28/05/2026
In outdoor adventure activities, the combination of certified staff, top-tier equipment, and deep experience is the ultimate line of defense against inherent environmental risks. Certified guides provide vital technical expertise, psychological reassurance, and immediate wilderness first-aid capabilities when crises arise, while premium, meticulously maintained gear acts as a literal life support system that cannot afford to fail. Binding these together is seasoned experience, which grants operators the unteachable intuition to read unpredictable terrain, manage group logistics seamlessly, and preemptively spot hazards before they escalate. Ultimately, investing in this trio transforms a high-risk gamble into a safely managed, exhilarating, and unforgettable experience.
Below is a well written article by Squadron Leader (Retd) Lojith Rambukwella the Founder / Managing Director of The Border Adventures a partner Company of Adventure Education Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s Adventure Tourism Safety Crisis – A Call for Immediate Attention
Sri Lanka’s adventure tourism industry is currently facing a serious and growing concern due to the increasing number of individuals and companies operating privately without proper business registration, legal licenses, safety standards, or professional qualifications.
Many of these operators advertise their activities by claiming that tours are conducted by “trained professional instructors.” However, in reality, a large number of them have no certified training, no recognized qualifications, and very limited knowledge of wilderness safety, emergency response, or risk management. This creates a highly dangerous situation for both local and international travelers.
Adventure tourism activities such as hiking, camping, trekking, waterfall exploration, rock climbing, kayaking, and wilderness expeditions always involve risk. Weather conditions can change suddenly, accidents can happen unexpectedly, and remote-area emergencies require properly trained professionals who are capable of protecting human life under pressure.
Unfortunately, many unqualified operators continue to run activities without understanding the responsibility involved. This has led to unsafe practices becoming normalized in parts of the industry.
Major Safety and Operational Concerns Identified
In many cases, the following critical issues can be observed:
• Use of cheap, off-the-shelf, improper, or makeshift safety equipment
• Cheap kayaks and low-quality or improper life jackets
• Lack of backup vehicles for emergencies or evacuations
• No proper communication systems (radio, satellite phones, emergency contact protocols)
• Absence of certified first aid trained staff
• No advanced rescue capability such as:
• Swift water rescue training
• High rope rescue systems
• CPR and AED certified responders
• Jungle / wilderness first aid specialists
• No proper navigation tools or systems such as maps, compasses, or GPS tracking
• No structured emergency evacuation plans
• Poor or no insurance coverage and risk management systems
• Improper handling of incidents, often leading to external rescue operations (including military and official rescue teams being called in)
• Environmental negligence including:
• Improper garbage disposal
• Lack of Leave No Trace (LNT) practices
• Damage to trees and natural landscapes
• Pollution of water sources
• Occasional conflicts or scuffles with local communities due to poor coordination and disrespect of local guidelines
These issues collectively create a highly unsafe and unregulated environment for adventure tourism participants.
A Critical Reminder to Travelers
Price should never be the deciding factor when choosing an adventure operator.
Your life matters more than the cost of the trip.
Always verify whether the operator is:
• Legally registered
• Professionally qualified
• Properly equipped
• Trained in emergency response
• Capable of handling high-risk situations responsibly
Why Proper Standards Matter
This is also why, in many serious incidents, we often see military units or official rescue teams being deployed to rescue stranded hikers and travelers—because many private operators are not equipped with the necessary rescue capabilities or training to manage emergencies.
True professional adventure operators should have:
• Swift water rescue capability
• High rope rescue systems
• CPR and AED certified staff
• Certified jungle and wilderness first aid training
• Proper communication systems
• Backup transport and evacuation readiness
• Proper maps, compasses, and GPS-based navigation systems
• Fully developed emergency evacuation plans
A Warning for the Future
If this situation continues unchecked, Sri Lanka’s adventure tourism reputation could face serious international damage, including loss of trust among global travelers and potential restrictions in key tourism markets.
A Call for Action
It is now essential for government authorities, tourism bodies, and industry professionals to work together to establish strict enforcement, proper certification systems, and accountability across the sector.
At the same time, travelers must take responsibility for making informed and safe choices.
Together, we can protect the future of adventure tourism in Sri Lanka by ensuring professionalism, safety, environmental responsibility, and ethical practices become the standard—not the exception.
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By Lojith Rambukwella
