The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has tightened its travel advice for Sri Lanka. The advice has been tightened to the color code orange, for “Necessary Travel Only.
The ministry: ‘There are new reports that the risk of follow-up attacks by fugitive terrorists is high. Religious revenge attacks are also taken into account. The security situation throughout the country is unpredictable and uncertain. Travel to Sri Lanka only when necessary. This also changes the color of the map from yellow to orange. Are you in the country anyway? Avoid places where many people congregate. Follow the directions of local authorities and contact your travel agent.’
Eight attacks on churches and three luxury hotels in Sri Lanka left about 260 people dead on Easter Day. Initially, 359 fatalities were assumed, but that number was adjusted Thursday.
As of today, all Dutch tourists in Sri Lanka are being taken home, by order of the Calamity Fund. This is confirmed by Calamity Fund director Erik Jan Reuver. There are about a thousand tourists on the island that was hit by multiple attacks this Easter weekend. Earlier this evening the travel advice was tightened, the Dutch people present who have booked an organized vacation will be repatriated as soon as possible. ‘ The tour operators have been informed, tomorrow the decision will be made formally” said Reuver.
Also cancelled are trips planned to Sri Lanka in the near future. According to BuZa, there is a strong fear that last weekend’s attacks will be followed up with revenge attacks. Hence, the travel advisory has gone to code orange: only necessary travel.
