{"id":1012,"date":"2019-03-05T17:09:06","date_gmt":"2019-03-05T17:09:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.eatsandretreats.com\/guides\/?page_id=1012"},"modified":"2019-06-18T13:44:45","modified_gmt":"2019-06-18T13:44:45","slug":"political-climate","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.eatsandretreats.com\/travel\/sri-lanka\/story\/political-climate\/","title":{"rendered":"Political Climate"},"content":{"rendered":"

In 2019, Sri Lanka is known as one of the most peaceful and tourist-friendly destinations in Asia, perfect for all kinds of travelers. So, let’s try to learn more about the actual political regime and safety situation in Sri Lanka.<\/p>\n

With the end of the civil war<\/a>, the whole of the country was united once more under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa,\u00a0<\/a>and peace had come to all, which totally changed the political climate in Sri Lanka for the better. Soon after the civil war, the new regime took an active role in promoting Sri Lanka’s peacetime to bring in foreign investments and tourism back into the country.<\/p>\n

Further focus and extra measures were taken to facilitate the development in tourism when president Maithreepala Sirisena<\/a> assumed office in January 2015. This effectively created a big boom in tourism, which now brings more than 2 million visitors annually. This is forecasted to double in 2019. All this has caused the Sri Lankan government to go a few extra miles to make sure that the tourists are well taken care of and has set standards for local travel agencies, all for the betterment of tourists.<\/p>\n

Sri Lanka now is one of the safest countries for tourists and crime against foreign travellers is something virtually non-existent. The locals are peace-loving folks, always willing to help others in times of need. If there is anything suspicious or if you want some extra help with anything, the police officers on patrol are very friendly and always there to help. You could also dial 119 in case of an emergency, as matters regarding tourists are taken very seriously. The political climate in Sri Lanka has never been better for the foreigners or locals since the country gained independence from British rule in 1948.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"Jaffna
Jaffna Public Library – Bombed by the LTTE during wartime and now a famous tourist attraction<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Laws, Do’s & Don’ts in Sri Lanka<\/h2>\n

There are not too many laws & regulations in Sri Lanka that prohibit a tourist from doing anything that a local can. Most of the do’s and don’ts are common sensibilities towards any decent human being.<\/p>\n

Do’s in Sri Lanka<\/h3>\n