British visitors in SL advised to return

 In an urgent message to British nationals and British tourists currently in Sri Lanka, British High Commissioner Sarah Hulton said they should immediately return to their country when flights are still available and while borders are still open.   

“The UK Government is advising all British nationals to return to the UK whilst borders are still open. We advise all visitors in Sri Lanka to leave whilst commercial flights are available and airports and borders are open. There is foreseeable risk in continuing to remain in-country during the global pandemic,” she said.   

 The High Commissioner noted that some British passport holders are in Sri Lanka visiting family. She reiterated the UK Government’s advice that all British nationals who normally live in the UK should return to the UK now.   “Serious outbreaks of Coronavirus are placing significant strain on health services globally. In the event of a serious outbreak in Sri Lanka, consular services and flights out of the country could be seriously affected. We cannot guarantee what flight options might be available if people choose to leave at a later date.”   
 The British High Commission encouraged all British visitors to keep up to date by following Travel Advice at: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sri-lanka/coronavirus and @UKinSriLanka on Twitter for up to date flight information. Qatar Airways currently operate flights daily from Colombo.