It’s not uncommon for female travellers to get asked if they’re married, which can be tiresome, but is not meant in an offensive manner, nor as a reason to flirt; people here are simply unaccustomed to women getting around without a family member, friend or boyfriend/husband.
We are happy to hear her thoughts on useful tips for women travellers to the island, and welcome her insight as a foreign traveller.In Sri Lanka it will not ensure that men back off in their advances, but it will lessen the quota of men trying.Casually mentioning a boyfriend or husband waiting for you at your hotel or apartment will have the same effect.Trying to think about it as a cultural difference might not ease the frustration, but it might explain why it happens.The kind of precautions to be taken varies depending on which part of the island you plan to visit.