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Travel restrictions on Northern Province to remain ‘indefinitely’ says military

The Sri Lankan military says the restrictions on foreigners travelling to the Northern Province will remain indefinitely.

Speaking to Ceylon Today, military spokesperson Ruwan Wanigasuriya said there was no specific reason, as to why the requirement for foreigners to obtain Ministry of Defence approval before travelling to the North was re-introduced, but that the decision was “based on careful study” of the situation in the region.

"We need to have a track of all foreigners, who go there, for security reasons," he said.

Wanigasuriya said that foreigners found without the necessary permit would be turned back at Omanthai, which used to serve as the main crossing point between Tamil-held and Sri Lankan-held territory during the ceasefire.

"It's obvious, if they don't carry the MoD approval, they will be sent back when their railway compartment is checked," he said.

"This measure is good for the Northerners – to have a peaceful living condition, which is necessary after the war has been ended," the brigadier added.

Travel restrictions to North will stop diaspora funded war against government says SL official (20 October 2014)

Travel restriction to North designed to prevent Tamils giving evidence to UN inquiry says TNPF (20 October 2014)

UN official stopped from entering North by Defence Ministry travel restrictions (19 October 2014)

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