A three-wheeler driver who admitted to exposing himself and sexually harassing two Dutch women travelling from Kurunegala to Kandy has been sentenced by the Pilessa Magistrate’s Court.
The incident, which drew significant public attention after several similar cases involving foreign female tourists were reported recently, occurred when the two visitors hired the suspect’s three-wheeler for their intercity journey. During the trip, when the tourists asked for directions, the driver allegedly behaved indecently and exposed his genitals, leading to the harassment complaint.
The women recorded the incident on video and later posted the footage on social media before filing an official complaint with the Women and Children’s Bureau of the Mawatagama Police Division.
Suspect pleads guilty
The suspect — identified as 33-year-old Muthuthantrila Channuka Nuwan Jayasinghe of Barandana Road, Mawatagama — surrendered to police while investigations were underway and subsequently pleaded guilty to the charges.
Pilessa Magistrate W.S.L. Dissanayake sentenced him to six months’ rigorous imprisonment, suspended for ten years, and ordered him to pay Rs. 300,000 as compensation to the victims.
In addition, he was fined Rs. 3,000 payable to the State.
Victim’s response: “Such men exist everywhere—don’t avoid Sri Lanka”
Speaking after the court outcome, one of the victims said that men who behave in such inappropriate ways exist in many parts of the world, including in countries.
She stressed that tourists should not be discouraged from visiting Sri Lanka because of isolated incidents, and added that the response of the Sri Lankan police was quick, professional, and reassuring.
She expressed gratitude for the support extended by the officers handling the case, noting that they treated the matter with seriousness and ensured that the women felt safe throughout the process.
