By Dr Sarath Obeysekera

Sri Lanka is rapidly attracting thousands of young foreign travelers searching for freedom, nightlife, adventure, surfing, and cheap living. Beaches such as Arugam Bay, Unawatuna, and Kalpitiya have become internationally promoted destinations for youth tourism.

While tourism is essential for the economy, an uncomfortable question must be asked:

Are some travel networks indirectly promoting Sri Lanka as a destination for narcotics, unrestricted party culture, and immoral activities?

Across social media platforms, travel blogs, backpacker forums, and underground tourism networks, there are increasing references to beach parties, easy access to drugs, and anything goes” lifestyles in certain tourist zones across Asia, including parts of Sri Lanka.

Whether fully accurate or exaggerated, such perceptions alone can damage the image of the country.

Sri Lanka must be careful not to become another regional hotspot where criminal drug networks, illegal activities, and exploitative tourism quietly flourish behind the attractive label of beach tourism.”

Tourism development should never mean social decay.

Law enforcement authorities, tourism regulators, hotel operators, and local communities must work together to ensure that tourism growth remains healthy, disciplined, and respectful of Sri Lankan culture and law.

The country must welcome genuine tourists — not international drug distributors, cyber criminals, or organised underground networks hiding behind tourist visas.

Sri Lanka’s beauty should attract travelers seeking culture, nature, history, and hospitality — not those searching for narcotics and lawlessness.

The time has come for stricter monitoring, intelligent policing, and responsible tourism policies before isolated problems become a national crisis.

Regards

Dr Sarath Obeysekera