首先要說明，科倫坡不是印度的一部份，而是斯里蘭卡的首都。斯里蘭卡在1948年脫離殖民統治而獨立。這次旅程要在科倫坡逗留一天，純粹是因為要轉飛機。
除了是盛產茶葉外，我對這個「印度洋的眼淚」佛教國家一無所知。但我又不想整天待在酒店裡，而我又想買點茶葉，所以參加了市內觀光遊。
這市內觀光遊，其實只是租車及司機，並不是旅行團。費用一天50美元，很貴。其實我應該事先作資料搜集，找便宜而又豐富的行程，抑或自行坐公共交通遊覽。這樣應該可以節省30美元。
這天去的地方不多，最吸引的是國家博物館。這個博物館是英式建築，面積很大，裡面藏有很多佛教的珍品。博物館以前日久失修，但最近在某跨國大銀行的贊助下復修重開。
科倫坡的街道也算整潔，但市內常常看見苛槍實彈的軍人。如看電影般，有軍人在大廈天台持槍站崗。我的車到了一個很美的海灘與國會大廈等古典建築群，但這裡守衛嚴密，禁止拍照，而我的護照也被檢查。所有保安工作，完全是為了防範泰米爾之虎游擊隊。
今天的司機，原來是一個淫媒。上車後不久他便問我要不要女孩，我說不要，他又問我要不要男孩。還說性服務在科倫坡的收費比較貴，要40美元。而男孩的年齡最少只有15歲。事後我上網查資料，斯里蘭卡的報章也有報導當地色情事業的嚴重。
我的一位斯里蘭卡前同僚聽我說出這些惡棍惡行後，說他的家鄉已斷送給瘋癲的人。
I have to clarify that Colombo is not part of India. It is the capital of Sri Lanka, which has been independent since 1948. I need to stay in Colombo for one day for transit flight. I have no idea of this Buddhist country apart from knowing it is famous for tea plantation. I don’t want to waste the whole day staying inside the hotel and I want to buy some tea, therefore I join a city tour.
The city tour is not a tour indeed. It is hiring a car and a driver, costing US$50. This is very expensive. I should have either searched some background information, and looked for cheaper and better organized tour before or taken public transportation, which could help me saving at least US$30.
I have not been to many places. The most impressive place is the National Museum, which is built in British architectural style. It is a huge museum that displays a lot of Buddhist treasure. The museum had not been repaired for many years until recently when a multi-national banking cooperation decided to sponsor the renovation.
The streets of Colombo are neat and tidy. But armed military officers are always seen. Just like a movie, it is commonly seen that armed officers standing on the top floor of buildings. My car has passed by a beautiful beach and a cluster of classical architects that include the old parliament house. But security is tight in the area and photography is prohibited. I also have my passport checked. These security arrangements are implemented against the Tamil Tiger rebel.
The driver is also a prostitute agent. He has asked me whether I need Sri Lankan girl shortly after I get into the car. I replied no, and he asked me whether I need boys! He even told me that sex service in Colombo cost US$40, which is more expensive than other parts of Sri Lanka. I have found through the internet that the seriousness of the sex industry is reported by Sri Lanka newspaper.
One of my ex-colleagues, who is a Sri Lankan, is unaware of such mafia people and says his home has gone to dogs.
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