US embassy warns women against using tuk-tuks in Sri Lanka
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Tourists taking part in a Sri Lanka Tourism Board-sponsored tuk tuk race reach the finish line in Colombo on Sept 14, 2009.
PHOTO: AFP
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COLOMBO (AFP) - The US embassy in Colombo warned Thursday (June 29) its citizens visiting Sri Lanka to avoid travelling alone in tuk-tuks after a spate of sexual harassment complaints.
The embassy, in a message posted on its website, advised women against hailing the brightly-coloured autorickshaws used widely to get around in Sri Lanka.
"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," said the statement.
"Females should avoid travelling in tuk-tuks alone in Colombo."
Many of the reported incidents occurred at the end of a ride, the embassy said. Those opting to use tuk-tuks were requested to take photos of the driver and registration plate before boarding.
There are some 1.2 million autorickshaws in Sri Lanka, most used as taxis in a country where public transport is often unreliable and overcrowded.
