/0838
Hypothesis Thashila Yohani

Hypothesis A
H0: Tourists understanding on rules and regulations does not affect
harassments
H1: Tourists understanding on rules and regulations affects harassments

Hypothesis B
H0: Tourist understanding on the social life does not affect Tourists
Perception on harassments
H1: Tourist understanding on the social life affects Tourists Perception on
harassments
 SS/2012/0838
Profile of the tourists Thashila Yohani

80 tourists = 46 percent males + 54 percent females

Majority -Age category of 21-30
Marital status-57 percent of tourists -single category
Married category -39 percent
Other -divorced, widow and travelling with partner
59 percent of tourists -first time visitors to Sri Lanka
The rest of the sample - re-visitors
74 percent -graduates.
51 percent-From Europe
31 percent of tourist arrivals - from Asia and Pacific region
 SS/2012/0838
Descriptive analysis Thashila Yohani

Determinants of harassments affect tourist perception,

1. Awareness on Rules and Regulations

2. Awareness on Society and societys perception on harassments

 SS/2012/0838
Thashila Yohani
Different patterns of social life can be seen all around the world, such as,
food cultures, hospitality, tour guiding, assistance to tourists,
communication, type of people etc.
Understanding on rules and regulation of a country is another important
factor for tourist harassments.
It is required to be practiced in a well manner.
It is identifiable that awareness on rules and regulations and awareness on
social life affects the tourists perception of harassments.
Perception of harassments is a vital factor to decide whether to visit that
destination or not.
 SS/2012/0669

The international responds

Eshani Samudika

Yet many harassment and abuse cases have gone unnoticed because the Sri
Lankan legal system is too slow says the internet.
The United Kingdom has warned the British people of the possible dangers they
may face while in Sri Lanka. The emphasize on importance
of travelling with a reputed company for the safety.
The initial incidents are harassements in markets,
busses and railways.
And extra warning has declared when
having drinks at Southern beach resorts too.
Republic of Maldives enroll in the
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
to receive security messages and make it easier
to locate tourist in an emergency.
 SS/2012/0669
Eshani Samudika
The US embassy in Colombo has warned their citizens who visit Sri Lanka to avoid travelling alone in
three-wheelers which are now famous as tuk-tuks because of harassments recorded. They have
posted in their official website as this The US embassy Colombo has been made aware of an increase in
incidents involving tuk-tuk drivers in the Colombo area inappropriately touching female passengers,

Further they have declared tips as this.

Females should avoid traveling in Tuk-tuks alone in Colombo.
If you have to travel alone (especially at night) use a company that tracks your ride rather than
Tuk-tuks and make sure family members or friends know your travel plans.
Take pictures of the Tuk driver and vehicle license plate prior to getting inside.
Many of the reported incidents occurred at the end of the ride be extra vigilant during this time
and try to limit time alone inside the Tuk.
Place physical barriers (bags, etc) between yourself and the driver.
Do not be afraid to use force if needed make noise, be assertive, and strike back to defend
yourself. Doing so will not only draw attention to the scene, but can also startle the attacker
Pay attention to your surroundings, and know your location in case you have to call for assistance
Do not make yourself a target for criminals flashing expensive jewelry or large amounts of cash
can make you a target
Lock your doors, including when you are at home
Carry your cell phone and ensure it is charged or carry a back-up charger. Have emergency
numbers saved on your contacts list
 SS/2012/0539
Amanda Perera

How crimes against foreign tourists impact on

tourism industry.
Sri Lanka considered as a tourism destination from our past history.
That's why our country famous with these mottos like
land like no other, pearl of Asia,
wonder of Asia etc. Sri Lanka enriched with nature,
culture and extreme hospitality. But in this presentation
I'm going to focus on how the crimes against foreign tourists in
Sri Lanka badly impact to the tourism industry.
Tourism industry known as fourth major
foreign exchange earning category in Sri Lanka.
That's why government gazed their main attention to
develop tourism industry. But crimes against
foreign tourists can become major threat to the tourism
industry in future. We can discuss it by following points.
 SS/2012/0539
Amanda Perera
01) Good image of a country is a must to attract more tourists to the country. But
when locals engaging with criminal behaviours again tourists by murdering, rapping,
robbing & sexual harassments are badly impact to destroy the country's image. It
caused bad image on tourists mind set and they were scared to visit such countries.
Because of lack of safety. Reducing number of tourists arrivals badly impact on the
development of the tourism industry.
02) According to foreign criminal records most of crimes are happened in beach
destinations. According to Daily Mirror newspaper they mentioned land like no
other but 5 foreign crimes per day in beach destinations. Because of these things
tourists scared to visit beach destinations. So it badly impact for the local hotel
chains and local enterprises. Hotel represents our tourism and hospitality industry.
When they damaged with these incidents it can also badly impact on tourism
industry.
03) also when foreign tourists spread their experiences recording crimes when they
reach to their mother countries or by using social media, our country will be isolate from
the other countries. So it causing reduce tourists arrivals to Sri Lanka. Without targeting
tourists arrivals to the country tourism industry can't reach to its goals. So it causing
failure of the industry.
 SS/2012/0539
Amanda Perera

04) foreign tourists considered Sri Lanka as richest cultured country. That's why
most of tourists come to Sri Lanka to experience our unique culture. But those
criminal cases badly impact for our culture also. Because rude behaviours like
murdering, rapping, robbing, harassments might be create bad attitude about whole
people in the country. They might be create an opinions like Sri Lanka is a country
with crimes and harassments. So it will badly impact on cultural tourism in Sri
Lanka. Because Sri Lanka enriched with good behavioural patterns in the past. But
such crimes can spoil our richness in the culture also.
05) Because of these crimes tourists might be scared to visit to the country. Sri Lanka
is developing country. So we can't afford much money on new constructions for
tourism industry. So we need investors. But investors are not going to invest a
country with so many bad reputations. Because their investments must be a failure
one day when the tourists arrivals are not doing properly to the country. So it also
can cause negative impact for the development of the tourism industry.
Like that we can recognize so many negative impacts for the development to the
tourism industry because of these crimes against foreign tourists.
 SS/2012/0539

Suggestions
Amanda Perera

01) Introduce new laws, punishment system those who are engage in crimes against foreign
tourists. Otherwise foreign tourists might be scared to visit our country under criminal
incidents. It cause to reduce arrival of tourists to Sri Lanka and it can badly impact on foreign
exchange earning, tourism industry, country's image and reputation & culture. If there's a good
law background in the country people also prevent from those things.

02) government must strengthen the participation of tourist police in recently crimes
happening destinations like tangalle, ambalangoda, chillaw, negombo, kalpitiya etc. Now there
are two tourist police posts in hikkaduwa and negombo. But considering rate of crimes against
foreign tourists director of tourist police Mr. SSP Maxi Proctor said " not only in coastal areas,
inland areas like nuwaraeliya, anuradhapura, polonnaruwa must have to establish tourist police
posts to reduce crimes.

03) Introducing emergency hot line numbers for tourists regarding crimes and harassment
complaints can add extra safety for foreign tourists during they stay in a destination. In Sri
Lanka 1912 using as emergency hotline number for foreign tourists. But tourists are not aware
with that number. Even local people also not aware with that. So better we can introduce two or
three numbers and aware them about that hotline numbers from the airport, travel agencies,
tour guides, hotels, tourist police, web sites, social media etc. Its a great advantage for tourists
to get action before crimes or after any incident they can inform relevant parties to get help.
 SS/2012/0539
Amanda Perera
04) according to Mr. Yuveraj Athukorala media director of Sri Lanka tourism development
authority he said most of coastal area crimes happened against foreign tourists because of
beach boys, three wheel riding people & men who pose as masseuse. To prevent that kind of
things government, Sri Lanka tourism development authority and other organizations can
conduct awareness programs for those people about crimes, and what kind of laws and
punishments they have to face when someone supporting or engaging to a crime against
foreign tourists. Lack of education and the awareness of law and the tourism industry are
major reasons for that case.

05) according to Sri Lanka tourism development authority researches tourists who lodge in
cheap motels are often victims of such violences. If government, local hotel chains, tourism
development authority, travel agencies aware them to stay in SLTDA approved accommodate
places we can slove such crimes somehow. And also government must take steps to establish
safety modes like tourist police officers in every cheap accommodate places. Also government
must not give legal approve to establish cheap motels that have no quality assurance with the
safety.

06) those who are supporting or engaging crimes against foreign tourists must be punishe
with similar legal offences without concerning class of the society. Country's law must have to
act correctly and similarly each & every person without concerning political favorations and
powers.
 SS/2012/0539
Amanda Perera

07) beging of 90' s crimes against foreign tourists became higher rated. If this condition
continue constantly it will be a big threat to our tourism industry. Because tourism industry is
the fourth major earning category in Sri Lanka. It can badly impact to our economic level and
also to the society by loosening job opportunities. So it can extremely cause economical and
sociocultural problems. So government must have to implement new plans to prevent and
Banne this issue from our country.

08) If sociocultural and economical ways break down in future because of this cases our
tourism industry also will lost its sustainability. Because to have sustainability economy,
environment and sociocultural facts must perform in a strong way
 SS/2012/0372 Thakshila Chaithya
SS/2012/0544 Imalka Udeshini
Conclusion
Some tourists depend on the support of beach boys rather than professional
tour guides for obtaining illegal things, like drugs, sex workers, prostitutes
etc.
Most of the beach boys are using drugs having the full support of even police
officers who are in charge of Mount Lavinia beach area.
Not only that some of the beach boys are acting as sex workers and ready to
entertain any kind of tourist who will pay the highest price.
It is not a curiosity to identify beach boys as one of the main harassing people
to the tourists looking at their service type.
Majority of the tourists who visit Mount-Lavinia were male and it shows that
most of the tourists who visit Mount Lavina are in young age.
Considering the marital status, it is clear that majority of them are single and
first time visitors to Sri Lanka.
 http://www.ijsrp.org/research-paper-0415/ijsrp-p4092

Reference
http://www.thestar.com.my/news/regional/2017/06/29/us-
embassy-warns-women-against-using-tuk-tuk-in-sri-
lanka/#qmqRIRMxhK9sZwCV.99
http://srilankabrief.org/2014/05/sri-lanka-political-thugs-take-over-
tourist-sea-sides-victimes-afraid-even-to-complain/
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120101/News/nws_22.html
http://www.ijsrp.org/research-paper-0415/ijsrp-p4092.pdf
Thank You..!