Yerushalayim Traveler Survives Harrowing Robbery in Sri Lanka

Matityahu Korman, a Yerushalayim resident and seasoned world traveler, narrowly escaped a violent robbery in Sri Lanka on Sunday night after leaping from a moving taxi.

The incident occurred in Arugam Bay, a coastal city where Korman had hired a local driver for a tour. While returning to the Chabad House, the driver unexpectedly veered off the main route onto a side road.

“Suddenly he began attacking me and forcibly took my wallet containing my passport, cash, and credit cards,” Korman recounted.

During a struggle, the driver demanded $150 to return the wallet’s contents. After Korman paid, the driver returned to the main road but soon diverted again onto another side path. “I shouted at him to stop, but when he refused, I was forced to jump from the moving vehicle for my own safety,” Korman said.

The escape happened near a military checkpoint, where soldiers quickly intervened. The driver falsely claimed Korman had jumped out due to intoxication.

Korman suffered minor injuries to his hands and feet and was treated at the local Chabad House by Rabbi Avraham, the resident emissary. Police later escorted him to a nearby clinic for further care, with costs covered by his insurance provider, Passportcard.

At the police station, Korman identified the driver, who was already in custody. Authorities offered him two choices: immediate restitution of the stolen funds — $150 and 10,000 local rupees — in exchange for the driver’s release, or pursue legal action that could take months or years. Korman accepted restitution, and the suspect was released after requesting forgiveness.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Korman said: “I miraculously escaped with only minor injuries. The incident disrupted the rest of my trip, but considering what could have happened, I emerged relatively unscathed, by the grace of God.” He advised fellow travelers to exercise caution when hiring taxi drivers for private tours.