Despite Amunugama's warning, adverse travel advisories remain

Foreign Minister Sarath Amunugama has warned Sri Lankan diplomats that he will have a “dim view” of those Heads of Mission abroad who are unable to get adverse travel advisories lifted.

Britain, Australia and Canada updated their travel advisories after the events of October 26, while the United States issued four security alerts. At a staff meeting chaired by Mr Amunugama on October 31, he ordered Heads of all Sri Lankan Missions abroad to be instructed “to get the travel advisories on Sri Lanka, issued by the countries of their accreditation, removed”.

“In this connection, the Heads of Mission should treat this as high priority and work with the authorities of those countries as well as the travel agents,” say the minutes of the staff meeting circulated to Heads of Mission/Post abroad.

“Hon M/ FA [ Minister of Foreign Affairs] wishes to know the names of the countries travel advisories of which remain after 2- 3 weeks,” the minutes state. “He indicated that he would have a ‘dim view’ of those Heads of Mission

Continued from page 1 who would be unable to get the travel advisories removed.”

The two-three weeks deadline has now lapsed. All four countries are yet to lift the adverse updates. On October 30, the Australian travel advisory was revised to state: “There is an increased likelihood of large protests and demonstrations in Sri Lanka due to political instability. Avoid all demonstrations and large public gatherings, as they may turn violent. Monitor local media for updates.”

The Canadian advisory was revised to risk level: “Exercise a high degree of caution due to the security situation.” That category denotes that the decision to travel is the choice of the Canadian visitor who is deemed responsible for his or her personal safety abroad.

The advisory also states: “On October 26, 2018, the president of Sri Lanka moved to dismiss the prime minister, which has led to a period of political instability. Demonstrations could occur. Exercise vigilance and avoid all demonstrations and large political gatherings. Monitor local media for the latest information.”

British travel advice, updated on October 31, states: “On 26 October 2018 the President of Sri Lanka sought to dismiss the Prime Minister, leading to a period of polit- ical instability. There have been political demonstrations in Colombo, which are likely to continue and may happen at short notice. You should exercise vigilance and avoid all demonstrations or large political gatherings. Monitor this travel advice for further updates.”

The US issued four security alerts regarding demonstrations. Along with advice on areas to avoid, it said: “The U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens of an increased likelihood of political turmoil, civil unrest, and demonstrations as a result of the President of Sri Lanka’s decision to dismiss the Prime Minister and suspend parliament.”