09 June 2009

U.S. lifts Sri Lanka travel warning

The U.S. recently lifted its travel advisory on Sri Lanka, citing the peaceful atmosphere that has taken hold a year after Sri Lanka’s defeat of terrorism. The Travel Warning issued for Sri Lanka on November 19, 2009 has been cancelled, effective May 26, 2010, the State Department said in an announcement. “Department of State has cancelled the Travel Warning for Sri Lanka due to improvements in safety and security conditions throughout the country.”

 

In its statement, the State Department noted that, “The Government of Sri Lanka declared victory over the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on May 18, 2009. Since the war ended, no attack is mounted in Colombo or elsewhere in Sri Lanka.” In fact, tourism returned dramatically to Sri Lanka just days after the conflict ended, and it has continued to improve, nearly doubling in some months compared to last year, despite the State Department’s travel advisory.

 

The New York Times in January listed Sri Lanka as the number one destination to visit in 2010, citing the war’s conclusion and Sri Lanka’s historical sites, lush forest and broad beaches. National Geographic and the luxury living website Dailycandy.com also both gave Sri Lanka high rankings as a travel destination in 2010.

 

Source: http://www.infolanka.com/news/IL/1381.htm