City
Epaper

Sri Lanka urges envoys to help lift travel advisories

By IANS | Updated: May 27, 2019 17:25 IST

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, here on Monday, urged foreign envoys to help his government in removing travel restrictions imposed on tourists following the Easter Sunday attacks, which claimed over 250 lives and left hundreds others injured.

Open in App

During a meeting at the President's House, attended by ambassadors of the UK, the US, Canada, Japan, Germany, Australia and the European Union, Sirisena said he could guarantee that the security situation in the island country was "99 per cent ensured", the Daily Mirror reported.

The President last week extended the Emergency in Sri Lanka by a month. The Emergency was imposed immediately after the April 21 bombings by Islamist militants at three luxury hotels, three churches and two other locations. The killings were claimed by the Islamic State.

In the aftermath of attacks, anti-Muslim violence broke out in the country. Homes and shops of Muslims as well as mosques were targeted in the riots that claimed one life.

The police and the military now say a "peaceful situation was now prevailing in the country" after they arrested almost all those involved in the attacks. The troops and police, however, remain on alert across the island.

Sirisena told the ambassadors the Emergency was extended due to search operations conducted by the military. As many as 89 suspects had been arrested for their alleged links with the bombings.

The President hoped the Emergency would not be required to be extended further.

According to the President's Media Division, the ambassadors pledged to take immediate action to remove travel restriction.

( With inputs from IANS )

Open in App

Related Stories

InternationalUAE President to begin official visit to Russia on Thursday

InternationalPakistan suspends internet services across Balochistan due to security concerns

InternationalIsraeli President demands truth after German media exposes fake Gaza photography

International"You're going to see so much secondary sanctions": Trump after additional 25 pc tariff move

International"Executive order by US administration excludes Pharma sector from immediate tariff imposition": Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance

International Realted Stories

International'Great progress' made, says Trump after US envoy holds talks with Russia

International"Damaging impact this could have on US-India relationship": Foreign Expert on additional tariffs on India

International"Philippines and India must continue to work to strengthen resilience of our world community: President Marcos

International"America is pushing India towards Russia and China": Foreign affairs expert Subhash Goyal

InternationalShamal Holding unveils Naia Island Dubai