Snake charmers and photo extortion at Galle Face Green

Asked about 3 hours agoViewed 68 times
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Sophia M.1415 rep2
asked about 3 hours ago

We were walking near Galle Face Green in Colombo taking photos. A snake charmer threw a python on my friends shoulders and demanded 50 dollars for the photo. How to handle this.

23
asked about 3 hours ago
S
Sophia M.1415 rep2

4 Answers

Accepted Answer

This is a common extortion scam targeting tourists in busy areas like Galle Face. The snakes are usually defanged pythons kept in cruel conditions. Do not pay 50 dollars. Firmly hand the snake back, drop 200 LKR (if you feel threatened), and walk away. If they aggressively block you, yell "Police!" The tourist police constantly patrol Galle Face and these scammers will flee instantly.

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answered about 3 hours ago
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Suresh K.1170 rep1

Keep your hands in your pockets when walking past them so they physically cannot hand you the snake.

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answered about 3 hours ago
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Oliver B.1105 rep2

The same guys hang out outside the big nightclubs at 2 AM trying to extort drunk tourists.

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answered about 3 hours ago
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Amali D.770 rep1

We threatened to call the police and he immediately backed off. Thanks for the advice.

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answered about 3 hours ago
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Sophia M.1415 rep2

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