An incident reported near Sigiriya has raised serious concerns about tourist safety and hospitality standards in one of Sri Lanka’s most visited heritage zones.
According to a Sri Lankan family who shared their account, the incident took place on 05 February 2025, while they were returning after attempting to climb Pidurangala. They encountered a group consisting of a Hungarian couple and two children near the Pidurangala temple parking area.
The Sri Lankan family noticed the tourists walking toward Sigiriya and inquired why they were returning on foot. The Hungarian visitors reportedly explained that three-wheeler drivers in the Pidurangala parking area had demanded Rs. 14,000 for two three-wheelers to travel approximately 10 kilometres from Pidurangala to Inamaluwa. The tourists had refused, stating that platforms such as Uber or PickMe charged only around Rs. 3,000 for the same distance. They added that they had already paid that rate to travel to the location and could not afford the excessive fare demanded.
Seeing the situation, the Sri Lankan family—who had traveled in two private vehicles—offered the tourists a ride, stating their intention to protect the country’s image and act humanely. However, according to the family, several three-wheeler drivers surrounded them, verbally abused them in low tone, and even threatened to attack them and burn their vehicles. The family stated that three members among them were captains in the Sri Lanka Army, and only after revealing this did the drivers momentarily step back, though they continued insisting the tourists should not be taken.
The family said they attempted to reason with the drivers, explaining that fair and respectful treatment of tourists would ultimately benefit local livelihoods. They also suggested the drivers accept Rs. 3,000 for two three-wheelers as a fair compromise. However, the drivers allegedly continued to behave aggressively, which the family described as conduct similar to “thieves.”
As darkness fell around 6.30 p.m., the foreign tourists began walking away in fear. The Sri Lankan group initially allowed them to walk a short distance before discreetly picking them up again. At that point, the three-wheeler drivers allegedly followed with multiple three-wheelers and motorcycles, continuing to intimidate them.
According to the account, the tourists were visibly frightened. The situation only de-escalated when the local family exited their vehicles, took photos and videos, mentioned involvement of security forces, and asserted that three members among them were military officers.
The family expressed frustration over what they described as a recurring pattern of behaviour in the area, alleging that ride-hailing vehicles are regularly prevented from entering Pidurangala to pick up tourists, and that drivers who attempt to do so face hostility.
Despite calling the police, the family claims no effective intervention occurred, stating they believe authorities are aware of these incidents and that such acts are common in the area. They further alleged that the three-wheel drivers appear unafraid of law enforcement, suggesting they may be receiving local support.
The family stressed that such behaviour severely damages Sri Lanka’s tourism image at a time when the industry is vital for national economic recovery. They urged authorities to take immediate action to protect tourists and regulate local transport operators.
The Hungarian visitors reportedly questioned why the government and police failed to intervene. The local family told them the incident was unfortunate and apologized on behalf of the country, though they noted from the tourists’ expressions that they believed this was not an isolated case.
The family concluded that unless such unruly conduct is addressed promptly, Sri Lanka risks discouraging international visitors and harming its reputation as a tourist-friendly destination.
