Tracking down tourists a safety measure-SL

18 Apr 2013 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A police directive to track down foreign tourists and long-time overseas residents in Sri Lanka is a security measure, the government said today.

"In the guise of tourists, there are certain elements which are adverse to the country. That is why we need to keep a track of them," Keheliya Rambukwella, minister of information and government spokesman told reporters.

Last week, the police headquarters had told local police stations to gather information on tourists lodged at hotels and guest houses within the respective police areas.

The police said the measure was taken for the safety of tourists.

A British tourist was killed in an attack at a southern tourist resort in December 2011.

The British Foreign Office travel advisory noted violent crime against foreigners is "infrequent" in Sri Lanka but states an "increasing number of reports of sexual offences, including against minors".

The government has lodged its protest against the British travel advisory saying Sri Lanka saw the arrival of over a million tourists in 2012.(PTI)

Breaking News

Tracking down tourists a safety measure-SL

Most Popular Articles

2026 FIFA World Cup Schedule in Sri Lankan Standard Time

Breaking Down the Israel–Iran Conflict: What We Know So Far - Day 108

’’Cut out the noise, focus on your game’’; Sri Lanka great reaches out to Sooryavanshi

Struggling Pizza Hut chain to be sold for $2.7bn

Sri Lanka find right combination in WI defeat

Heavy rain expected as El Niño conditions set to develop globally after February: Officials

Latest News

Which teams have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockouts, round of 32?

Fuel price relief possible by August or September if global prices remain stable: Bimal

Three-month concession given for vehicles without seatbelts

Pakistan cuts petrol price by Rs74 after US-Iran peace deal eases oil costs

Iran closes Strait of Hormuz over ceasefire violations - MEHR