Countries issue travel warning to Sri Lanka

By Paul Emmanuel – TNS

COLOMBO – Following government of Sri Lanka’s decision to withdraw from the Ceasefire agreement and the serious escalation of violence in the Island nation, countries around the globe started issuing travel warning to its citizens not to travel to Sri Lanka.

Germany

Germany issued a new travel advisory, warning its citizens against travel to Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the Sri Lankan government’s decision to withdraw from the Ceasefire agreement, travel and trade sources said. Germany is Sri Lanka’s number one tourist market and the new travel advisory could have serious repercussions on the trade, warns the sources.

Canada

Foreign Affairs of Canada also advises against non-essential travel to Sri Lanka. “Travellers should be aware that incidents of violence can occur without notice throughout the entire country and is not restricted to the north and east of Sri Lanka,” it further said.

“Tensions between the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE are high. The number of violent attacks causing deaths has increased since the Sri Lankan government announced its withdrawal from the cease-fire agreement established with the LTTE in 2002. While foreigners have not been targeted in the specific attacks, explosions have occurred in public areas including on the road from the capital to the airport. The security situation could deteriorate quickly and without warning,” the Foreign Affairs statement further said.

“In January 2008, several violent attacks have occurred causing injuries and fatalities. Victims have included military personal, government officials and civilians. Bombings have taken place in a variety of cities, including Colombo,” the statement said.

Australia

Australian government also has issued a travel warning not to travel to Sri Lanka. “We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Sri Lanka at this time because of ongoing civil unrest, the volatile security situation and the very high risk of terrorist attacks. Attacks occur frequently and further attacks can happen at any time, anywhere in Sri Lanka. Australians could inadvertently become victims of violence directed at others, in particular Sri Lankan government and military targets,” the statement warns travelers.

“Tensions between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) are high. There has been a significant escalation in the number of serious incidents of politically motivated violence, including in tourist areas in the centre and south of the country. On 2 January 2008, the Government of Sri Lanka announced it would withdraw from the ceasefire agreement it signed in 2002 with the LTTE. The security situation could deteriorate further without warning,” the statement further notes.

“A recent escalation of conflict in the north and other parts of the country may provoke further attacks, including in Colombo. The death of the leader of the LTTE's political wing may also increase the risk of retaliatory attacks by the LTTE in any part of Sri Lanka. Due to the on-going conflict, the international airport could be closed without warning and commercial aircraft could be at risk, particularly at night,” the statement said.

Source: tamileelamnews.com