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UK issues travel advisory for SL
The UK government has issued a travel advisory for Sri Lanka and has advised UK travelers to check weather forecasts before traveling as well as the Disaster Management Center website for more information regarding the recent floods.
However the overall level of the advice has not changed. There are no travel restrictions in place in Sri Lanka.
The report further states –
Travel Summary
* Torrential rains have caused serious flooding in several parts of the country, particularly in eastern districts such as Batticoloa, Ampara and Trincomalee. Some access roads to the east are impassable. Areas in the central province such as Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Badulla have experienced earth slips due to the rain. The risk of landslides in these areas can remain for up to 24 hours or longer after the rain ceases. As of 14 January, the south, south east and western areas of the country have not been seriously affected by the recent floods. You should check the Disaster Management Centre website before you travel for the latest information with regard to flooding and landslides.
* Please check forecasts before travelling.
* There has recently been a significant increase in the incidence of A(H1N1) influenza (swine flu) in Sri Lanka. Over 300 cases have been identified in recent months, with over 20 deaths reported. Colombo has been the worst affected. For travel advice on swine flu, see Swine Flu. If you fall ill while abroad (especially with flu-like symptoms) you should seek medical assistance. The British High Commission can provide British nationals with details of English-speaking doctors and information on the local availability of anti-virals.
* You must have permission from the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence before travelling to the northern districts of Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar, Mullaittivu and Vavuniya. You should not attempt to travel to these districts without first obtaining the required permission and exercise caution in line with Safety and Security - Local Travel.
* The Government of Sri Lanka has announced its intention to suspend visas on arrival. We are awaiting confirmation of the date of that this will come into force. See Entry Requirements - Visas.
* There is a general threat from terrorism in Sri Lanka. Although the LTTE or “Tamil Tigers” suffered a military defeat in May 2009, the Government maintains its State of Emergency, under which it has extensive anti-terrorism powers and increased security measures including checkpoints and a highly visible military presence remain throughout the country. Isolated attacks cannot be ruled out and could be indiscriminate. Foreign tourists and visitors have not been targeted in the past but attacks have occurred in places frequented by foreigners. See Safety and Security - Terrorism.
* Although the conflict is over, extensive military operations are still ongoing, clearing minefields, unexploded ordnance and locating LTTE weapon caches (hides). The security forces are also involved in the resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs). Always obey orders from the security forces or signs warning about the danger from land-mines. Do not venture from the roads or cleared footpaths and if in any doubt, contact the local security authorities for local advice.
* Political rallies in Sri Lanka have turned violent in the past. British nationals should avoid any political gatherings or rally and beware of spontaneous large gatherings. See Safety and Security - Political Situation.
* The majority of visits to Sri Lanka are incident free, although there are an increasing number of incidents of credit card fraud, road accidents and drownings. See Safety and Security - Crime, Safety and Security - Local Travel - Road Travel, Safety and Security - Local Travel - Sea Travel , Health and General - Consular Assistance Statistics.
* You should get comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See General - Insurance. British nationals resident and/or working in Sri Lanka, or visiting for over one month, should register with the British High Commission in Colombo.
(Daily MIrror online)
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