The United Kingdom has updated its foreign travel advice for British tourists travelling to Sri Lanka, warning of political violence ahead of next month's presidential elections.
“Political rallies and election campaigns in Sri Lanka have occasionally turned violent,” said the advisory, adding, “Several meetings organised by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have also been disrupted in a violent manner recently.”
Noting that Sri Lanka's military”maintain high security in many districts in the north and east,” the advisory recommended that visitors “carry a form of official photographic identification with you at all times.”
It went on to add,
“Political rallies and election campaigns in Sri Lanka have occasionally turned violent,” said the advisory, adding, “Several meetings organised by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have also been disrupted in a violent manner recently.”
Noting that Sri Lanka's military”maintain high security in many districts in the north and east,” the advisory recommended that visitors “carry a form of official photographic identification with you at all times.”
It went on to add,
“Since the end of the military conflict in May 2009, there has been an increase in nationalism including at times anti-western rhetoric. In the past, there have been protests against the British High Commission and other diplomatic premises. Although no protests have so far been directed at the British community more generally, you should be vigilant and avoid demonstrations.”See the updated travel advice here.