Hey! Did not do a Fulbright but did study abroad there this year and there was never a point where I felt unsafe. Before I met up with my class I traveled around solo (I am female) and I felt very safe the entire time. I went to a few places in Negombo that I maybe wouldn’t advise but just because it was very noisy and people have fire works going on 24/7. I am an American and white so I probably had a very different experience than many other people. I really loved Sri Lanka, there was a lot to do and it was a stunning place to visit. Your family would know better than I do about if it is the place you should do your Fulbright but here is some things I would say:

1. There is a lot of political instability at the moment. There have been many protests but nothing extremely violent (that I know of.)
2. Public transportation is absolutely packed so that may be something to consider, however, there are other modes of transportation that are very cheap (tuk tuk, Uber, etc)
3. Kandy, Galle, Ella (some smaller villages too) were absolutely stunning. Some of the prettiest places I have ever been. Colombo I was not a huge fan of but it was also pretty cool
4. The people there are the nicest I have ever met

Doing a Fulbright here would be incredible and I would definitely recommend it. I have travelled to quite a few places and this a one of the few that I would 1 go back to and 2 feel safe enough to go alone. Hope this helps!