Fake monks asking for money near Gangaramaya temple

Asked about 2 months agoSeen by 656 travellers23 found this helpful
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Oliver B.7115 rep2
asked about 2 months ago

A man dressed as a monk near Gangaramaya temple tied a string around my wrist and demanded 2000 rupees. Is this a real monk.

23
asked about 2 months ago
O
Oliver B.7115 rep2

4 Answers from travellers

Accepted Answer

This is an imposter. Genuine Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka follow a strict code and are forbidden from aggressively soliciting cash on the street. Scammers buy robes and loiter near tourist hotspots to extort money using guilt. Do not give them anything. If they grab your wrist, pull it back firmly and walk away. Real donations go in the locked boxes inside the temple.

6
answered about 2 months ago
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Suresh K.7700 rep1

Good to know. I will be much firmer next time I visit the temples.

39
answered about 2 months ago
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Oliver B.7115 rep2

If you point out a police officer to them, they will literally run away.

18
answered about 2 months ago
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Amali D.7220 rep1

I fell for this on my first day. I gave him 500 rupees just to make him leave me alone.

17
answered about 2 months ago
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Sophia M.7790 rep2

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