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Do you wish to travel to Sri Lanka any time soon? If so, I am sure the recent news has left you unsure. For months, the media reported the “high-risk” situation the country was going through. I am here to share the reality of travelling in Sri Lanka during the economic crisis. The crash. I have travelled in Sri Lanka for over one year and have seen the country go through many difficult times. The news of the crashing economy was no surprise to me as the people Islandwide had already shared with me the unfair and corrupt ways of the country. So why did the country’s economic collapse? Well, here are a few elements to help you understand:
What happened? (In short)
Like most things, the situation was created over time and caused by poor management of the country’s financial capabilities. Most of the blame was placed on the ex-president as he invested in ” vanity projects” rather than projects that would be useful to the country’s people. This caused immense frustration amongst the population, and the following months were only going to worsen.
From 2005 to 2020, Sri Lanka’s foreign debt had hugely risen. (US$11.3 billion- 2005 to $56.3 billion- 2020). This meant that the tropical Island had run out of foreign currency and was in great debt amongst its importers, etc. It even declared that it could no longer pay back these debts.
It’s important to know that the government and leaders of this country are all related or have been elected multiple times, creating a close, selfish “family” that runs a helpless nation. As a foreigner, I have clearly witnessed the corruption and lack of human rights the people have over the forces here. And this is a huge problem that seems will never disappear.
The start of a long struggle.
Since April, the news spread quickly across the country as the government could no longer put off the pressure. The locals I know here were not surprised and knew it was coming. But how were they to survive such a harsh betrayal from those supposed to “support” them?
The country was deeply broken, and it seemed that every day that went by got worse. Shortages such as food, gas and petrol became a normal part of life here.
Endless queues: People would queue for days to get petrol or gas and most of the time come home empty-handed. As you would cross petrol stations, the tensions were high, and roads were blocked by the many kilometres of vehicles waiting. Many people died waiting for fuel or as the heat, and long wait left them weakened. My heart broke for the Sri Lankans as they fought for everyday life.
Power cuts: Of course, no petrol meant no electricity. The Island started implementing daily power cuts, which sometimes lasted up to 13h a day.
Left in the darkness, the people’s anger grew.
Hunger: The food shortages mainly affected imported goods such as milk, red rice, etc.
Followed by the massive inflation, people were left with worthless money. They would skip meals to feed their children or send them to school with empty stomachs. This has caused significant damage to those with little money here as they cannot buy food.
Pssst: If you come across any bloggers here, it is recommended to give them food and not money. How many times have I given money to see the guys go buy alcohol.
For those who lived off their private businesses such as hotels, bars, cafes, surf schools, etc., times were very hard. With no tourists travelling to the country and prices rising by the day, they were left in debt, and many didn’t survive the economic crash.
Although they lived through some of their most challenging days, the Sri Lankans stayed strong and got on with it as they always do. I find their capacity to adapt and make the most of what they have genuinely inspired me.
The protests.
As the months went by, no solutions appeared, and the country’s people would fight for a change. You may have watched on the news the large protests that took place to expel president Rajapaksha Gotabaya from his reign. The Rajapaksha family composes a more significant percentage of the government and has reigned over the country for a long time. Corrupted, and I’m right selfish, they have claimed millions of dollars from the Sri Lankan people.
On the 13th of July, the president himself fled the country and resigned a couple of days after facing an Islandside protest. Scared and outnumbered, the people had claimed back their country. This was a great success and a step towards the people being heard and respected in Sri Lanka. Since the new president was appointed, tensions have come down. This was not the people’s choice, but the leaders seemed to only know how to intimidate and control the people. The law forces were told to use any technique to remove the protestors from the streets. This led to shootings and deaths, and the people had no choice but to back down.
Since the beginning of August, the Island has seemed much more peaceful, and things are slowly improving. There have been a few smaller protests but nothing around the South or East of Sri Lanka. Throughout this economic “crash”, I have never been harmed or had any problems with living here. Sri Lanka loves and respects its tourists, so you do not need to fear visiting.
Petrol station system.
Sri Lanka has now put into place a new QR code system. This allows the locals to get fuel once every week. It was installed to limit the queues and the locals hoarding fuel or selling it on the black market. For now, tourists don’t need a QR code, but there is talk of a system being implemented where you can purchase a specific QR code from the airport. If you are thinking of renting a scooter or car, this part is for you:
So check it out before coming. If you rent a scooter, fuel is still limited, and you may have to wait a while before reaching the pump, but the vibe is much more chilled than before. I recently tried to get fuel and was asked to produce a QR code that the scooter owner should give to you.
Scooters can be great to get around whilst in a town, but if you are travelling around the Island, I recommend getting a taxi. Saving time and effort for the funner things.
Another important fact for the surfers out there: Board racks on a scooter are illegal here, and you can get stopped and fined for having one. It’s better to choose a pedal bike or travel by tuk-tuk.
How to get around?
Now that the country is finding a sense of normality again, I hope that people will come and visit the tropical paradise I call home. If you have planned your trip, here is all you need to know about the current situation.
Taxi: The most comfortable way to travel here is by Taxi. Whether you need to get from the airport or visit the different areas, it is possible to book taxis. I recommend booking your transport before arriving at Colombo. That way, no stress or trouble finding one once you are here. Also, the prices online are most probably going to be better!
Public transport is also an option for those wanting an authentic local experience.
The bus: Busy, fast and loud, the buses of Sri Lanka are not the most welcoming for tourists. For shorter journeys it is fine, but if not you can find highway buses or book transfer buses before arriving.
The trains: The trains in Sri Lanka are also a good option for those not in a rush. Incredibly cheap, they allow you to take in the magnificent landscapes as you slowly reach your destination. They are not very clean but generally, you can not down.
Tuk-Tuk: The famous tuk-tuk ride is a must amongst tourists. The price is negotiable but doesn’t hesitate to check the rates by km before travelling. If you are travelling short distances, this can be fun.
Preparing for your holiday.
When visiting the beautiful Island of Sri Lanka, here are a few tips to make your journey a smooth one:
- Book your accommodation before arriving and, if you can, pay online. I say this as I have experienced the price suddenly changing once I came but not very often. Better safe than sorry.
- Book your transport before arriving and keep the taxi guy’s number. It’s always good to keep in contact with your driver on your days out. If you encounter any problems, the locals will help you as much as possible.
- Eat local: Some of the best food I have had here was in the most miniature, wooden roti huts. The local food is full of flavour and spices! You can check out some of the must-try food in our article here.
- Bring mosquito repellent and sunscreen with you. Even if you generally tan, the sun here is on another level. Your skin needs protection!
- Use cash: most places don’t accept bank cards here. In the tourist areas, this isn’t a problem. But if you head to smaller sites, you will need cash and change if possible (100, 500, 1000).
- Be open-minded.
The current situation:
Now you have all you need to enjoy your stay! As a “foreigner” having lived here for a long time, I can assure you that the country is safe and you will have the adventure of a lifetime here.
If you travel here, you will probably not even feel the struggle unless you step off the beaten tracks of the tourist industry. The protests are not happening. For now, the fuel problem is progressing, and in most touristic zones, power cuts last a maximum of one hour. You can still visit the historical sites and enjoy a delicious meal out. Your holiday will not be affected by this.
You name it, Sri Lanka has it! If you fancy a step on the wild side, take your pick from the ocean, mountains, jungle, etc. Perfect for a romantic honeymoon or family fun-filled days at the beach. We hope to see you soon, and for now, Ayubowan!
