UK maintains travel advice
September 16, 2013
The British Foreign Office has maintained a travel advice on Sri Lanka in its updated information warning British tourists of organised and armed gangs operating in Sri Lanka who have been responsible for targeted kidnappings and violence.
The travel advice section which has been updated on September 12 has included information on the Commonwealth summit in Sri Lanka in November.
However a May 30 update has been retained in the travel advice despite earlier objections from the External Affairs Ministry in Sri Lanka.
The External Affairs Ministry (EAM) had in July sought a clarification from the British High Commission in Colombo regarding the travel advice it had issued in May on Sri Lanka.
The External Affairs Ministry said it sought information from the British High Commission on the reasons behind issuing such a strong notice to British citizens visiting Sri Lanka.
While warning of targeted kidnappings and violence, the travel advice also says women should take particular care when travelling alone or in small groups, and carry a personal alarm.
The September 12 update says there may be high levels of travel disruption around that time the Commonwealth summit takes place in Sri Lanka, like frequent road closures, high security at airports and difficulties in booking hotel rooms. (Colombo Gazette)
