Embassy of Iraq in Colombo, Sri Lanka; address 19 Barnes Place, 00700, Colombo; phone +112696612. Head of mission: Mr. Anmar A.A. Al-Emin.
Head of mission: Mr. Anmar A.A. Al-Emin, Chargé d'Affaires (confirmed in the diplomatic list of Sri Lanka, 27 Nov 2024)
Iraq offers a unique blend of ancient history and cultural heritage, making it an intriguing destination for some Sri Lankan travelers. With around 300,000 Sri Lankans traveling abroad annually, a portion may find the historical sites, such as Babylonian ruins and the scenic Mesopotamian plains, appealing despite the country's modern infrastructure challenges.
Iraq is generally considered less safe for tourists compared to Sri Lanka. According to the Global Peace Index, Iraq ranks 148th out of 160 countries, while Sri Lanka ranks 99th. The murder rate in Iraq is significantly higher at 10.1 per 100,000 people, compared to Sri Lanka's rate of 3.5. Additionally, various crime indices indicate that Iraq faces more challenges with organized crime, human trafficking, and other criminal activities. For example, Iraq scores higher in categories such as mafia presence (6.5) and state crime (8.0) compared to Sri Lanka (4.0 and 7.0, respectively). Overall, travelers from Sri Lanka should exercise caution when considering travel to Iraq.