A video showing a Sri Lankan man attacking a foreign tourist has gone viral on social media in recent days, sparking outrage and concern. The video, widely shared with captions implying it is a recent event, allegedly shows a surfing coach in the Weligama area assaulting a foreign visitor.

At the request of social media users, FactSeeker conducted an investigation to verify the timing and authenticity of the incident.

What the Video Shows
The circulating clip captures a heated altercation in a coastal area, where a man identified as a local surf instructor appears to physically attack a tourist. The video quickly gained traction online, accompanied by strong reactions and concern over the safety of tourists in Sri Lanka.

Who is the Tourist?
FactSeeker has verified that the individual attacked in the video is a well-known Filipino YouTuber who goes by the name Lost Joey. He uploaded the full video of the incident to his YouTube channel on May 24, 2025, providing a detailed account of what transpired, including his visit to the Weligama Police Station to lodge a complaint.

When Did the Incident Actually Happen?
Despite the recent online attention, FactSeeker’s analysis of the full video confirms that the incident did not happen in May 2025. In the segment where Lost Joey is seen filing a police report, a calendar visible at the Weligama Police Station clearly shows the date as being in February 2024.

This finding was further validated by an official statement from the Sri Lanka Police, which confirmed:

The incident took place in February 2024.

A formal complaint was lodged by the tourist at the time.

The current wave of social media posts is misleading, as it suggests the event is recent.

Official Response
At a recent press conference, Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe expressed concern over the resurfacing of old incidents that can harm Sri Lanka’s image among international visitors. He emphasized the need for responsible sharing of content and urged the public to verify information before posting online.

“Misleading videos like this can significantly damage Sri Lanka’s reputation as a tourist-friendly destination. We ask the public to act responsibly,” said the Deputy Minister.

Conclusion
FactSeeker confirms that the video of the tourist being attacked in Weligama depicts an incident that occurred in February 2024, not recently. While the video was posted on YouTube on May 24, 2025, the actual event is over a year old. Its current circulation with false context is misleading and potentially harmful to Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.