SL to raise objections with US over latest travel advisory

Sri Lanka's Tourism Ministry will raise its objections with the US Embassy in Colombo after the Embassy released a travel advisory advising its citizens to exercise 'increased caution' during the upcoming festive period, State Minister of Tourism, Arundika Fernando told Daily Mirror yesterday.

Having read the latest travel advisory released by the US Embassy, Fernando said that the Ministry will hold discussions with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and defence officials and alert them of the advisory released by the Americans.

He said such ad-hoc travel advisories would severely hamper Sri Lanka's tourism industry and they would inform the Foreign Ministry in Colombo to raise this matter as well. "If countries are issuing travel advisories, they should explain reasons after consultation with the government. Releasing such ad-hoc travel advisories will cause an unnecessary blow to our tourism industry, which is recovering steadily. The government has assured security to all visiting tourists, therefore, there is no need to get alarmed to visit Sri Lanka," Mr. Fernando said.

"If the US Embassy wishes to caution its citizens, then it should come out with facts and share it with the Sri Lankan Government. They have not done that," the Minister added.

The government will soon release a clarification on the matter.

In acknowledgment of the upcoming holidays, the US Embassy in Colombo in its updated travel advisory reminded American citizens of the current Level 2 Travel Advisory (Exercise Increased Caution).

“Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, hospitals, and other public areas,” the travel advisory read.

The travel advisory also recommended certain 'actions to be taken' for its citizens, including being aware of one's surroundings when travelling to tourist locations and crowded public venues. (Jamila Husain)