A beachside restaurant in Tangalle has come under criticism after a video surfaced showing the establishment refusing to serve local customers, stating that they only cater to foreigners.

The incident was recorded by three Sri Lankans residing in the United Kingdom, who shared their experience of being denied service at the restaurant.

In the video, one of the individuals explains, “This guy refuses to serve us because we are brown. We are locals, and he says we don’t serve locals.

There is nobody else in this restaurant. I get so much pressure on me, especially during the floods. Oh, why are you not supporting the tourism industry? Sri Lanka really needs it right now. This is why. I’ve never faced racism like this in the UK.”

The incident has raised concerns about some Sri Lankan restaurants, particularly in popular tourism areas, prioritising foreign visitors over local residents.