As Sri Lanka’s economic crisis worsens, the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to Sri Lanka.

In their statement, the government warned of the potential outbreak of mob violence stating that it “could happen again with little or no warning”. Commenting on the economic situation, the statement notes, that the severe economic crisis has “led to shortages of basic necessities including medicines, cooking gas, fuel and food. There is a major shortage of fuel (diesel and petrol) affecting transport, businesses, and emergency services. There are daily power cuts due to electricity rationing. This has led to protests and violent unrest”.

The statement also details the visible military presence throughout the North and East, and particularly in Kilinochchi, Mullaittivu, Mannar and Vavuniya.

“The President declared a State of Emergency on 6 May, which has now been lifted. However, some military presence remains on the streets” the FCDO notes.

The Foreign Office also notes a surge of nationalist rhetoric which in the past has “led to anti-western protests against the British High Commission and other diplomatic premises”. The report further raises concerns of potential terror attacks and notes that Western women “continue to report incidents of verbal and physical harassment by groups of men”.

Read the full report here.