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UK issues travel advisory for SL

15 January 2011 05:45 am - 19     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The UK government has issued a travel advisory for Sri Lanka and has advised UK travelers to check weather forecasts before traveling as well as the Disaster Management Center website for more information regarding the recent floods. 

However the overall level of the advice has not changed. There are no travel restrictions in place in Sri Lanka.

The report further states –

Travel Summary

    * Torrential rains have caused serious flooding in several parts of the country, particularly in eastern districts such as Batticoloa, Ampara and Trincomalee. Some access roads to the east are impassable. Areas in the central province such as Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Badulla have experienced earth slips due to the rain. The risk of landslides in these areas can remain for up to 24 hours or longer after the rain ceases. As of 14 January, the south, south east and western areas of the country have not been seriously affected by the recent floods. You should check the Disaster Management Centre website before you travel for the latest information with regard to flooding and landslides.

    * Please check forecasts before travelling.

    * There has recently been a significant increase in the incidence of A(H1N1) influenza (swine flu) in Sri Lanka. Over 300 cases have been identified in recent months, with over 20 deaths reported. Colombo has been the worst affected. For travel advice on swine flu, see Swine Flu. If you fall ill while abroad (especially with flu-like symptoms) you should seek medical assistance. The British High Commission can provide British nationals with details of English-speaking doctors and information on the local availability of anti-virals.

    * You must have permission from the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence before travelling to the northern districts of Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar, Mullaittivu and Vavuniya. You should not attempt to travel to these districts without first obtaining the required permission and exercise caution in line with Safety and Security - Local Travel.

    * The Government of Sri Lanka has announced its intention to suspend visas on arrival. We are awaiting confirmation of the date of that this will come into force. See Entry Requirements - Visas.

    * There is a general threat from terrorism in Sri Lanka. Although the LTTE or “Tamil Tigers” suffered a military defeat in May 2009, the Government maintains its State of Emergency, under which it has extensive anti-terrorism powers and increased security measures including checkpoints and a highly visible military presence remain throughout the country.  Isolated attacks cannot be ruled out and could be indiscriminate. Foreign tourists and visitors have not been targeted in the past but attacks have occurred in places frequented by foreigners. See Safety and Security - Terrorism.

    * Although the conflict is over, extensive military operations are still ongoing, clearing minefields, unexploded ordnance and locating LTTE weapon caches (hides). The security forces are also involved in the resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs). Always obey orders from the security forces or signs warning about the danger from land-mines. Do not venture from the roads or cleared footpaths and if in any doubt, contact the local security authorities for local advice.

    * Political rallies in Sri Lanka have turned violent in the past. British nationals should avoid any political gatherings or rally and beware of spontaneous large gatherings. See Safety and Security - Political Situation.

    * The majority of visits to Sri Lanka are incident free, although there are an increasing number of incidents of credit card fraud, road accidents and drownings. See Safety and Security - Crime, Safety and Security - Local Travel - Road Travel, Safety and Security - Local Travel - Sea Travel , Health and General - Consular Assistance Statistics.

    * You should get comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See General - Insurance. British nationals resident and/or working in Sri Lanka, or visiting for over one month, should register with the British High Commission in Colombo.

(Daily MIrror online)



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  Comments - 19

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  • Samara Saturday, 15 January 2011 07:59 AM

    Travel advisory for Dr Liam Fox was also issued by British & he was forced to cancel his private visit honoring Lakshman Kadirgarmar.

    We should not allow these double tounged british advisory to disturb us often & use online visa against their arrival.

    UNP gonek Sunday, 16 January 2011 04:36 AM

    This is all MR's fault. Free SF! Hee haw.

    MagodisThuma Sunday, 16 January 2011 04:27 AM

    This time not about Bus Bombs !.

    citizen1 Sunday, 16 January 2011 03:44 AM

    Talk about persecution-complex!! Almost everyone seems to think that Sri Lanka has all these countries plotting against them. How sad we are.

    nagu Saturday, 15 January 2011 06:29 PM

    What rubbish ar u talking?

    Mahadena Mutta Saturday, 15 January 2011 05:41 PM

    Good one!

    nagu Saturday, 15 January 2011 04:06 PM

    We need money from From tourism.....but not from these lies...

    theney123@gmail.com Saturday, 15 January 2011 03:33 PM

    I think UK issued travel advisory after seeing our president was unable to visit easteron province. ...Sanga.

    shace-UK Saturday, 15 January 2011 08:57 AM

    common guys infact UK have issued travel advice against tunisia, aussie, brazil & SL...why only SL takes it so personal....

    abc Saturday, 15 January 2011 08:06 AM

    Although terrorisum is under control in Srilanka, there is a continued threat from terrorist accomodated, harboured, supported & maintained by UK, Norway & some other western ccountries.
    SO BEWARE Of these WESTERN 'AXIS of EVEL'

    Obama Saturday, 15 January 2011 05:55 AM

    Did they issue a similar warning for Australia and Brazil or we just the lucky ones as usual?

    bash Saturday, 15 January 2011 07:53 AM

    To believe our Met dept Forecast ????? It is warm although they predicted it to be cool untill end Feb... this dept is highly politicalised and inefficient officials in charge, I guess

    kalusuddha Saturday, 15 January 2011 07:39 AM

    No doubt that it harms our industry. But appreciate their care they take on their citizens.

    Afker Hussain Saturday, 15 January 2011 07:18 AM

    I bet the british government misses the Sri Lankan Civil War where they thrived in chaos and simply cant wait for an opportunity to issue advisories against our country. The world should issue travel advisories against going to the UK due to the heavy snowfall which is deemed to dangerous for travel..

    michi Saturday, 15 January 2011 06:50 AM

    You idiots are always against UK. but want their money from tourism. otherwise why Sri lanka needs uk citizens.

    Saradial Saturday, 15 January 2011 06:46 AM

    @"Please check forecasts before travelling."

    Does they referring SL Met Department forecasts? if so definitely they are kidding (lol)

    janaka Saturday, 15 January 2011 06:33 AM

    BRITS!!!

    Sampath Saturday, 15 January 2011 06:16 AM

    Actually on 14/11/2011 UK did issue a travel warning in relation to the floods in Australia and Brazil.

    Buba Saturday, 15 January 2011 06:04 AM

    Wonder why GOSL failed to issue such advisory when Hethrow and Gatwick was closed down due to hale storms..

    1. Either Britishers are dead scared of Natural disasters
    2. They seriously have something against SL... (Why not Aussie and Brazil?)


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