BRITS heading to Sri Lanka have been warned against all but essential travel by the UK Foreign Office following the Easter Sunday bombings.
There are fears that more bombings could take place.
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The bombings last weekend have left at least 359 dead with a number of British tourists caught up in the attacks.
The Foreign Office now advises against “all but essential travel” to Sri Lanka and for holidaymakers to “stay indoors” as a state of emergency and a curfew have been declared.
The advice states: “You should limit movements until this has been lifted, following the instructions of the local authorities and your hotel/tour operator.”
“If you are in Sri Lanka and have been directly affected by the attacks, please call the British High Commission in Colombo: +94 11 5390639, and select the emergency option from where you will be connected to one of our consular staff.
“If you’re in the UK and worried about British friends or family in Sri Lanka caught up in the incidents, please call the FCO switchboard number: 020 7008 1500 and follow the same steps.”
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Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: “Following the horrific attacks on Easter Sunday, and the ongoing Sri Lankan security operation, I have received updated advice from the Foreign Office and decided to update the travel advice to British nationals to Sri Lanka to advise against all but essential travel.
“Our hope is that it will be possible to change this when the current security operation has concluded. My first priority will always be the security of British citizens living and travelling abroad.
“We all hope the situation will return to normal very soon, and that the Sri Lankan tourism industry is able to get back on its feet following the terrorist attacks. We will do all we can to help the Sri Lankan authorities in the meantime.”
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What should you do if you’re in Sri Lanka?
The Foreign Office says you should:
- remain vigilant, keep up to date with developments and follow the advice of local security authorities and hotel security staff;
- keep a low profile, avoid crowded public places, large gatherings (including religious gatherings and places of worship) and any demonstrations. All of the attacks on 21 April were carried out either in places of worship or in places where foreign visitors were affected. Any further attacks may be targeted against similar locations;
- avoid travelling during periods of curfew (other than to/from the airport – see below);
- keep in touch with family and friends, ensuring they are aware of any plans you may have.
The Foreign Office also advises: “Security has been stepped up across the island and there are reports of ongoing security operations.
“If you’re in Sri Lanka and you are already due to leave or now wish to do so, keep in regular contact with your airline, tour operator and travel insurance company (where applicable) to ensure you are aware of arrangements that may be in place for customers.
“If you’re travelling independently, you should make your own arrangements to leave via commercial means, in consultation with your travel insurance company.
“If you choose to remain in Sri Lanka, then you should check that your insurance policy provides adequate cover.
“The Sri Lankan authorities have confirmed that passengers with a passport and flight ticket for the day of travel can travel to the airport during curfew periods, and arrangements have been put in place for arriving passengers.
“Some airlines are advising their passengers to arrive early for check-in, in light of increased security screening. You should check with your airline about suggested check-in times. “
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An ABTA spokesperson said: “The Foreign Office has changed its travel advice to Sri Lanka and now advises against all but essential travel.
“Customers who are due to travel imminently to the island on package holidays will be offered options of deferring their date of travel, transferring to another destination or a full refund.
“Customers who have booked independently will need to discuss their options with their airline and accommodation provider.”
What we know so far
Nearly 500 were injured when suicide bomb blasts ripped through three churches, four hotels and a block of flats in the capital Colombo.
Tourists were slaughtered while eating breakfast and Christian worshippers killed while gathering for morning mass.
Eight Brits have been caught up in the bombings; 19-year-old Daniel and his 15-year-old sister Amelie died on their final day of their holiday after being killed by a second bomb at the Shangri-La Hotel.
Fifty-five-year-old Lorraine Campbell and couple Bill Harrop and Sally Bradley were also killed.
A family of three, Anita, 42, Alex, 14, and Annabel, 11 were also killed, while their husband and father Ben Nicholson survived.
On the morning of Easter Sunday three churches and three hotels – the luxury Shangri-La Hotel, Cinnamon Grand and The Kingsbury Colombo – were targeted in the devastating attacks.
Colombo International Airport was later put on lockdown amid reports of a suspicious package – which was later destroyed by a bomb disposal squad.
On April 23, the terrorists reportedly claimed responsibility for the blasts which killed 359 people.
The Sri Lankan government named local terror group National Thowheeth Jama’ath as being responsible for carrying out the horrific attacks with the help of an “international network” of Jihadis.
And there have been recent reports of clashes between Sinhalese Buddhist and Muslim communities, with some hardline Buddhist groups accusing Muslims of forcing people to convert to Islam.
Only around six per cent of majority-Buddhist Sri Lanka is Catholic, but the religion is seen as a unifying force because it includes people from both the Tamil and majority Sinhalese ethnic groups.
The Colombo bombings are the worst violence in Sri Lanka since the country’s bloody civil war ended a decade ago.
If you’re travelling to a country after it has been hit by a terrorist attack, you may not be covered by your insurance.
Few providers offer terrorism protection in their policies.
However a number are now including a terrorism clause, for an assistance both before an attack and after.
