Man in Sri Lanka flashes New Zealand tourist, gets arrested

A man in Sri Lanka was arrested after exposing himself to a New Zealand tourist.

The incident came to light after the tourist, who was in Sri Lanka on a solo trip, took to Instagram to share about what happened.

Her video has since garnered over 274,000 views at the time of writing.

Exposed himself to her and asked for sex

In the video, the tourist, who was riding a tuk-tuk, said she noticed a man on a scooter repeatedly slowing down and then speeding up to pass her.

She later thought she had lost him, but he reappeared when she stopped for a short break to rest and drink.

He got off his scooter to speak to her.

Despite a minor language barrier, the tourist initially engaged him in conversation as he appeared friendly, but the conversation quickly headed in an uncomfortable direction.

The man suddenly asked her for sex and exposed himself, prompting her to refuse politely and drive off.

"Have sex?"

"Definitely not, no."

In her caption, the tourist emphasised that this was an isolated incident and not representative of Sri Lanka or its people, whom she described as "some of the kindest and most generous" she had met.

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A post shared by Mols | Solo Adventure Travel (@molsgonewild)

"That's what you get for solo travelling as a female"

In a follow-up video, the tourist said she had received comments online blaming her for travelling alone.

However, she pushed back against those remarks, emphasising that women should be able to travel safely and added that men who behave inappropriately are the problem.

She also highlighted that one incident should not define a country or solo female travel.

She stated that she felt safe throughout her month-long trip in Sri Lanka, and urged others not to let one person’s actions shape their view of an entire culture.

Man has been arrested

According to Australia news outlet News AU, the tourist made a report with the Tourism Police Department after she left Sri Lanka.

The authorities acted swiftly, locating the man within two days and arresting him within five.

The man is now facing court.

Top photos via @molsgonewild/Instagram