'Attempted rape' of Swedish tourist

30 December, 2011

The school children have allegedly harassed tourists swimming in Negombo sea

A group of school children in a tourist resort in Sri Lanka have been arrested over an alleged attempted rape of a Swedish tourist.

The five teenagers who attended the same school were produced before court on Friday.

The tourist, who is a school teacher, has requested the court to warn the school children, who were badly drunk as they harassed the tourist in Negombo, and release them.

Journalist Prasad Purnimal Jayamanne said the authorities near the resort where the incident happened refused to reveal any details saying it would badly affect the tourist industry in the area.

But the tour guides in the resort maintain a different view.

They say similar incidents occur regularly and put the blame on the police.

"Tourists are continuously targeted by the youngsters," they told BBC Sandeshaya.