UK lifts Sri Lanka travel ban advisory for first time in 30 years

LONDON - A security assessment carried out by the British High Commission in Sri Lanka has concluded that the country is now safe for travelers, and completely lifted the travel restriction advice for the time in about 30 years.

The British government had previously warned against travelling to the northern areas, principally because of the danger of unexploded mines.

Besides, the fear of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) had also held back many tourists from visiting Sri Lanka, which is renowned for having some of the best beaches in South Asia.

However, the defeat of LTTE in May last year has brought fresh hopes in the minds of the tourists.

“This latest change means we no longer advise against travel to any part of Sri Lanka,” the BBC quoted the British High Commission statement, as saying.

“But Britons wishing to travel to the north should be aware that there remains a risk from mines and unexploded ordinance and that they need to obtain permission from the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence before they travel,” it added.

The High Commission also cautioned British tourists from “general threat of terrorism” despite the defeat of the Tamil Tigers. The government maintains its state of emergency, therefore, checkpoints and a highly visible military presence remain throughout the country. (ANI)