US relaxes Sri Lanka travel advisory
The U.S. Department of State last week issued a
"revised" travel advisory for Americans in Sri Lanka to, "reflect
improving security conditions in the country," the U.S. Embassy in
Colombo announced.
In its revised travel warning, the State Department
states: "Stability in the southern and western areas of the country has
improved with the cessation of hostilities. The Department of State
urges U.S. citizens to remain vigilant while traveling in Sri Lanka."
The State Department's decision comes exactly six
months after Sri Lankan Government forces defeated the LTTE. No
terrorist incidents have occurred in Sri Lanka since then, and tourism
arrivals have jumped substantially. The Government expects to attract
2.5 million tourists in 2010.
Japan also relaxed its, "Travel Advisory & Warning,"
for Sri Lanka to a "Travel Caution," also noting the improved security
situation.
The United Kingdom revised its own travel warning in
July 2009.
Additionally, the Government of Sri Lanka lifted
restrictions on those living in Jaffna to travel throughout Sri Lanka ,
a security measure that was imposed during the conflict with the LTTE
terrorist group. The LTTE was headquartered in northern Sri Lanka .
The Government also lifted the requirement that
lorries must register in order to transit goods between the north and
south. It said that such registration was no longer necessary.
The US State Department noted that landmines are
buried throughout northern Sri Lanka. The Government of Sri Lanka has
launched a widespread de-mining effort there.
There are an estimated 1.5 million landmines and
unexploded ordnance in northern Sir Lanka, and Government forces have
continued to unearth buried LTTE weapons caches. But no terrorist
incidents have occurred.
More than 288,000 civilians, mostly from the north,
were initially displaced by the conflict and then housed in
Government-run welfare centers. As de-mining has advanced, a massive
resettlement campaign has begun.
As of Nov. 20, 2009, more than half of those displaced
civilians had been sent home. The Government has pledged to return most
of the displaced by Jan. 31, 2010. About 135,000 people remain in the
centers today.
Courtesy - The Sunday Island |
