Sri Lanka Travel Warning

Issued by US Department of State

Jul 24, 2001

The Department of State urges American citizens to defer nonessential travel to Sri Lanka. Those who must travel to Sri Lanka, or who are resident there, should exercise extreme caution. On July 24, The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) attacked the Colombo International Airport and destroyed both commercial and military aircraft. Several military personnel were killed in the attack, military and airport employees were injured, and civilians were caught in the crossfire. The attack demonstrates the LTTE’s ability and willingness to select targets without regard for the safety of civilians, including tourists. The U.S. Embassy may temporarily close or suspend public services from time to time as necessary to review its security posture and ensure its adequacy.

American citizens should also be aware that Sri Lanka may be entering a period of increased civil unrest and mass political demonstrations. On July 10, the President of Sri Lanka suspended Parliament. In protest of the suspension, opposition parties have mounted a campaign of civil unrest.

U.S. citizens who remain in Sri Lanka are urged to contact the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Colombo to register and obtain updated information on travel and security in Sri Lanka. The Consular Section phone is 448-007 during working hours and 447-355 for after-hours emergencies.

For additional information on travel to Sri Lanka, please consult the Department of State’s latest Consular Information Sheet for Sri Lanka at http://travel.state.gov.