City
Epaper

SL to raise objections over latest US travel advisory

By IANS | Updated: December 19, 2019 12:50 IST

Sri Lanka's Tourism Ministry is set to raise objections with the US Embassy here over its travel advisory advising American citizens to exercise "increased caution" while visiting the island nation during the upcoming festive season, a Minister said.

Open in App

State Minister of Tourism Arundika Fernando told Daily Mirror on Wednesday that the Ministry will hold discussions with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and defence officials and alert them of the advisory.

"If countries are issuing travel advisories, they should explain reasons after consultation with the government. By releasing such ad hoc travel advisories will cause unnecessary blow to our tourism industry, which is recovering steadily.

"The government has assured security to all visiting tourists, therefore, there is no need to get alarmed to visit Sri Lanka.

"If the US embassy wishes to caution its citizens, then it should come out with facts and share it with the Sri Lankan government. They have not done that," the Minister added.

In acknowledgment of the upcoming holidays, the US Embassy in Colombo in its updated travel advisory reminded American citizens of the current Level 2 Travel Advisory (Exercise Increased Caution).

"Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, hospitals, and other public areas," the advisory said.

It also recommended certain "actions to be taken" for its citizens, including being aware of one's surroundings when travelling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.

( With inputs from IANS )

Tags: usSri LankaGotabaya RajapaksaMinistry
Open in App

Related Stories

NationalFlorida Plane Crash: 2 Killed After Small Aircraft Crashes in Coral Springs Lake (Watch Video)

InternationalFung Wong Live Tracker Map: Tropical Storm Triggers Flash Floods Across Guam; Check Real-Time Status Here

InternationalNew York: 7 Firefighters Injured in Car Blast in The Bronx (Watch Video)

InternationalLouisville Plane Crash: 7 Killed, 11 Injured After UPS Cargo Flight Crashes Near Airport in Kentucky; Videos Surface

BusinessUS Visa Medical in Pakistan: How to Book Your Appointment Fast & Stress-Free

International Realted Stories

InternationalMAGA feud erupts as long-term ally Greene expresses frustration towards Trump, claims death threats fuelled by his rhetoric

InternationalUS confirms successful stockpile flight tests of B61-12 nuclear gravity bomb

InternationalLee to meet biz leaders, discuss follow-up measures for US trade deal

InternationalGen Z leads anti-crime march in Mexico; hundreds injured, several arrested

InternationalTaiwan detects 30 Chinese aircraft, 7 vessels, one ship around its territory