‘Sex? Please?’: Tourist faces sexual harassment in Sri Lanka, police launch probe. Viral video

The man allegedly asked where she was staying before exposing himself and masturbating. (Image credit: @nomadic_sanjee/X)

A New Zealand woman travelling solo across Sri Lanka in an e-rickshaw has alleged harassment and indecent exposure by a local man, prompting police to seek public assistance in identifying the suspect. The incident reportedly happened in the Arugam Bay area on October 25, but went viral recently after the traveller shared her ordeal via a video on Instagram.

She said that what began as a peaceful day turned into a frightening experience. “I started my day with a sunrise swim,” the traveller who goes by @molsgonewild wrote, adding that the situation escalated soon after.

Exactly one year & a half ago I wrote this Twitter thread addressing #SoloFemaleTravellers to #SriLanka. See quotes & responses. The backlash was political suggesting that I was a "traitor" destroying the image of #LKA that was governed by RW.
Check this story of a tourist now. https://t.co/FCQkD67p5E pic.twitter.com/T4Xn67tG7c

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— Sanjee #GoodGovernance🇱🇰🇪🇸🇧🇪🇪🇷🇿🇼🇳🇦🇫🇮 (@nomadic_sanjee) November 15, 2025

'He asked me for sex'

According to her account, a man on a scooter began behaving suspiciously—slowing down in front of her, forcing her to overtake him, and then speeding up to pass her again. Initially, she responded politely but stopped engaging when “his behaviour became uncomfortable.”

She thought she was safe when the man turned off the road, but he reappeared when she pulled over for a break. “I pulled over to have a small rest and a drink, and he appeared again,” she recalled. The man allegedly asked where she was staying before exposing himself and masturbating. “He asked me for sex,” she said in the video, adding that she fled in fear. “I was left on edge for the rest of my trip.”

'Knocked my confidence back a bit'

The woman admitted the incident shook her confidence but vowed to continue her journey. “I am not going to let it ruin my trip, but it has knocked my confidence back a little bit,” she said. She urged solo travellers to stay alert: “This is just another reminder to set aside people pleasing and speak up loudly when things like this happen.”

Despite the traumatic experience, she stressed that the incident does not define Sri Lanka. “The local people I met were some of the kindest and most generous I have ever encountered. This was one man, one moment—not a reflection of an entire country,” she wrote in her Instagram caption.

Police seek help to nab suspect

Sri Lanka Police confirmed they are investigating the incident. Authorities said the woman's video showing the suspect engaging in indecent sexual behaviour prompted the Pottuvil Police to launch a probe.

Police have appealed for information on the suspect and urged the public to contact Pottuvil Police Station at 063 2248022 or the Officer-in-Charge at 071 8591168.