Letter: Be prepared to be ripped off
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Your support makes all the difference.I read with interest Richard Paris's article on Sri Lanka (27 April) which records "the relentless harassment and manipulation of visitors for money". Having just returned from a month's holiday there I can confirm that the situa- tion is every bit as bad as he describes.
Flagrant, persistent, systematic and ubiquitous dishonesty is the norm. Cheating foreigners seems to be regarded as a birthright by many. When confronted the cheats become petulant or abusive, occasionally apoplectic.
I have travelled widely since the early Sixties, including to such destinations as India and Egypt. I have never encountered anything comparable with what goes on in Sri Lanka. I spoke to travellers who were close to tears or on the verge of nervous breakdowns. All vowed never to return. I very much doubt if I shall.
P Dunsmore
London W11
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