US, Canada issue travel advisories to citizens travelling to Sri Lanka
Colombo, Apr 22 : The US and Canada have issued travel advisories to their citizens seeking to visit Sri Lanka, citing threats of terrorism, a day after the calm of Easter Sunday was shattered by gruesome bombings targeting the country’s churches and hotels that killed at least 290 people.
According to advisories, travellers should exercise a high degree of caution in Sri Lanka due the current security situation.
The US Embassy said terrorists may attack with little or no warning targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports and other public areas.
The US citizens travelling to or residing in Sri Lanka were advised to enrol in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) in order to receive the latest security updates, the Sunday Times reported.
The situation remains volatile in Sri Lanka after eight explosions rocked churches and luxury hotels, killing up to 290 people, including six Indians, and with over 500 sustaining injures.
The Canadian government also issued a travel advisory to its nationals.
“The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad,” the advisory said.
“We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad,” it said.
