Saturday, 25 October 2014 00:55
-
- {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Several countries have updated their travel advisories on Sri Lanka after the Government announced recently that foreigners will require special clearance from the Ministry of Defence to travel to the North.
Britain, Canada and Australia are among the countries to have issued updated travel advisories on Sri Lanka with Australia and Canada also urging extreme caution.
On 15 October, strict entry restrictions were imposed for all foreigners wishing to travel to Northern Province. Restrictions may be expanded or changed without notice. Permission must be obtained from the Ministry of Defence before travelling to this province.
The Canadian Foreign Ministry noted that foreigners, including those with residence status, have been refused access at military checkpoints.
The British Foreign Office said that Military activities are ongoing in the north of Sri Lanka and British nationals have been urged to obey orders from the security forces and signs warning of the danger from landmines.
“Travellers to the north may also encounter further restrictions, including around military establishments and areas where demining operations continue,” the British Foreign office notes.
The Australian Foreign Ministry, while urging travellers to Sri Lanka to exercise “high degree of caution”, notes that the security environment is unpredictable. (Colombo Gazette)
