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Belgian traveller scammed in Kalutara
Colombo, April 12 (Daily Mirror) - Tim Tense, a Belgian traveller exploring Sri Lanka, recently shared a troubling encounter from his visit to Kalutara.
According to Tim, he fell victim to a scam at a local restaurant, where he was charged an exorbitant Rs. 1,000 for a single Ulundu Vadai and a cup of plain tea.
In his YouTube video titled "Avoid this man in Kalutara, Sri Lanka," Tim recounted his experience. He traversed Kalutara on his own three-wheeler, soaking in the sights. Upon parking, he was approached by a Sri Lankan individual who offered to take him to a place called 'Wadani Villas Saivar Kade' for an authentic Sri Lankan food experience.
The friendly local guided Tim to the restaurant, where he was served an Ulundu Vadai and plain tea, despite not planning to dine initially. As Tim enjoyed his meal, the host suggested tourist spots, which Tim politely declined, opting to explore independently.
The shocking moment came when Tim inquired about the bill, only to be quoted Rs. 1,000. Sensing something was amiss, he questioned the price, resulting in a reduction to Rs. 800. Later, while editing his video, Tim noticed that the advertised price on the wall was significantly lower, no more than Rs. 80.
Despite his reservations, Tim paid Rs. 1,000 and received Rs. 200 in change. As he left, he expressed his dissatisfaction with the inflated prices to the cashier and the host. However, they justified it by claiming they charged more for tourists.
Tim denounced the host's dishonesty in his video, emphasising the importance of integrity over profit. Fortunately, two local women informed Tim that the fair price for his meal was Rs. 150, leading the host to refund him Rs. 200.
Reflecting on the incident, Tim asserted that the host prioritised money over honesty, tarnishing the reputation of Kalutara. Despite the financial loss, Tim emphasised the principle of fairness, expressing his disdain for being taken advantage of.
Concerned about potential repercussions, Tim hastily departed on his three-wheeler, fearing the host might follow him.
In conclusion, Tim expressed his disappointment, hoping not everyone in Kalutara shared the same scammy behaviour.
The video relating to the incident was published on April 10 on the channel 'Tim Tense'.
Comments - 86
Comments - Belgian traveller scammed in Kalutara
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mila Friday, 12 April 2024 11:43 PM
Is he really whining about paying 1000 rupees for an Ulundu Vadai and tea while these Europeans are plundering the world's riches? Our economy was destroyed by you Europeans,.
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Nalin Saturday, 13 April 2024 11:25 AM
Well if you were a regular overseas traveler I don't think you would want to walk away thinking that you were scammed and charged exorbitant rates merely for being a tourist. I certainly would not. Perhaps one who would look to fleece tourists may not have an issue with it.
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Patriot Saturday, 13 April 2024 11:25 AM
What kind of an idiot are you?
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Dee Saturday, 13 April 2024 02:18 PM
You really belong to that scammer’s class! Voting JVP this time right?
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MOUTHING OFF LIKE A DISGRUNTLED AND UNEDUCATED INDIVIDUAL. Saturday, 13 April 2024 04:42 PM
Mila, time to get your head checked!! it appears you are a very unhappy individual and a racist. I have read some of your comments attacking people of European countries. Accept the fact that you are Sri Lankan and living in the country and your plus the majority of Sri Lankans are suffering today for the fault of some corrupt politicians, their stooges and sidekicks. No reason to mouth off about countries that are flourishing and their people living in far better circumstances than you and unfortunately majority of other in the country. Why don't you attack the govt and the politicians who brought down the country and into a deep SINK HOLE?.
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Manoj Rajapaksa Sunday, 14 April 2024 07:39 AM
It's the Europeans and Americans who contribute large sums of money to the IMF via the World Bank. Your country gladly received 17 IMF bailouts from Whites and never returned a single puppy back. You should be thankful to have Europeans spending their Euros in your country.
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M. R. S Sunday, 14 April 2024 01:12 PM
If this is how Sri Lankans are identified as making their earning good luck for the tourism industry..If the meal was in a Five Star Hotel /Air Conditoning then it's justified. 99 % of three wheel drivers do the same. Even the meters are now doctored. Recently on a visit I paid double of my fare for the same distance when returning to same pick up point following same route within an hour.Or the meter is switched off as on my return trip hence a double fare.
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DarrelB Sunday, 14 April 2024 08:47 PM
Mila, that was a stupid comment! You are ignorant as the scam on this story. Shame on you!
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Noah Tuesday, 16 April 2024 09:28 PM
Crazy People like you are destroying our country! Who cares about what happened hundreds of years ago! This is the JVP attitude we don't want
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Dollar person Friday, 12 April 2024 11:56 PM
If you are white skinned, Sri Lankans take it for granted, you have dollars and dollars !
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Higana Naambek Saturday, 13 April 2024 12:06 PM
Beggar attitude, the reason why we can never develop
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Bappi Lahiri Friday, 12 April 2024 11:57 PM
In fact I saw the clip. This vendor dares to say that he could charge extra ( implying as he is a foreigner ). This was Tim's 1st experience, believing in fair trade in Sri Lanka with friendly people. He sure knew that the politicians were thieves in Sri Lanka but to his surprise, the 1st vendor he went to in Kaluthara also was a thief. He basically had a wadei and a plain tea, and finally paid Rs.600/- after initially the vendor charged Rs.800/-. Authorities must charge this very cunning vendor.
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Waiter Saturday, 13 April 2024 12:04 AM
HARIN WILL PAY FOR HIM. BALANCE MONEY. AFTER 10%.
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Lk Saturday, 13 April 2024 12:16 AM
Some local people exploit tourists but it is not good at all. Please show kindness and be reasonable and just in your business.. The Goodwill and reputation of the country is more important. Government should take action to these people . Send price control people
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Gerald Paldano Saturday, 13 April 2024 12:54 AM
If only the Belgians thought that way when they colonised and plundered Africa and others... Tim I call it hypocrisy.
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Patriot Saturday, 13 April 2024 11:27 AM
Is that a good excuse? Are you justifying Belgians actions then?
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Ruwan Saturday, 13 April 2024 11:28 AM
The hypocrisy lies with you when you try to justify a wrong. Perhaps you may be one who seeks to shaft another to make a quick buck yourself.
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Pathmaranjan Perera Saturday, 13 April 2024 12:16 PM
Belgians action us perfect. Why different prices for Belgians and Sri Lankans. Typycal Stri Lankan corrupted mentality.
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Pathmaranjan Perera Saturday, 13 April 2024 12:49 PM
How do you think like this.
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Gerald Paldano Saturday, 13 April 2024 02:25 PM
Ruwan
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Mahila Saturday, 13 April 2024 09:34 PM
TWO WRONGS DON'T MAKE IT RIGHT!!?? CUNNIGNESS OF RETARDS!!!???
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Tamilselvan Saturday, 13 April 2024 01:19 AM
Typical Sri Lankan. Cheating is their genes. Will not recommend my friend to visit Sri Lanka
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Renuka Ranasinghe Saturday, 13 April 2024 02:31 PM
Spot on ..Sick Lankans will find any excuse from the colonial past to history to justify their evil, cruel, dishonest, cheating, corrupt, thieving, lying ways ...their ignorant warped minds from justifying dishonesty and cheating tourists who are goodwilled to animal cruelty is mind boggling. This is why the nation will never progress. Religious hippicracy and self delusional justification for animal cruelty, dishonesty is why I will never set foot in that cess pit of a country again. The rot seeps down from politicians, monks, officials to the false smiling resentful majority
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Renuka Ranasinghe Saturday, 13 April 2024 02:33 PM
Spot on you are absolutely right
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naveen Saturday, 13 April 2024 02:41 AM
If its a fair skin Sri Lankans think price must be higher, this is wrong.
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Mahila Saturday, 13 April 2024 03:15 AM
What Magnificent Sri Lankan Hospitality, Incomparable – any other? Warmed Tim Tense to "MELT"!? Why charge Foreigners More??? Do you provide additional services??? Or is it because, their CRIMSON RED Blood Cells are, patently well visible through their PALE skin!!!??? Beware; they may decide to avoid SL for all time!!?? Charging foreigners more, may be the case in respect of certain circumstances, but cannot be justified, in a place - the 'MUDUKKUWA', that’s seen in pictures, with paper Garlands – never ever to WILT - with all the dust and dirt accessing from the street/highway!!!??? “SHORT-TERM GAIN WITH LONG-TERM PAIN”!!!??? Robert Knox was absolutely right - Local CUNNINGNESS, mistaken and ADORED as WISDOM, INTELLIGENCE!!!??? If this isn't comedy, then please enlighten as to WAHT IS?????????? HARINF take NOTE!!??
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Amaran Saturday, 13 April 2024 04:33 AM
Government should take the FULL RESPONSIBILITY to protect that foreigners are NOT charged unfairly.
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Kamal Saturday, 13 April 2024 11:30 AM
Its not the governments responsibility it is the individuals personal character. Sadly some live too cheat. They even do it amongst their closest.
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Adwani Saturday, 13 April 2024 04:46 AM
This attitude is deep rooted in majority of the Sri Lankans, especially Sinhalese. Me, being a local traveller from Colombo too faced similar encounters, despite speaking Sinhala language, due to my appearance and accent.
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M Perera Saturday, 13 April 2024 04:51 AM
There is always one bugger who will spoils it for everyone. There should be an investigation into matters like this.
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T.J.Miskin Saturday, 13 April 2024 04:57 AM
Most expensive Ulundu Vadai in the World. This is part of the habits learnt from Rajapakse Family. If Rajapakse can cheat billions, what harm charging Rs 1000/= for A Ulundu?
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Honest cirizen Saturday, 13 April 2024 05:39 AM
Government do something!!!
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Truth Saturday, 13 April 2024 03:13 PM
Will they??
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lansur Saturday, 13 April 2024 05:46 AM
Make note of the "Kade" and avoid it like the plague!
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Mgt Saturday, 13 April 2024 06:10 AM
When u get beggers as tourist... You get culprits as tour guides!!! What he highlighted happens here at many places for tourists. But what's the point... These begger tourist who come here bring 200 usd and save 50 usd on thier return. That's the local tourism. But we give numbers daily saying 100000 came 200000 came but spending power these begger tourism is lower than our local tourist.
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Ajith Saturday, 13 April 2024 11:40 AM
If you cared to follow the blogger you will know more about him and that he is a significant online influencer, and certainly not a beggar. In fact he is very generous. His tips to 'non-scammers' are almost five times the prices of services he receives. When did you last tip someone like that?
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Silvi Saturday, 13 April 2024 06:06 PM
Even beggar tourists are more richer than the richest Sri Lankans. So keep your mouth shut.
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Sobers Saturday, 13 April 2024 06:21 AM
It is shameful that tourists are cheated. Three wheel drivers, vehicles, guides and tourist coach staff,beach boys,restaurants, even railways and much more are charging commission and exorbirant prices. We have Tourist police unable to speak English. On the loner run image of Srilanka will be ruined and will be known as cheats. Minister of Tourism need to take stringent measures in order to install discipline. If not disaster is unavoidable.
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Dee Saturday, 13 April 2024 06:28 AM
Tourists should avoid 3 wheeler, local ‘podi miniha’ joints , pavement hawkers and wayside guides unless they love to be ripped off or even assaulted! Not only tourists, even locals should avoid them (at least the educated few)
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Shah bond Sunday, 14 April 2024 09:00 AM
Spot on Dee
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wsw Saturday, 13 April 2024 06:37 AM
This obviously happens everywhere in the island, many dishonest locals indulging in typical deceit to make a quick buck. Although unusual to read this as a news item, I am glad this will serve as a timely reminder to anyone hoping to rip off unsuspecting tourists.
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Ignatius Saturday, 13 April 2024 06:53 AM
This happens all over the world. Ask questions before buying anything. Everyone - Rich OR Poor wants to make a quick buck. This is the world today.
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Tissa Fernando Saturday, 13 April 2024 07:15 AM
Everyone is a scammer now.
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Thimothy Saturday, 13 April 2024 07:40 AM
Very unfirtunate incident as most Sri Lankans are very generous though you find a few people like this try to make a quick buck. Sri Lanka or Sri Lankan are not scammers just because of this one off isolated incident. Evry country and every race or community have their odd ones like this. In the video this man repeatedly says he is Buddhist. That's another significant blow. I have been to many asian countries and there are full of robbers and scammers. People must realize that everything goes on air now and atleast twice think before doing someting like this. Mere 600 rupee extra and this man lost everything ....
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Sambo Saturday, 13 April 2024 07:45 AM
This proves that many Sri Lankan's our dishonest and even to the local people. So who will want to come here.
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melville perera Saturday, 13 April 2024 07:46 AM
Tim is not the only victim we as citizens of the country are daily fleeced three times or more by our shameless unscrupulous traders and just glossed over by the relevant authorities
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Eper Saturday, 13 April 2024 07:49 AM
Everyone including locals should know the price of goods n services prior to consumption, to avoid embarrassing situations.This is an international practice
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Hundu Saturday, 13 April 2024 08:06 AM
This 2500 years of honesty... Lol
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Upul Saturday, 13 April 2024 08:19 AM
Good that these scammers are being exposed. They do so much harm to the Sri Lankan brand and tourism.
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DillonDP Saturday, 13 April 2024 08:34 AM
Such estabiments business license should be cancelled and the individuals from this video should be given jail terms. A country where a cop 500 rs bribe is given 4 years rigorous imprisonment should not over looked this
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Jude Fernando Saturday, 13 April 2024 08:37 AM
Here's enough evidence for Consumer Affairs Authority to legally charge him.
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Grace Saturday, 13 April 2024 08:46 AM
This kind of rip-offs are doing much harm to the country's tourism and economy. People should boycott those unscrupulous selfish rogues.
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Sokrates Saturday, 13 April 2024 08:50 AM
Many tourists are really stupid and fall for “tour guides” who drag them to overpriced restaurants or shops. With such a “recommendation” all alarm bells should ring loudly. In almost all cases, tourists are approached by Crooks.
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B. Jayasekara Saturday, 13 April 2024 08:53 AM
Its a Disgrace ,you have put a black markon the map of srilanka,Wadani Villas,. to charge for a simple vade, and give him an exorbitant bill. Shame on you. Over to the authorities, to take appropriate action.
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Nandhalal's unique team Saturday, 13 April 2024 09:06 AM
Very soon, even Sri Lankas will have to pay such amounts because people's purchasing power is increasing incredibly
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Kabba Saturday, 13 April 2024 09:55 AM
'Wadani Villas', the name of this shop itself is misleading, as there are no villas other than some tables and chairs to sit down and eat from a place run buy a scoundrel. The mudalaali dreamt of real estate project and ended up in a pol roti kade. Kaluthara is bonkered and no wonder we see many politicians from that region.
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AMMI Saturday, 13 April 2024 10:12 AM
Harin you are the minister concerned for this subject. Take appropriate action against the culprit so that these type of scams don't happen and give our country a bad image.
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Devendra WILLIAM Saturday, 13 April 2024 10:16 AM
There are many incidents where tourists are charged exorbitantly, especially by three wheeler drivers. There is no system in place to check these scams. Some three wheelers have their own meter down loaded in their mobile phones. The charges are manipulated. Where is law and order? How can you expect tourism to prosper?
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Be Fair Saturday, 13 April 2024 10:31 AM
........................... and we blame the Politicians for Scamming, Bribery and Corruption. Are Sri Lankans now becoming like this than the Hospitality we are renowned for
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Premalal Perera Saturday, 13 April 2024 10:33 AM
When the citizens are scammed by their Presidents and ministers beit in the form of a Bond scam, fertiliser scam, aircraft order scam or a medicine scam, what can we expect from a wayside boutique?
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Claudia Hofberger Saturday, 13 April 2024 11:06 AM
Very typical unfortunately but what in earth justifies anyone to charge more for tourists ? Just cause they are white it doesn’t make them rich and even earning more in western countries one should not forget the cost of living. The average tourist visiting Sri Lanka is not the wealthy one but the one who saved for his trip to explore a different nation and culture and then being cheated is not a good thing. Happy New year to everyone from far away
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Shan Saturday, 13 April 2024 11:11 AM
In Sri Lanka everyone is scammed in every field from top to bottom whether you are a foreigner or a local
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Uditha Saturday, 13 April 2024 11:14 AM
It is vital to educate the public how to treat tourists. This is a MUST for tourism ministry. All such incidents harm our tourism severely, and in this day and age, the culprits could be easily identified and punished.
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paribogikaya Saturday, 13 April 2024 11:17 AM
My question is why police or consumer authorities can't take action against this man.There are many in Sri Lanka who get paid to protect the consumer, but no one does it. Everyday , many get cheated and robbed like this.
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Jayantha Saturday, 13 April 2024 03:27 PM
Consumer authority can take legal action against the vendor as enough evidence exists.
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Pathmaranjan Perera Saturday, 13 April 2024 11:24 AM
Typical Sri Lankan style cheating.
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cvjjnnnbb Saturday, 13 April 2024 11:34 AM
Immediate action has to be taken by the tourism ministry coordinating with other relevant ministries
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Ceylonese Saturday, 13 April 2024 11:56 AM
Despite the fact that this Belgian tourist was ripped off his hard earned. money to the tune of Rs. 600 for a Ulundu Vadai and a cup of tea when it should have cost him Rs.150 max. these are the type of foreign tourists that visit this country on a shoe string budget. They travel by tuk tuk and public transport and eat cheaply at wayside restaurants and street food stalls and hardly contribute any money to Sri Lanka's tourism indusry. No wonder according to current figures the majority of tourists came from India the closest destination to Sri Lanka where the value of the Indian Rupee is four times more than the Sri Lanka Rupee. If you watch youtube this is all what you see.
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Jayantha Saturday, 13 April 2024 12:10 PM
If you visit any country. Specially Asian or African countries, you should be aware of things like this. Always eat and get help from well established places that highlights pricing as well. Probably the tourism ministry should provide such basic info at airport. So that these guys does not fall as victims.
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sudha slave Saturday, 13 April 2024 12:34 PM
Are we all so upset because a white man got scammed? Typical Srilankan colonical mind set. Scamming happens in every part of the world and every walk of life. Just get over, grow up and be more intelligent next time.
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Phillip Saturday, 13 April 2024 12:57 PM
I am not defending the tea shop . But on the same ground , how do you justify charging at Lotus tower charge Rs6000 (20USD) for foreigners, while charging Rs500. for local.
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G5 Saturday, 13 April 2024 02:22 PM
Sri lanka is already over priced for everything, hotels, food, excursions, entrance fees, even the gov do it marking local price and tourists prices on boards to visit temples and other sites, most tourists aren't rich, cost of living is high even though wages maybe higher than sl wages, rent costs alot in Europe, we risk losing tourists due to exorbitant rates to countries like India or Thailand or bali, why would people want to come yo sri lanka to feel ripped off, buts it's fault of government too, increasing prices of everything makes sri lankans desperate, while locals can't afford to pay what is required for a shop/business to prosper, they look at tourists as bonus customers, cost of tea in uk is like 3£ish that's about 1200 anyway, but is the fact he felt cheated and discriminated against because of where he's from, but sri lankans get that too in our own country, we are treated as lessor even by our own people, before corona u couldn't even book a hotel down south if fro sl
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Mandayan Saturday, 13 April 2024 02:36 PM
Poor wada guy was targeted. If Tim goes to Dehiwala Zoo or Sigiriya the ticket for foreigners are in dollars while local pay in rupees and less. So this is normal in a holiday places mate and you wasted your time for just 1/8 of an Euro!
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Sammy Saturday, 13 April 2024 03:07 PM
It is sad to see many comments trying to defend the sly vendor and blaming the victim. Tourists will eventually see through such cheating. It may not be a big amount for a tourist but cheating is not acceptable.
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Rani Saturday, 13 April 2024 03:57 PM
If tourists are treated well they will tell their friends and family and this day and age vlogs and blogs and more will come. Disgraceful behaviour by the shop keeper
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mila Saturday, 13 April 2024 04:20 PM
This is so shameful. This Suddha has no shame. Your people stole the wealth of our country for hundreds of years, and now they live comfortably after stealing from almost the entire world. Can you compare a 1000 rupee with what your race has been stealing? Traitors in our country will stand by your side because they don't see who you people truly are. Did you enjoy destroying this old man's life because of 1000 rupees?? The biggest thieves in the world trying to make us look like big scammers!
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Volker Metzger Saturday, 13 April 2024 04:21 PM
How crazy is this Belgian tourist! This man is making a fuss over 1000 Lkr (3.14 euros) and reporting it on the internet! He should seriously have his mental state examined! The whole thing is ridiculous! He should stay in Belgium, where you can obviously only have good experiences!
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Ranjith Perera Saturday, 13 April 2024 05:13 PM
Top to bottom, Sri Lankans are damned scammers. It's in their genes. Doesn’t matter if you're a tourist or a local.
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Rob Saturday, 13 April 2024 05:18 PM
Only very few are decent honest caring people you find in sri lanka not only tourist even us get ripped off everyday in many ways beautiful country but majority people up to no good just need to be careful...its not Europe
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Patcitz Sunday, 14 April 2024 01:00 AM
The Belgian tourist should have noted and understood, mostly the Hindus are so crave for other money and also stingy, that is what happened a Belgian tourist a grave injustice.
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E Ravee Sunday, 14 April 2024 11:30 AM
Aren’t most Sri Lankan institutions guilty of scamming. Example archaeological sites, hospitals, places of tourist interest etc charge foreigners exorbitant entrance fees. It’s our favourite past time, So why point a finger at the vadey mudalali?
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Mauricio Jorges Sunday, 14 April 2024 11:42 AM
This Belgian backpacker was involved in another transaction involving a blue moonstone which he purchased in Hikkaduwa for US$200 but his clickbait youtube video was titled "$45,000 scam". Even though the person he bought the moonstone from returned his $200, Tim Tense went on and on ad nauseam about being scammed. All he seems to be interested in is the number of youtube views he gets with his misleading titles.
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Gajaba Walimunidewa Sunday, 14 April 2024 05:03 PM
This 'vade kade' should be set on xxre.
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Mahindapala Anthattu Monday, 15 April 2024 08:14 AM
... well otherwise, politicians will steal! They are the type of tourists SL gets now! 50,000 backpackers helping the economy! 225 Gonas destroying the Economy!
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Mahindapala Anthattu Monday, 15 April 2024 08:14 AM
... well otherwise, politicians will steal! They are the type of tourists SL gets now! 50,000 backpackers helping the economy! 225 Gonas destroying the Economy!
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Sangaralingham Monday, 22 April 2024 09:49 AM
Sad dishonesty with a single snack of tea and Vada’s. Who cares ad for foreigner.bad reputation for the locals and country
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