Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09STATE66595
2009-06-26 18:43:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Secretary of State
Cable title:  

TRAVEL WARNING - SRI LANKA

Tags:  CASC PTER ASEC CE 
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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 066595 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CASC PTER ASEC CE
SUBJECT: TRAVEL WARNING - SRI LANKA

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 066595

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CASC PTER ASEC CE
SUBJECT: TRAVEL WARNING - SRI LANKA


1. The Department of State warns American citizens
traveling to or living in Sri Lanka about the potential
for continued instability, including possible terrorist
attacks. This replaces the Travel Warning for Sri Lanka
dated December 22, 2008, to update information on
security incidents, safety concerns in specific regions
of the country, and potential problems for U.S. citizen
travelers.


2. On May 19, 2009, the Sri Lankan government announced
that it had achieved victory over the Liberation Tigers
of Tamil Eelam (LTTE),an armed insurgent group, after
more than 25 years of civil conflict. Despite the
conclusion of hostilities, remnants of the insurgency
group remain. The Government of Sri Lanka's security
posture remains heightened.


3. The Department of State urges American citizens to
evaluate carefully the risks of travel to Sri Lanka and
specifically warns Americans against travel to the
Northern Province and most of the Eastern Province of Sri
Lanka due to the presence of uncleared land mines and the
possibility of renewed insurgency. Armed paramilitaries
remain active in the Eastern Province. Consular
assistance to American citizens detained in the north and
east may be significantly delayed. Travel to all of the
Northern Province remains potentially unsafe, in
particular travel to the following areas: Anuradhapura
District of the North Central Province; the areas north
of Medawachchiya; the A14 road; and the road from
Medawachchiya and Horowupatna. Non-official travel by
U.S. Government personnel to the Eastern Province, other
than the A6 road corridor and Trincomalee Town in
Trincomalee District and areas in Ampara District south
of the A4 road and west of Maha Oya, is prohibited.
Travel in some parts of the country remains highly
restricted by the Sri Lankan government, with particular
sensitivity concerning the large number of Internally
Displaced Persons (IDPs) in camps.


4. American citizens of Sri Lankan origin may be subject
to additional scrutiny upon arrival and while in the
country. In some cases, foreigners of Sri Lankan origin
may be detained without their embassy being notified.
The activities of journalists, researchers, aid workers,
and volunteers receive particular attention. The
Government of Sri Lanka encourages Sri Lankan citizens to
report foreigners who are suspected of carrying out

activities not consistent with the national interest
and/or their visa category.


5. Although no terrorist incidents have taken place
since the government's declaration of military victory
over the LTTE in May 2009, there remains the possibility
that remnants of the organization may attempt to carry
out attacks. In 2008 and early 2009, bomb explosions in
densely populated areas killed dozens of civilians,
including some areas frequented by foreign tourists.
Although there is no specific indication that American
citizens or institutions have been targeted, American
citizens risk becoming victims of violence by being in
the wrong place at the wrong time. American citizens who
decide to travel to Sri Lanka should be aware of their
personal surroundings and follow prudent security
practices. Americans should avoid large crowds and
public gatherings and should particularly avoid political
rallies, military bases, government and military vehicle
convoys, and high security zones, which have been
frequent targets of LTTE attacks. Americans are also
advised against traveling by bus within Sri Lanka, as
civilian buses have often been the target of past

STATE 00066595 002 OF 002


terrorist bomb attacks. American personnel in the U.S.
Mission are currently prohibited from traveling by public
bus.


6. Recent incidents include a suicide bomb attack on
January 2, 2009, near the Air Force Headquarters in
Colombo which killed two and injured 32. On October 9,
2008, a suicide bomb attack on the convoy of a government
minister killed one and injured six in the suburbs of
Colombo. On October 6, 2008, 28 civilians were killed
and 80 injured in a suicide attack on the opening of a
political party office in Anuradhapura. Foreign tourists
were not specifically targeted in these attacks and none
were injured.


7. Americans should comply with all instructions from
security forces and police when traveling in Sri Lanka.
American citizens, including those of Sri Lankan origin,
whether living in Sri Lanka or traveling there for only a
few days, are strongly urged to register with the Embassy
online via the Department of State travel registration
page or in person. Embassy contact information is as
follows:
U.S. Embassy Colombo
210 Galle Road
Colombo 03
Sri Lanka
Telephone: +94 11 249 8500
Emergency after-hours telephone: +94 11 249 8888
Facsimile: +94 11 249 8590
Email (American Citizens Services issues):
ColomboACS@state.gov
Email (general Consular inquiries):
ConsularColombo@state.gov


8. As the Department continues to develop information on
any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas,
it shares credible threat information through its
consular information documents, including the Country
Specific Information for Sri Lanka and the Worldwide
Caution, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov.


9. Travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security
conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United
States and Canada or, outside the United States and Canada on a
regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are
available Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm (except
U.S. federal holidays).


10. Minimize considered.
CLINTON