Fake monks asking for donations outside Kandy temples

Asked about 2 months agoSeen by 1,657 travellers5 found this helpful
E
Emma L.5735 rep2
asked about 2 months ago

A man in a monk robe approached us outside the Bahirawakanda temple demanding a 5000 LKR cash donation for taking a photo. Is this normal.

5
asked about 2 months ago
E
Emma L.5735 rep2

4 Answers from travellers

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not. Genuine Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka are forbidden by their Vinaya (code of conduct) from aggressively begging for cash or extorting tourists. This is a common scam where con artists buy robes and loiter near tourist sites. Never hand them cash. Legitimate donations should only be placed in the locked Till (donation boxes) inside the actual temple.

23
answered about 2 months ago
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Dr. Nimal.9950 rep1

If you see a police officer, point the fake monk out. The police will arrest them for impersonating clergy.

22
answered about 2 months ago
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Bhante S.5890 rep1

We had a guy tie a string around my wrist and then demand 20 dollars. Just firmly say no and walk away.

18
answered about 2 months ago
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Noah D.4920 rep2

Thanks, I will use the official donation boxes from now on.

3
answered about 2 months ago
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Emma L.5735 rep2

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