Colombo, Sri Lanka — A 24-year-old New Zealand solo female traveler whose video of a sexual harassment incident went viral, sparking a global debate on women’s safety abroad, has strongly defended Sri Lanka as a tourist destination, praising locals and the Sri Lankan Police Tourism Division for their swift, proactive action.
The traveler, identified as Molly, was on a solo road trip in a tuk-tuk on the eastern coast when a man on a scooter allegedly propositioned her and then exposed himself after she refused. She filmed the encounter, and the video subsequently garnered millions of views across social media platforms, drawing international criticism and prompting concerns about tourist safety.
Swift Law Enforcement Action
Within days of the video circulating, the Sri Lankan Police, working with the Tourism Division and local authorities, launched an intensive manhunt. The suspect, a 25-year-old local, was identified, traced, and arrested on Saturday (November 16, 2025), despite attempts to change his appearance and residence to evade capture.
“Thank you to everyone who sent support, and to the Sri Lankan Tourism Police for acting so quickly,” the traveler stated, describing the police response as “incredible.” The matter is now before court, with the suspect expected to face charges shortly.
Incident Does Not Define the Country
Despite the disturbing experience, the New Zealander emphasized that the isolated case should not define the entire destination or its people.
“One incident does not define a country, and it doesn’t define solo female travel. Sri Lanka is an incredible place, and I felt safe for my entire month on the road,” she said, encouraging other women not to let the behavior of one individual shape their view of the whole culture.
She recounted an overwhelmingly positive experience throughout her travels, highlighting the kindness, generosity, and assistance she received from locals.
Fostering a Vital Conversation
The traveler expressed hope that the incident, and the strong reaction to it, will fuel “real conversations about women’s safety, solo travel, and the reality we still face.”
However, she also addressed frustrating online comments that shifted the focus to victim-blaming, stating that women should be able to travel anywhere without fear and should not have to justify it. She noted that sexual harassment is a “harsh reality for women” everywhere, not just while traveling.
Sri Lankan Police officials have acknowledged that the incident “damaged the country’s reputation” and reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding visitors and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice. The traveler concludes: “Let’s keep the conversation going, but let’s also remember: the world is full of good people.”
