Asia and Oceania

Terrorism

There is a general threat from terrorism in Sri Lanka. Attacks cannot be ruled out and could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriate and foreign travellers.  For more general information see the “Terrorism Abroad” page of the FCO website.

The conflict between the Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE, commonly known as “the Tamil Tigers”) ended in May 2009.

Although the conflict is over, the LTTE are believed to retain some capability to mount terrorist attacks.  The Government has extended the State of Emergency, under which it has extensive anti-terrorism powers and heightened levels of security (e.g. checkpoints, road blocks) that are likely to be maintained for the foreseeable future.   You should exercise a high level of vigilance.  The risk for the most part is one of being caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. In order to minimise this, you should avoid military, government and paramilitary locations. Always carry formal photographic identification with you.  Stop and show your ID when asked to do so. If you are detained, you should ask the authorities to contact the British High Commission.

Fatal attacks have occurred throughout the country, including Colombo and other areas frequented by foreigners. Since the beginning of 2009 at least 50 civilians have been killed in terrorist attacks across Sri Lanka. Most attacks have been directed against Government and military targets though a number have been focussed on civilian targets such as crowded public places, public transport and market areas. Some of the most significant recent attacks include:

• On 10 March 2009 a suicide bomb attack at a political gathering in Akuressa, near Matara, resulted in 14 deaths and a number of injuries.
  
• On 21 February 2009 21 civilians were shot dead in a village in rural Ampara district.
  
• On 20 February 2009 an LTTE air raid on military targets in Colombo resulted in four deaths and injured a further 12.
  
• On 9 February 2009 a suicide bomb attack in an IDP centre in Mullaithivu district killed eight civilians and 20 soldiers.
  
• On 2 January 2009 a suicide bomb attack near the headquarters of the Sri Lankan Air Force in Colombo resulted in three deaths and injured a further six.
  
  

Crime

Credit card fraud is the most common type of crime affecting visitors. It is advisable to use cash wherever possible and to use ATMs attached to banks or major hotels. Do not let your credit card leave your sight when you use it. Some travellers experience problems using their credit / debit cards on arrival in Sri Lanka when their banks’ automated fraud protection system blocks transactions. It may be useful to inform your bank in advance of your intended travel arrangements. If your card is blocked, you will need to contact your bank to re-activate it. There are plenty of money-changers in tourist areas if you want to change cash.

Violent crimes against foreigners are relatively infrequent, although there have been reports of sexual offences and muggings.  When travelling around Sri Lanka, you should make arrangements through reputable travel companies (such as those identified in your guidebook or local listings information) and exercise appropriate caution.  Women should take particular care when travelling alone and carry personal alarms. For more general information see Rape and Sexual Assault Abroad.

There has been an increase in the number of reported thefts from hotels and guesthouses.  You should take sensible precautions to safeguard your valuables, especially passports and money. 

On 2 October 2009, there was an explosion in a school minibus in Kurunegala, approximately 50 miles NE of Colombo resulting in a number of casualties.  There are no British casualties.  Initial reports suggest that the attack was a personal dispute.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political Situation

As stated in the Summary, the conflict between the Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ended in May 2009.  

Travellers should note that the end of the military conflict has seen an upsurge of nationalism in Sri Lanka. As a result, anti-Western (particularly anti-British) rhetoric has increased, including from senior Government figures. This has led to violent protests against the British High Commission and other diplomatic premises. Although no protests have so far been directed at the British community more generally, you should be vigilant and avoid demonstrations.

There have been a number of “hartals” (widely enforced general strikes) and curfews, particularly in the north and east. You should avoid political gatherings or demonstrations.  You should follow local news and maintain a high state of vigilance during such events

Foreign nationals have been detained by the police after taking photographs of buildings or vehicles used by VIPs.  These include numerous sites in central Colombo.  Use of video and/or photography is prohibited near military bases and government buildings.

Local Travel

We advise against all travel to the north of Sri Lanka.  The Government has recently concluded an intense military campaign against the LTTE in the north.  Parts of this area are heavily land-mined and it is possible that small pockets of LTTE cadres remain.   Violence could break out in these areas with little or no warning. The High Commission is very limited in the assistance it can offer visitors to this area. For the purposes of this travel advice we consider the north to be all areas north of the A12 road (which runs from Puttalam in the west to Trincomalee in the east). This includes the Jaffna peninsula, but does not include Anuradhapura or the spit of land to Kalpitiya west of Puttalam.

We advise against all but essential travel to the eastern Sri Lankan districts of Batticaloa, Trincomalee, and Ampara.  The security situation across the east is volatile. Violent incidents and paramilitary activity are frequently reported, especially at night. This includes incidents of shootings, abduction, and civil unrest.  Foreigners have not previously been targeted, but there is a risk that British nationals could become involved in an incident through being in the wrong place at the wrong time. British Nationals of Sri Lankan origin or descent should exercise particular caution.

Travellers should note that we do not advise against travel to the following areas in the east: Trincomalee Town, including the A6 road corridor to Trincomalee; areas of Ampara District south of the A4 road, including Arugam Bay; areas of Ampara District, west of the A25 and A27 roads.

We do not advise against travel to the Yala National Park, but you should ensure that any visit is on an officially approved tour that visits only “Block one” of the park, (in practice, most organised tours only visit this area).  A number of security incidents have occurred since 2007 in “Block two” to “Block five” of the Yala National Park (the outlying areas of the park) and these areas remain closed to visitors.  You should not attempt to visit Blocks Two - Five.

Many rural areas in the north and east are heavily land mined. Always obey signs warning about the danger from land mines and do not step off main roads.

Road Travel

You need an international driving licence and a Sri Lankan recognition permit to drive in Sri Lanka.  You can obtain a recognition permit at the AA in Colombo.   A British licence or an international licence alone will not suffice. Erratic driving is common and as a result, road accidents are frequent. Pedestrians, animals, and a range of moving objects often appear in the road without warning. Vehicles do not stop at pedestrian crossings. Always wear a seatbelt. Be particularly careful when overtaking and when overtaking vehicles are coming towards you. If you drive, make sure you are comprehensively insured. Driving at night outside Colombo and driving by motorbike are particularly hazardous. If you have a collision, stay at the site of the accident with your vehicle as long as it is safe to do so. If it is not safe or if you feel threatened, report to the local police station.

Security checkpoints and roadblocks are common throughout Sri Lanka. Pay attention when passing through them, and always obey the instructions of the police/army on duty. In particular, stop if asked to do so. There have been cases where security forces have opened fire on vehicles that do not stop when asked.  Roads around Government and military sites in Colombo are regularly closed for security reasons (e.g. for VIP convoys), so you should allow extra time for your journey if passing through these areas

Buses are notorious for driving fast and rarely giving way. They are often poorly maintained. A number of serious bus accidents have been reported over recent months. See also the Terrorism section of this advice for information on fatal terrorist attacks on public transport.

Taxis and hire cars are inexpensive in Colombo and tourist areas. Motorised rickshaws (tuk-tuks) are readily available for hire in towns and villages. Agree a price before you travel. Most drivers are reliable, although there have been reports of harassment, particularly of lone female travellers at night. You should exercise caution and change to a different rickshaw if you have any concerns about the driver or standard of driving.

For further information see Driving Abroad.

Rail Travel

There have been a number of terrorist attacks against trains over recent years. There have also been a number of derailments affecting both tourist and commuter trains.
See also the Terrorism section of this advice for information on fatal terrorist attacks on public transport.

Sea Travel

Few tourists arrive in Sri Lanka by sea.  Entry into Sri Lankan waters, at any point, requires prior permission.  

There have been attacks against ships in and around Sri Lankan waters.  Mariners are advised to take appropriate precautions.  The coastline and adjacent territorial sea of the Trincomalee, Mullaittivu, Jaffna, Kilinochchi and Mannar administrative districts in the north and east have been declared restricted zones by the Sri Lankan authorities and should be avoided.  The Sri Lankan navy has fired on unauthorised ships in these areas.  

For more general information see River and Sea Safety.