Is Sri Lanka Safe for Women? Crime Rate in Sri Lanka
Safety rating
Women living in Sri Lanka consider the safety level to be moderate, with an overall safety rating of 2.8 out of 5.
Crime rating
Women living in Sri Lanka consider the crime rate to be relatively low, with an overall crime rating of 1.8 out of 5.
Violence rating
On average 54% percentage of women in Sri Lanka have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner at some time in their life, according to OECD Data.
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Crime & Safety Statistics
Based on 6 experiences
Safety rating: | 2.8/5 | Moderate |
Safety walking alone after dark: | 1.3/5 | Very Unsafe |
Safety using public transport: | 2.3/5 | Unsafe |
Crime rate: | 1.8/5 | Low |
Worries of being sexually harassed: | 2.3/5 | A bit worried |
Worries of being sexually assaulted or raped: | 1.8/5 | A bit worried |
Worries of being physically attacked: | 1.8/5 | A bit worried |
Worries of home broken and things stolen: | 1.2/5 | Not at all worried |
Worries of being mugged or robbed: | 1.1/5 | Not at all worried |
Worries of being kidnapped or murdered: | 1.2/5 | Not at all worried |
How safe is Sri Lanka?
Olga
Sri Lanka
In touristic places there pretty safe but when you move a bit far from the city center you can face some problems. Also it was an attempt of physical abuse of a friend of mine. Another friend of mine was robbed and police did literally nothing, even though it was some cameras at that place
Posted: June 21, 2025Colombo
Colombo is relatively safe, however, I personally don't feel comfortable enough to be out and about past 8 pm as it gets quite dark and there are not many street lights around. Locals are pretty friendly though.
Posted: June 14, 2025Negombo
Negombo is a slow paced, and a relatively safer city. General safety precautions such as avoiding traveling alone at late night hours, or at the beach and being mindful of your belongings and surroundings is advised. Mugging and other crimes are extremely rare.
Posted: May 6, 2025Jaffna
In day light its safe but people are constantly judging but not rude high recommended modest clothing better avoid short or tank tops (in north side of Sri lanka) Teenage guys are not so good but not all but few Its safe in daylight but at night after 10 I don’t remember to go out alone Other than that people are welcoming and kind they love to interact with foreigners Just like Indian best to protect ourselves Always carry a safety spray for any emergency situation Its a safe place and beautiful place but always better to be alert
Posted: January 28, 2025Colombo
It's like as long as you're streetwise stick to public roads and places with people you would be safe just like in any city. in other words there is no definite risk like that, all about just being in th wrong place at the wrong time. Ofvourse I'd advice to avoid public transport after office hours cause it can be quite packed
Posted: January 14, 2025Sri Lanka
Sri lanka is moderately safe for solo female travellers as. Long as they take necessary precautions. Make sure you do not go out alone at night or travel long distances with unknown people. While most people are very kind and helpful, there are black sheep who ruin the experience. So better safe than sorry.
Posted: April 24, 2024Is Sri Lanka worth visiting?
Travel rating
based on 39 experiences from female travelers
Meera
Germany
Sri Lanka, Solo travel
I felt really safe in every region of the country! As a tip: the centre of the island was surprisingly the most impressive part, instead of the beaches - so don’t miss out on that! And beware of their fragile toilet systems :)
Posted: June 23, 2025
Sophl
Austria
Sri Lanka, Solo travel
Sri Lanka was great. It doesnt matter what kind of person you are - if you like climbing, swimming, surfing, drinking - you can do it! There is something for everyone to do. The only ‚bad‘ thing about this island is tbh that it is kinda dirty.
Posted: February 7, 2025Safety in Sri Lanka
Frequently asked questions
Is Sri Lanka safe?
Is Sri Lanka safe to walk alone at night?
Is public transport safe in Sri Lanka?
What is the crime rate in Sri Lanka?
What is the risk of being sexually harassed in Sri Lanka?
What is the risk of being sexually assaulted or raped in Sri Lanka?
What is the risk of being physically attacked in Sri Lanka?
What is the risk of burglary in Sri Lanka?
What is the risk of being mugged or robbed in Sri Lanka?
What is the risk of being kidnapped or murdered in Sri Lanka?
