Israeli Tourist Injured Escaping Tuk-Tuk Robbery in Sri Lanka

An Israeli tourist, Matityahu Korman, narrowly escaped a robbery in Sri Lanka’s Arugam Bay after leaping from a moving tuk-tuk.

Korman, an ultra-Orthodox man from Jerusalem, accepted a ride from a driver who introduced himself as Abd al-Karim. The ride began as a sightseeing trip, but the driver later diverted to isolated roads, seized Korman’s passport, wallet, and credit cards, and extorted money under threats.

Fearing for his life, Korman jumped from the moving tuk-tuk near a military checkpoint, sustaining injuries to his arm and legs. Soldiers and local drivers intervened as the assailant falsely claimed Korman was drunk.

Korman was treated at the local Chabad House by emissary Rabbi Av

raham, while police arrested the driver. Authorities gave Korman the choice of pursuing a trial or accepting restitution; he opted for the latter, receiving $150 and 10,000 rupees from the driver, who was also forced to bow in apology.

Korman, recovering at the Chabad House until his return flight, warned other travelers:

“It’s better to travel with one or two partners. And if you travel alone, you must be very cautious.”