Getting harassed by beach boys in the south, is it common.

If you want to avoid them entirely, head to quieter, hidden beaches like Nilwella or Talalla, or simply relax on the private sunbeds offered directly by the beachfront hotels, which beach vendors are not allowed to approach.

They are usually just trying to hustle a living and are rarely dangerous. A firm, polite no thank you while completely avoiding prolonged eye contact is usually enough to make them walk away and leave you to sunbathe peacefully.