Travel advisories against SL galore as uncertainty mounts

7 July 2022 02:49 am - 12 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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UK, New Zealand issue fresh warnings to their citizens against visiting SL
Worsening of economic crisis and potential for civil unrest cited as reasons
USA, EU, Canada, Australia and Ireland continue to maintain their travel advisories issued months ago
Likely to have a massive impact on already struggling tourism sector in country
SLTDA chief says steps will be taken to “soften” impact of such warnings where possible

By Shabiya Ali Ahlam
The travel advisories against visiting Sri Lanka, which were slightly relaxed just weeks ago, are now back and they could further hurt the already struggling tourism sector.

As the situation in the country is showing no signs of improving and with public agitation against the government led by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe getting intensified, governments across the world are cautioning their citizens against visiting Sri Lanka.

The United Kingdom and New Zealand issued fresh warnings to their citizens this week, advising them against any non-essential travel to Sri Lanka.

The two governments updated their respective travel advisories by citing the worsening economic crisis and the potential for civil unrest. In mid-June, Tourism Minister Harin Fernando was in the United Kingdom, where he met with the UK travel and tourism industry personnel to increase tourist traffic from that country. Fernando also held discussions with New Zealand High Commissioner in Colombo Michael Appleton last week, where the duo discussed how the two countries can work together to develop tourism and other areas.

Other nations that continue to maintain travel advisories against Sri Lanka include the United States of America, Europe Union, Canada, Australia and Ireland.

Commenting on the travel advisories, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairman Priantha Fernando said it is the responsibility of the respective governments to inform their citizens of ground conditions abroad.

“What is being touched upon are the inconveniences tourists might have to undergo in #SriLanka due to the current conditions,” tweeted Fernando yesterday.

The SLTDA chief said the required steps would be taken to “soften” the impact of such warnings where possible.
“We are continuously working on providing a hassle-free experience to tourists who visit #SriLanka,” he added in his tweet.

Tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka for the month of June totalled 32,856, recording a marginal increase when compared with the previous month, largely influenced by the Australia tour of Sri Lanka, which commenced in early June.
For the first half of 2022, a total of 411,337 tourists had visited Sri Lanka against the 17,000 tourists in the COVID-hit first half of 2021.

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Comments - 12

TONI Thursday, 07 July 2022 08:24 AM

OUR COUNTRY HAS BECOME A CURSE OF THE DEVIL

Nimal Thursday, 07 July 2022 09:46 AM

More like the curse of the Rajapaksas.

Ungulimala Thursday, 07 July 2022 07:32 PM

@Toni, Don't ever say that. Not the country but all politicians, majority public servants the people who elect these imbeciles must be the ones' cursed.

Gedara Yanne Nay Thursday, 07 July 2022 08:31 AM

Gota and the group! If you still love the country, Please Go Home. We don't want to hear your reply song: ගෙදර යන්නේ නෑ නේ! ගෙදර යන්නේ නෑ නේ! ගෙදර යන්නේ නෑ නේ! රට ඉවර වෙනකම්.

Lalith de silva Thursday, 07 July 2022 09:08 AM

Dear Mr president and the rest of the clain that including the politicians please leave and let us have a country if you love or atleast have a concern for this country leave now

Punchi Thursday, 07 July 2022 09:11 AM

We all choose the path to failure by devoting our financial and material efforts to marginalising our minorities since independence. Now we are blaming our politicians for the subsequent failure of a enterprise that we wholeheartedly endorsed

Anura Nanayakkara Thursday, 07 July 2022 09:26 AM

Time to think about the reality in the country and to take necessary steps for the benefit of majority Sri Lankans. Very sad to see Gothabhaya who came to politics with lot of hopes failing this way.

Gota/Ranil GoHome. Thursday, 07 July 2022 09:29 AM

ONE DEVIL AND HIS SAVIOUR ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTINUING DISASTER BEING PILED ON 22 MILLION CITIZENS.

Dilshan Perera Thursday, 07 July 2022 09:52 AM

Rajapakses give back the country's cash.. or even just 10% of the loot.. it will immediately solve this crisis.. of the country you all pretend to love..

Terrence Thursday, 07 July 2022 10:08 AM

All this is because President and his regime are clinging on to power even Sri Lankans are shortening their stay as there is no fuel and basic necessities

GHT Thursday, 07 July 2022 07:49 PM

How could the damn ROWDY Harin Fernando be sent to UK to waste the PUBLIC MONEY once gain?

Sambo Friday, 08 July 2022 07:22 AM

Over to you you ministry of tourism. Please take note.

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Travel advisories against SL galore as uncertainty mounts

Comments - 12

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