Govt. rules out any influence behind recent US travel advisory

• Vijitha says US Ambassador informed him and the security forces in advance

By Ajith Siriwardana

Ruling out any influence behind the recent US travel advisory, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Vijitha Herath said yesterday the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka had informed him and the security forces in advance before issuing the travel advisory.  

The Minister told the weekly briefing to announce the cabinet decisions that the US had not issued a travel ban but a travel advisory to its citizens on visiting Arugam Bay and other tourist locations and added that the government beefed up security after the US travel advisory.  

He said the foreign countries are not required to obtain permission to issue a travel advisory and added that they could do so considering the safety of their citizens here.  

He said however, it has been a tradition to inform the government authorities before issuing such advisories adding that they are not legally bound to do so.  

The Minister said it has to be ascertained whether the intelligence report was fake or whether there has been any influence after the investigations.  

He said Police have initiated investigations into reports of tourists, including Israeli nationals, allegedly engaging in activities such as business, religious practices and even illegal activities while on tourist visas.  

He said authorities have urged the public to report any instances where tourists might be involved in business, religious activities or any illegal activities.  

The Minister said Hotel owners have also been advised to alert authorities if any guests are found engaging in employment, business or other activities and the details will be updated monthly.