Foreigners need prior permission to visit North

By Darshana Sanjeewa

The Defence Ministry said yesterday foreigners wishing to visit the North should obtain prior permission from the Ministry.

Military spokesman Ruwan Wanigasuriya told a media conference that foreigners who wished to visit the North either as tourists or in connection with any projects should inform the Ministry of Defence about the nature of the proposed visit and the areas they intend visiting and obtain its prior permission to do so.
He said this was being done to prevent foreigners who visit the North under the pretext of being involved in development projects creating communal disharmony and thus posing a serious threat to national security.
Brigadier Wanigasuriya said a notice would be issued in this regard and pointed out that no foreigner was debarred from visiting the North.  
He said prior permission could be obtained by forwarding a letter or Fax to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development and permission obtained in writing.