• The travel advisory does not reflect the actual situation in Sri Lanka and there are flawed references to the economic and security situation in the country

By Sheain Fernandopulle  

The Government of Sri Lanka has corrected the erroneous and outdated information contained in the recent travel advisory issued by Canada on Sri Lanka.  

 Canada issued a warning to Canadians in Sri Lanka on Thursday (13), about the deteriorating economic situation in Sri Lanka.  
The travel advisory further said the economic crisis is leading to shortages of basic necessities including medicines, fuel, and food.  

In response, the Government of Sri Lanka said the travel advisory does not reflect the actual situation in Sri Lanka and there are flawed references to the economic and security situation in the country as well as inaccurate information with regard to the safety and security of female travellers and harassment of foreigners.  

In a statement issued by the Government of Sri Lanka, it said Sri Lanka has successfully overcome the immediate challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and is now in a state of normalcy with all public service, corporate and business, and education activities functioning normally without interruption, in accordance with COVID-19 health and safety guidelines.   
The nationwide inoculation programme has been commended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and almost 90% of the eligible population has received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. A campaign has been launched to provide the booster dose to the population above 20 years of age.   

Despite the pandemic, Sri Lanka has received several international accolades in the tourism industry including CNN’s “Where to Travel in 2022”; the Global Wellness Institute; Conde Nast Traveler 2021 Reader’s Choice Awards as well as other endorsements received previously in 2019 by Lonely Planet and the National Geographic Travel. 

• Sri Lanka has successfully overcome the immediate challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic