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Man in a tourist police vest asked for passport and a spot fine on Galle Road — pay, call the station, or walk?

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O
Omar Galle Road Stop•201 rep

Daylight, busy stretch. Vest looked official-ish, no clear ID card when I asked, wanted me to follow to an ATM for a littering fine I did not understand. Partner froze. What is the actual script — demand a proper badge, call 1912, walk into a shop, or pay small to end it?

30

5 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted Answer

Real Tourist Police can identify themselves; you can call 1912 to verify. A sidewalk demand for an immediate ATM withdrawal with a vague vest and no clear documentation is a classic pressure pattern — do not go to an ATM with a stranger. Stay in public view, decline politely, step into a busy shop or hotel lobby, and contact Tourist Police or regular police through official numbers. Do not hand over your passport to keep as collateral. If a genuine officer is issuing a fine, there is a proper process, not a secret cash shortcut. Paying small to end it funds the next traveler's problem.

28
P
Priyan Tourist Police•1900 rep

Walked into a pharmacy, called the published Tourist Police number, and the vest guy vanished. Wallet closed.

17
V
Vijay Sidewalk Fine•169 rep

Did not pay. Moved into a hotel lobby and asked the desk to dial. Situation evaporated.

11
O
Omar Galle Road Stop•201 rep

Same advice I give at CMB landside: official desks and published numbers beat sidewalk ATMs.

6
B
Bandula Departures Tip•1810 rep

Never follow anyone to an ATM for a fine. That sentence alone saved me once in another country too.

3
C
Chris Park ATM•205 rep

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