WARNING: Story contains explicit content

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.

The 24-year-old said she "can’t thank the Sri Lankan police enough". Photo / @molsgonewild

She published an email from the Police Tourism Division’s acting director who expressed regret for the man’s actions.

“First, I must apologise [to] you on the incident taken place in my beautiful country due to a bad person,” it read.

The Police Tourism Division, together with Thirukkovil and Pottuvil police, issued a public appeal to help identify the man.

“At the time of his arrest, the suspect had reportedly altered his appearance and changed his residence in an attempt to evade capture,” a spokesperson said.

Officials noted the case had “drawn international criticism and damaged the country’s reputation”.

It took police approximately four days to find and arrest the man in the Periyanilaveni Police Division, located on the island’s east coast.

“I can’t thank the Sri Lankan police enough. They were amazing. Their response was so incredible,” Molly said.

“He is currently going through the court process, and the police said that they would keep me updated on what happens.”

While acknowledging the situation could have been worse, and has been “for other women out there”, Molly was glad her experience had sparked a conversation around women’s safety.

“One incident is not a representation of what solo travel is like as a female. I’ve travelled through so many different countries that people label as unsafe, and all I have experienced is kindness from locals,” she said.

“Sri Lanka is an amazing country to travel to, and I will always recommend it to other people - especially solo female travellers - despite this incident.”

Tom Rose is an Auckland-based journalist who covers breaking news, specialising in lifestyle, entertainment and travel. He joined the Herald in 2023.