Face of the Day

Sri Lankan police have apologised profusely to a solo traveller from New Zealand after she filmed a local man sexually harassing her and indecently exposing himself, saying the video has “damaged the country’s reputation”.

The 25-year-old man, who had allegedly changed his appearance and address to evade capture, was arrested on Sunday in the country’s Ampara District, they said.

Christchurch woman Molly, 24, was left “on edge” after the ordeal, which took place in late October while she travelled the country in a tuk-tuk.

“I can’t believe that happened,” she told Instagram followers in a now-viral video.

“I’m not going to let it ruin my trip, but it’s knocked my confidence back a little bit ... It’s the price you pay for being a solo female. Shouldn’t be, but unfortunately that’s the reality.”

In a recent update, Molly said Sri Lankan police launched “a manhunt” for the man after she filed a report and local media started covering the incident.

NZ Herald