A 24-year-old New Zealand woman whose video about experiencing sexual harassment in Sri Lanka went viral has emphasised that the incident does not reflect the overall safety of the country or its people. She praised Sri Lankans and law enforcement for their swift and supportive response.
The solo traveller said she received overwhelming kindness from locals during her stay and described Sri Lanka as “an amazing country to travel”. She added that she would continue to recommend it to other women travelling alone, noting that the actions of one individual should not define an entire destination.
“One incident does not define a country, and it doesn’t define solo female travel. Sri Lanka is an incredible country,” she said, expressing gratitude that the situation has sparked a broader discussion on women’s safety.
Her original video — which showed a man exposing himself while following her in a tuk-tuk — garnered millions of views and ignited a widespread online debate about women’s safety and solo female travel. She said it was discouraging to see the conversation shift towards victim-blaming, but acknowledged that such incidents can happen anywhere in the world.
After the video surfaced, Sri Lankan media helped identify the suspect, prompting police to launch an immediate manhunt. Officers tracked down and arrested the man within four days, and the case is now before court. The traveller thanked the police for what she described as an “incredible” and proactive response.
She said her overall experience in Sri Lanka was overwhelmingly positive, aside from that single incident, and that she encountered generosity, support, and warmth from locals throughout her journey.
While she stressed the importance of ongoing global conversations about women’s safety, she also noted that isolated cases should not overshadow the reality that Sri Lanka remains a welcoming destination for travellers.
