Is Colombo Safe for Women? Crime Rate in Colombo
Safety rating
Women living in Colombo consider the safety level to be moderate, with an overall safety rating of 3.2 out of 5.
Crime rating
Women living in Colombo consider the crime rate to be relatively low, with an overall crime rating of 1.5 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 3 experiences
Safety rating: | 3.2/5 | Moderate |
Safety walking alone after dark: | 1.7/5 | Unsafe |
Safety using public transport: | 2.6/5 | Moderate |
Crime rate: | 1.5/5 | Low |
Worries of being sexually harassed: | 2/5 | A bit worried |
Worries of being sexually assaulted or raped: | 1.4/5 | Not at all worried |
Worries of being physically attacked: | 1.4/5 | Not at all worried |
Worries of home broken and things stolen: | 1/5 | Not at all worried |
Worries of being mugged or robbed: | 1/5 | Not at all worried |
Worries of being kidnapped or murdered: | 1/5 | Not at all worried |
How safe is Colombo?
Colombo is a beautiful and clean city . The residents are helpful and it feels safe to travel around. I had visited in 2023 with my sister and faced no problems. People were warm and welcoming. There were people wanting to be your guide in the tourist parts but, they were not aggressive.
Posted: June 27, 2025Colombo 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, 2025It'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, 2025Is Colombo worth visiting?
Travel rating
based on 3 experiences from female travelers
Solo travel
I didn't feel safe. There were a lot of homeless people. Also, people on the street were begging for money, not only children. The bus driver tried to cheat me, and I lost some money. I would not recommend going alone at night.
Posted: January 6, 2025Experienced: November, 2024
Laura
Sri Lanka
Solo travel
Not too much to do here, but feels safe. Locals are friendly and helpful. I just went to the museums which was nice. Not many other eu/UK travellers which tbh was quite nice. I only spent a day here and it was relaxing (but hot). Felt safe and secure at all times really
Posted: February 17, 2024Experienced: January, 2024Safety in Sri Lanka
Frequently asked questions
Is Colombo safe?
Is Colombo safe to walk alone at night?
Is public transport safe in Colombo?
What is the crime rate in Colombo?
What is the risk of being sexually harassed in Colombo?
What is the risk of being sexually assaulted or raped in Colombo?
What is the risk of being physically attacked in Colombo?
What is the risk of burglary in Colombo?
What is the risk of being mugged or robbed in Colombo?
What is the risk of being kidnapped or murdered in Colombo?
